How to Make Rose Water, Uses and Benefits
Rose Water Love
I absolutely love rose water! The fragrance alone is so intoxicating and I feel so pretty after I apply it to my skin! My oldest son sent me the most beautiful floral arrangement, this past Mother's Day! He's so thoughtful and he will make a wonderful husband to some lucky woman, one day! But I told him that these roses would make a wonderful batch of rose water! After explaining all of the wonderful benefits and uses of rose water, he told me to not touch those rose petals until the roses were about to die! LOL! I promised I wouldn't and so now it has been two weeks since Mother's Day and it's time to pluck those petals!
Rose water is made by simply using fresh or dried rose petals and boiling the rose petals or by distilling the rose petals with steam! That's it! You can purchase rose water or you can make it yourself and it is so versatile and has so many uses. If you decide to make your own rose water, just make sure you use pesticide-free rose petals. You do not want those chemicals on your skin!
Did you know that rose petals are edible? Yes, they are and therefore you can use rose water topically, like as a facial toner or you can ingest it to aid in digestion. There are so many variety of roses for you to choose from and they all will give you a great batch of rose water. Remember the motto, if you can't eat it, do not put it on your skin!
Rose Water Uses and Benefits
I use rose water to cleanse my face, in my facial toner, my facial masks and in my bath water. I have acne prone skin and rose water treats and prevents my acne breakouts with its strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It improves my complexion and reduces skin redness. Rose water also has anti-aging effects and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In my bath, there's no better way to relax and de-stress than with a rose water bath. Rose water is a mood enhancer, too! It has strong anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties as well. No wonder it has been used in products for thousands of years!
Rose water can soothe sore throats, prevent and treat infections and even treat conjunctivitis with its antiseptic properties. You can make a wonderful rose petal tea to drink! It heals cuts, scars and burns and can even treat sunburns causing them to heal faster.
The vapor from rose water can treat headaches. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser or oil burning lamp to receive aromatherapy benefits; or you can soak a compress in rose water and apply it to your head for 30-45 minutes to relieve your headache.
How to Make Rose Water
I make my rose water using the simmering method. Here are the instructions:
1 cup of fresh or dried rose petals
3 cups of distilled water
1 teaspoon of Vodka (optional, helps the rose water last longer)
Place the rose petals in a pot. Pour the distilled water into the pot. Cover with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer for about 20-30 minutes. 
Turn off heat and remove pot from stove. Leave the lid on and allow mixture to cool completely. 
Pour rose water through a strainer and into your container. 
Store rose water in a dark glass bottle and keep refrigerated. 
It will keep for up to 3 weeks refrigerated or you can add a teaspoon of vodka to the mixture which will help it to last up to 6 months. The vodka will not harm your skin and acts as an astringent to cleanse the face and tighten pores.
Naundra
I love rosewater! The fragrance is so intoxicating!