Rose Essential Oil

One of the most powerful of our senses is the sense of scent. Physicians since ancient times have claimed that scent has the capability of healing our bodies and transforming our spirits. Using essential oils in aromatherapy is based on just this principle, a concentrated form of scent being used to enhance the state of our mind as well treating various physical ailments. One of the most popular amongst essential oils is rose essential oil, with its rich fragrance that conjures up indulgence, romance, and sumptuousness.

Although the rose is well known for its powerful scent, when compared by weight, it is found to have very little aromatic oil. In fact, it is said that about 60,000 roses are required to make just one ounce of rose oil, which is why it is so expensive.

The Extraction of Rose Essential Oil

There are two methods by which rose essential oil is extracted: first, by distillation, which produces the real essential oil, known as ‘otto’, and the second method produces an ‘absolute’. The distillation method is a two-step process, wherein the first distillation produces lots of ‘rose water’ and a certain amount of essential oil. Then the rose water is distilled once again, which produces some more oil, which is mixed with the oil extracted from the previous distillation.

An entirely different method is used to make the absolute, which is akin to the effleurage method, wherein the extract is produced by the petals being pressed in fat. The exact process involves the processing of the flowers in a solvent, which results in a waxy substance. The rose absolute is finally produced by a second extraction of the waxy substance. Compared to the distillation process, this method is far more efficient, with 7 lbs of rose essential oil being produced via each 10,000 lbs of roses, thus lowering the cost significantly.

The essential oil produced by the distillation process is light yellow in color, and the absolute is dark red in color.

The Beneficial Effects of Rose Essential Oil

The rose has always been regarded as a special flower in perfumery as well as in medicine since time immemorial, with the ancient cultures of India, Rome, Greece, Egypt, and Persia using it extensively. It was in the 17th century, when Nicholas Culpeper, and English physician and herbalist, wrote about it that rose essential oil began being used in the traditions of modern healing methods. His wrote about using red roses as a palliative to relieve tiredness of the eyes and headaches, its astringent and cooling properties, and also of its beneficial effects on the heart. He also suggested using it for various problems of the skin.

Aromatherapy specialists use the psychologically beneficial effects of rose essential oil to alleviate emotional problems and heartaches. The aroma of rose essential oil boosts the heart and has a calming effect, thus providing a sense of contentedness and happiness. When one is hurt emotionally and there is a consequent loss of the ability to nurture and love, either oneself or the other people around us, the rich and sweet fragrance of rose essential oil can be gently comforting and begin opening up ones emotional channels once again. Basically, rose essential oil is great for being restful, relaxing, soothing, and calming. It helps to reduce exhaustion, stress, and fatigue. It is also said to be good for eczema and mature skin.