Rose water is a deliciously fragrant, wonderfully versatile botanical made from delicate and seductive rose petals. Store bought rose waters can be overpriced, contain artificial fragrances and lack the freshness of a homemade batch – which is exactly why you should make your own!
Today, I’m going to teach you step-by-step to make your own organic rose water. I make my own rose water once a month and use it as so many different things, including a refreshing body spritz to a natural linen freshener. I’m also going to let you in on how you can use your homemade rose water to treat your hair and body. Read on!
How to make your own organic rose water
You’ll need:
- A large pot with a lid
- A heat-resistant glass or stainless steel bowl (small enough to fit inside the pot)
- 4 cups filtered water
- 2 handfuls ice cubs (to start)
- 2-3 quarts of rose petals
Note: Your rose petals should only be from fully expressed blooms but before the petals have browned. It’s best to pick them just after the morning dew has evaporated, or a few hours after sunrise. Also make sure they haven’t been sprayed down with pesticides.
Directions:
- Place the petals inside the pot and pour the water over them.
- Set the bowl in the centre of the pot, with the rim higher than the water by a few centimetres. If you need to elevate it, use a canning rack or a fireplace brick.
- Cover the pot with the lid flipped upside down, and bring the petals to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, fill the top of the lip (still flipped) with the ice cubes.
- Reduce the heat to barely a simmer for two hours.
- Add more ice as needed, checking occasionally that there’s enough water over the petals. If you need to add more, make sure you don’t get any in the centre bowl. The condensation from the heat and ice will drip into the bowl, leaving a pure rose water.
- Decant your fragrant homemade rose water into a clean spray bottle.
How to use your homemade organic rose water in your hair and on your body
Hair rinse:
Rose water has been part of my beauty regimen as a hair rinse for a good few years. I use two tablespoons of rosewater in one cup of cool water. After I shampoo and condition my hair, I thoroughly rinse my hair and then follow up with this rose water mix. It leaves my hair feeling fresh, hydrated and delicately scented. I also find it helps soothe a dry or itchy scalp.
Body treatments:
Rose water has many great skincare benefits. I find it makes an interesting addition to homemade body treatments. I use it with vanilla and sweet almond oil as a natural body oil, mixed into a fragrance-free body cream for a moisture boost, and even in my bathwater to distress.
Love, Cands 