Rose essential oil is a concentrated oil that contains aroma compounds from the rose flower, with the compounds extracted from the petals by distillation. The word “essential” is used because the oil carries the scent, or essence, of the plant. The process of making rose essential oil is complex, making it very expensive. This essential oil commonly is used in aromatherapy to aid in depression, stress and other problems. It also is used in perfume and as fragrance in soaps, creams and toiletries.
Distillation usually is done in two phases so that all traces of the rose oil can be extracted from the flower. The first distillation phase yields a large amount of rose flower water and a small quantity of concentrated green essential oil. Some companies will sell the rose water. Rose water is cheaper than the oil, but it is more abundant and easier to produce.
The second phase of distillation occurs when the rose flower water is re-distilled. This produces an additional amount of pale yellow oil that is then combined with the greenish oil from the first distillation. Newly opened flowers produce the best essential oil. When the flowers are picked in the cool, early morning hours, the sun doesn’t have a chance to warm away the aroma.
Rose is one of the most expensive essential oils to create because of the complexity of the process. It takes 60,000 petals and more than 300 ingredients to make just one ounce (28.3 g) of pure rose essential oil. Diluting or substituting any of the ingredients will change the properties and lessen its therapeutic values. Many people do not want to pay the high price of rose essential oil, so geranium and palmarosa often are substituted.
Rose essential oil has been used in medical and aromatherapy treatments for hundreds of years. Aromatherapy is a branch of alternative medicine that claims that specific aromas have curative effects. Essential oils can be added to a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, and used in massages. The oil can also be heated over a flame or added to a nebulizer and dispersed through the air.
Antiviral and anti-infectious properties are attributed to rose essential oil. It reportedly helps ease sprained muscles and wounds, and it can be used to treat insomnia. It is excellent for dry, sensitive and aging skin and might be helpful as a treatment for many problems with the female reproductive system. Rose essential oil has also been known to help alleviate stress, depression, headaches and tired eyes.
The scent of a rose is one of the most popular and highly recognizable scents in the world. Not only is the scent found as an ingredient in perfumes, the oil lends its scent to cosmetics, soaps, toiletries and other fragrant items. Rose oil fragrance is potent, and a little goes a long way.