Aromatherapy lovers sometimes forget that rose is -- and always has been -- the most ubiquitous symbol of beauty. Forget that it's also been a symbol of love, enduring the same great reign. Forget that it's been the most revered flower in all of history, and remember this: Rose essential oil may have the most diverse therapeutic applications of any essential oil in use today.
Now more than ever, in these challenging times around the world, the healing power of rose is most needed. It might even be considered that it's anti-viral and beauty enhancing effects are minor when compared to the dramatic heart opening action this oil has. By opening the heart chakra, this natural medicine can help us both to give and receive more love. And depending on its application, it can also deal with illness and make us more beautiful. So what is true rose oil, and how can we make the best use of it?
True rose essential oil is truly a remarkable liquid. A few drops of oil is actually the aromatic concentrate of thousands of roses; the yield by weight is on the order of one-to-5000. This means it takes on average 5000 pounds of roses to make 1 pound of true rose oil. And the oil itself is not so simple; there are well over 200 identifiable natural chemicals that make up the oil of Rose. It is the number of Roses is needed to make a drop of essential oil that gives the oil its potency -- and the number of natural chemicals within the oil that give it its great variety of their actions.
Two types of rose oils are commonly available: rose absolute, the less expensive of the two, is a liquid solvent extract. The absolute smells most like the flower, being produced under cool temperatures, leaving most of the natural constituents intact. The yield of absolute is relatively high, thus it is the somewhat less expensive variety. Rose otto is this steam distilled oil, and the true "essential oil" of rose. While the absolute retains the deep red color of the flower, the otto is clear or slightly pale yellow and has its own unique aroma. The scent of otto is brilliant and uplifting, with brilliant high notes and a subtle sweetness. The most famous of rose growing countries is Bulgaria, producing the most sought after varieties of each oil type. Rose otto is also produced in large quantities in Turkey, while the absolute is also commonly extracted from flowers grown in Morocco.
The alternative health applications of rose oil are many. On a physiological level, rose otto is a strong antiviral, used primarily to treat herpes and shingles outbreaks. The otto is also exceptionally beneficial to the female reproductive organs. It acts as a tonic for the whole system, and can be diluted in an aromatherapy carrier oil and massaged into the pelvic region for this effect. It is said to be both a regulating and purifying agent, and may help with infertility and other conditions of the uterus.
Rose extracts are found in many of the worlds premier skincare formulas. Rose oils are particularly effective for dry and mature skin. Hence the symbol of duty brings about beauty through an overall healing action in the dermis. Rose oils are stimulating to skin cell metabolism, cleansing, hydrating, smoothing, and naturally astringent without being drying. The distillate water of rose, called rose hydrosol, is used as a natural cleansing agent unto itself; it can be applied daily after the face is washed to improve skin texture and impart a healthy glow.
Perhaps the greatest potential of rose oil lies in its heart-opening action. Both the otto and absolutes have this effect, though the otto may be more dramatic. Users report just a drop on their wrists or solar plexus has a profound effect on their emotions, imparting a more open, friendly nature. Indeed, rose essential oil is one of the most important antidepressants in aromatherapy. Its sweet cooling nature works to counter anger and anxiety we see so often in our fast-paced culture. Rose alleviates "hot" conditions of the liver and gall bladder which can make a person irritable; the combination of energetic action on the center of our emotions and on the flow of mind-body-spirit (chi) energy make it the first choice for psycho-emotional aromatherapy for our times.
Employing the healing properties of rose oils is fun and easy to do. Both the otto and absolute are safe, and can be used undiluted whenever desired. They are both considered highly potent, and diluting them in a carrier oil will not reduce their efficacy however. A 5 to 10% dilution is most often used for personal perfume, a 1 to 3% dilution as a massage oil, and a 1 to 2% dilution and beauty care preparations. Either oil is excellent for use in even the simplest of aromatherapy diffusers, by themselves or blended with other aromatics of your choice. There are other aromatherapy methods of course, and you should use your intuition to guide you for the most appropriate technique.
Rose essential oil, and particularly rose otto has the potential to be very transformative. It may be that this revered symbol of beauty and love is now offering us its incredible health-giving effects in its most concentrated and portable form. One of the interesting aspects of our digital age is that while the planet is in peril, positive information and healing materials are available faster than ever. A bottle of rose originating in Bulgaria can be delivered almost anywhere on Earth virtually overnight. If rose oil sound right for you, it's encouraged that you give it a try -- every little bit one can do to open their hearts and bring out their light will make the world a better place for everyone.
www.AnandaApothecary.com is an excellent online resource for premium grade wildcrafted, organic and 100% pure essential oils, flower essences, and therapeutic aromatherapy formulas.
