What is rose hydrosol?

Rose hydrosol is created by distilling rose petals with steam. Rose hydrosol is fragrant, and
it’s sometimes used as a mild natural fragrance as an alternative to chemical-filled
perfumes.

Rose hydrosol has been used for thousands of years, including in the Middle Ages. It’s
thought to have originated in what is now Iran. It’s been used traditionally in both beauty
products and food and drink products. It also comes with plenty of potential health benefits,
including the following.

1. Helps soothe skin irritation

One of the greatest benefits of rose hydrosol is its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties can help treat multiple ailments, both internal and external. It may even
help soothe the irritation of eczema or rosacea.

2. Soothes sore throats

Doctors often prescribe antibiotics for sore throats, but you may want to try rose hydrosol
as well. Rose hydrosol has traditionally been used to soothe sore throatsTrusted Source.
While research is needed to prove its effectiveness, there’s strong anecdotal evidence to
support it and very little risk in trying it.

3. Reduces skin redness

Rose hydrosol has been used as a beauty product for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise
that it can improve your complexion and reduce skin redness. The antibacterial properties
may help reduce acne. The anti-inflammatory properties can reduce skin rednessTrusted
Source and puffiness.

4. Helps prevent and treats infections

Rose hydrosol has powerful antiseptic properties, which can prevent and treat infections.
Because of this, rose hydrosol is often included in a variety of natural and medicinal
treatments. One studyTrusted Source even found that when rose hydrosol was used in eye
drops to treat conjunctivitis cases, its antiseptic and analgesic properties helped in treating
the ocular disease.

5. Contains antioxidants
Rose petals and rose oil contain a number of powerful antioxidants, which can help protect
cells from damage. One study foundTrusted Source that these antioxidants had potential
lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. This provides powerful cell protection as a result.

6. Heals cuts, scars, and burns

Rose hydrosol has antiseptic and antibacterial propertiesTrusted Source that can help
wounds heal faster. These properties can help clean and fight off infection of cuts and
burns. They can also help cuts, burns, and even scars heal faster.

7. Enhances mood
Rose hydrosol can have strong antidepressant and antianxiety properties. A 2011
studyTrusted Source found that the extract of rose petals can relax the central nervous
system in mice. This resulted in antidepressant and antianxiety effects.

8. Relieves headaches
Rose hydrosol and rose essential oil are commonly used in aromatherapy to help relieve
headaches. This may be due to the de-stressing effects discussed in the section above. One
study foundTrusted Source that the vapor of rose hydrosol can soothe headaches. Another
option is to apply a compress soaked in rose hydrosol to the head for 45 minutes for
positive results.

9. Has anti-aging properties

Rose hydrosol is often found in beauty products aimed to reduce wrinkles. That’s because it
may actually have anti-aging effects. In addition to soothing irritated skin, it may reduce the
appearance of wrinkles when applied topically.

10. Soothes digestion problems

In folk medicine, rose hydrosol has been used to aid in digestion and reduce digestive upset.
According to a 2008 study, there is some evidence that rose hydrosol can positively
influence digestion and relieve digestive upset. It may also improve bile secretion, which can
further aid digestion.

Forms and doses

You can buy or make rose hydrosol relatively easily. You can apply it to the skin topically on
its own, or mix it with moisturizers or natural oils like coconut oil.

You can also use rose hydrosol to make rose hydrosol tea or rose petal tea. These improve
hydration, provide skin benefits, treat digestive distress, and soothe a sore throat.

Potential risks
Rose hydrosol is considered to be safe. There are no known risks for the general population
to use it either topically or by ingesting it. The only exception is if you are allergic to the
substance.

How to use it
You can purchase rose hydrosol, or you can make it yourself. Once you have it, there are a
number of different ways you can use it, including the following:

Use it as a facial cleanser or toner. Just rinse your face with rose hydrosol after washing with
your normal cleanser.
Use it in recipes, such as hibiscus iced tea with rose hydrosol.
Create a rose hydrosol mist by adding it to a spray bottle. This can relieve stress. You can
mist the rose hydrosol on your wrists, face, or even onto your pillow.