Friday 13 / December / 2024
Come to think about it, Cleopatra had really good reasons to draw herself rose water baths – it’s a detoxification ritual, both from the inside and out. Through ancient times, rose water has been revered for its goodness and is used in a variety of natural skincare products, even lending its healing properties in other areas of health.
1. Beat the flu – Or if you’re just feeling a little blue! Add a little rose water and a teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water, find your favourite niche and enjoy your drink. Rose water is said to relax muscles, so if you’ve got a sore throat, try this simple concoction.
2. Digestion – Rose water is often taken to aid in digestive problems. It is also said to work great for those suffering from uncomfortable bloating of the belly. Bet you didn’t know that.
3. Aromatherapy – Ah, the sweet smell of roses! Rose water vapours are often used in spa rituals to set the ambience. And for good reasons too. Research has proved that inhaling the vapours can help relieve stress, reduces depression and anxiety, and uplift one’s mood. You can also use it at home by adding a few concentrated drops of rose oil in the diffuser.
4. Mouthwash – Bored of your minty mouthwashes? Try a herbal alternative with some rose water instead. Along with fighting germs, its anti-inflammatory properties will relieve any ache too.
5. Soothe tired eyes – Soak a pair of cotton pads in rose water and cover your eyes with it. The healing properties of rose water help to soothe tired, puffy eyes. You can also use it as eyewash if you suffer from irritation in your eyes. It’s the next best thing to pure water.
6. Toning and moisturising – Mix rose water with glycerin for dry skin and apple cider vinegar for oily skin. Rose water helps to shrink pores while removing all the grime. You can follow this up with a quick moisturising routine using rose oil. All you need is a few drops. Say hello to fresh, hydrated and supple skin.
7. Makeup remover – Most commercial makeup removers seem to effectively take the makeup off in just one swipe, scoring points right away. But what they also do (and we don’t see) is strip the skin of its essential oils. Swap to a homemade makeup remover with rose water. Mix rose water with just a little bit of olive oil for your very own, natural makeup remover. The oil will ensure you get all the makeup off and the rose water will keep the pH balance of your skin intact. What’s more, it will leave you smelling fresh, dreamy and well, rosy!
8. Mist – If you’re out on a hot and dry day, the quickest way to freshen yourself up is by spraying some rose water on your face. You can either wipe it off with a cotton pad or even let it stay. Rose water helps maintain the natural pH balance of your skin, thus giving it the essential hydration. What’s more, you can also spray some on your hair. You don’t have to worry about getting any chemicals in your hair and it’ll leave your tresses smelling great too!
Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion, wellness and health industry. For fashion updates follow Antara on instagram @antarabose and on Facebook: Antara Bose.
