How to Make Rose Oil and Rosewater

Springtime is here, and flowers are in bloom! If you are seeing roses and wishing you could capture their intoxicating aroma and make it last longer, then making them into hair oil or water can come into great use. With these easy steps, you can extract their therapeutic aroma in no time.

How to Make Rose Oil:

Rose hair oil has great health benefits. It strengthens your hair’s roots, fights scalp inflammation, gives your hair a natural shine, and has stimulating, antibacterial properties that can help regulate oil production in the skin.

You will need:

• 1 Jar
• Organic olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons of dried rose petals

First Step:

If you don’t have an herbal dispensary near you, pick out fresh roses that are free from pesticides or chemicals. Make sure they are free of morning dew. When you have gathered a plentiful bunch, gently wash them to get rid of dirt and bugs in lukewarm water.

Second Step:

For the rose oil you will need the petals to dehydrate. Carefully pull off the petals at the base of the stem. Place the petals on paper towel in a single layer on a plate. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. If there is still moisture on the petals, microwave on HIGH again in 30-second intervals until all the petals are dry. Once the petals are dehydrated, make sure to store them in a sealed jar.

Third Step:

Simply take 2 tablespoons of dried rose petals and place them in the jar (more if the jar is bigger). Then, proceed to fill the jar to the top with olive oil. Shake the jar and store it in a dark, room temperature location. Shake once a day for three weeks.

How to Make Rosewater:

Rosewater has anti-inflammatory properties that naturally tackle irritated skin, eczema, and acne. It is a great aid in cleansing your skin to get rid of clogged pores and excess oil. With rosewater, your skin will feel hydrated, smooth, and toned in no time!

You will need:

• 1 Cup of fresh rose petals
• Spray bottle
• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Jar
• 1 Teaspoon of vodka (optional)

First Step:

Make sure to pick fresh, pesticide-free roses and gently rinse them with lukewarm water. Pick off enough petals to fill one cup (about two roses’ worth).

Second Step:

Place the petals into a saucepan and pour enough water to cover them. The petals should be evenly distributed in the pan, and the water should not go far above the petals or you will get a diluted fragrance. Cover the pot with a lid and heat it on low. Using too much heat can ruin the petals, and letting the water come to a boil can ruin the colour and other properties. Leave it for 20 minutes, or until you see the colour of the petals become paler.

Third Step:

Place a strainer over the jar to catch the petals and pour the water from the pot into the jar.

Keep the jar in the fridge. Your rosewater should last one week, and if you used vodka, it will last longer. You can also pour some rosewater in a spray bottle to spritz your face for cleansing, or your hair to keep down the frizz.

Have fun with your roses!

Image from Public Domain Pictures—no copyright infringement intended

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Vanessa Colaiacovo is an aspiring writer who has been featured on Elite Daily and Thought Catalog. She is currently trying to pursue the publishing realm while always making time to cuddle her rabbit.