“A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet” -William Shakespeare.
Roses are my favorite flower and, coincidentally, the inspiration behind my middle name. They’re romantic by virtue – a bouquet of them is the perfect gesture to show someone you care. The significance of the plant is evident, so I’m here to talk about the different, more obscure uses for roses—what doTerra refers to as “one of the most complex, distinctive, and health-benefitting essential oils.”
Aromatherapy
Aromatically, roses are described as sweet, floral, and earthy. Diffusing the oil provides a calming or relaxing atmosphere, perfect for winding down at the end of the day. Two different studies found that inhaling rose oil “increased sexual desire and sexual satisfaction among men and, to a lesser extent, women” through the release of dopamine. So you can essentially use rose petals in the sheets and the diffuser to create the ultimate romantic night – note that for future use.
Health Benefits
Rose oil can be added to a moisturizer and applied to the skin to balance complexion and moisture while also toning the face. It’s known for promoting healthy-looking skin, like that “glow” that everyone is after. For those that menstruate, rose oil has been proven to alleviate cramping when massaged into the abdomen using a carrier oil. It’s also proven to be extremely effective at killing bacteria and preventing infection in wounds.
Food & Beverages
As edible flowers became a more common trend, I’ve had the chance to try a rose-inspired latte complete with dried petals sprinkled on top. As for the oil, it’s extremely potent, so as long as it’s used very sparingly, it can be added to enhance flavor. Turkish Delight is one dessert that benefits greatly from a tasteful floral element.
Fun Facts
-
Rose oil is nicknamed the “Queen of Oils”
-
It takes about 60,000 rosa damascena petals to produce 5mL of oil
-
Bulgaria and the Middle East contribute to most of the rosa damascena species of rose, and Morocco, Egypt, and France account for most of the rosa centifolia species
-
Rose oil is extracted from a steam distillation process
-
Roses come in many colors, but never black
