Rose oil is essentially a sedative and this property has it classified as base note oil. Like all base note oils, rose oil is heavy in texture and weight and evaporates slowly when put on surfaces like paper or skin. The effect of application and usage of rose oil (mixed in carrier oil or along with a suitable top and middle note oil) lasts for almost a week.
Rose used in the making of essential oils is Rosa damascena, which grows in Turkey, Iran, India and China. There is one more species called Rosa centifolia mainly found growing in France, Egypt and Morocco that is used for the extraction of the oil used for therapeutic purposes.
Rose oil is extracted from either of the two varieties, applying any one of the methods of distillation, solvent extraction or carbon dioxide extraction. All the three methods are labor intensive in nature and they all require large quantities of rose petals to obtain a few drops of rose oil and this makes the oil very expensive.
So what purpose does this very expensive oil serve? Rose oil is one of the most versatile base oils. I have listed below some of the benefits that may be had and the situations and conditions when one is to use rose oil.*
Benefits:
1. Rose oil is an effective sedative and may benefit insomniacs and light sleepers
2. Rose oil lends itself beautifully towards relieving spasms of the respiratory system, intestines and muscular spasms in limbs.
3. Rose oil has the aroma known to ward off depression, especially for those persons whose root cause is anxiety. It is known to boost self-esteem and create feelings of joy and hope.
4. It is known to be a powerful aphrodisiac as it boosts libido and arouses feelings of romance.
5. Rose oil entails hepatic benefits for liver complaints such as enlarged and sluggish liver, jaundice, etc. It works as a liver tonic and helps regulate bile production and keeps the liver free from infections.
6. Rose oil is often used in holistic health therapies as a tonic for the nerves and reduces episodes of essential tremors.
7. For those persons who suffer from poor blood circulation, varicose veins, and spider veins, rose oil, when used in a massage, may be beneficial.
8. Ulcers of the digestive system that occur due to stress and poor eating habits are also given medicament containing Rose oil. As a stomachic, Rose oil soothes the stomach, sedates inflammations in it, and promotes it's healthy functioning and protects it from infections.
9. It is an important oil used in the massage for migraineurs and those suffering from frequent headaches.
10. It may regulate irregular menstruation.
11. Rose oil is effective in suppressing feeling of nausea in those suffering from motion sickness.
12. Rose oil is a popular skin care oil. It’s binding property make it good for toning the skin and strengthening gums and hair roots. Besides this, it also promotes the removal of scars of boils, acne and those associated with pregnancy and delivery.
13. Rose oil is believed to have astringent properties as it restricts the flow of blood by constricting minute arterial endings.
14. Rose oil is a depurative (i.e. remover of toxins).
15. Rose oil serves as a laxative, having a direct effect on intestinal and bowel muscles of the individual.
16. The properties of Rose oil make it ideal for reducing swellings caused by fever, microbial infection, ingestion of toxic substances, etc.
17. Rose oil claims to inhibit germ growth. It is used in the alternative therapies in cases of typhoid, cholera, food poisoning and for conditions that arise from bacterial infections of the colon, stomach, intestines and urinary tract. It may provide relief in cases of external infections of skin, ears and eyes.
Blending for dilution:
Rose oil blends very well with most oils. It especially mixes well with:
• Top note oils like Bergamot and Clary sage
• Middle note oils like geranium
• Base note oils such as jasmine, patchouli, and sandalwood
*Cautions:
• Remember that rose oil is never to be ingested neat in any quantities or applied neat on the skin. It is always to be mixed and diluted with a carrier oil.
• Rose oil is an emmanagogue which means its usage is to be avoided during pregnancy.
**Please note that only therapeutic grade oils should be used for treatments. All essential and carrier oils can start an allergic reaction on sensitive skin and most of the oils should not be used during pregnancy. Some oils are harmful to conditions of epilepsy, etc. Do not use any oil that has an aroma you are uncomfortable with. Consult your aromatherapist or holistic health therapist before using any oil.
***Benefits, side-effects, prior preparations, costs, duration of procedure, recovery and resumption of daily activities as well as support issues should be discussed with your therapist for each type of treatment option before starting on your treatment.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India) and Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com