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The Magic Healing Properties of Rose Essential Oil

by: TarahCech
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The Rose has been an enduring symbol of love and beauty throughout history. The flower itself is beautifully complex, with deep hues, luxuriant petals, and an Absolutely wonderful aroma. This same beauty is found in the aromatic oils made from Rose flowers. Not only is the smell sweet, rich and distinctive, but it so happens that Rose oil has the most diverse healing applications of any essential oil used in aromatherapy today. The oil is considered a supreme healer of both the body and soul, and it is very easy to use with basic natural healing techniques.

What a time for Rose it is! The oil of the deep red Rosa Damascena is considered the premier heart opening aromatic; can you think of something we need more of in this world? And even if you're still just a little vain (just kidding!), Rose is one of the most active essential oils in beauty care -- it helps us love more AND be more beautiful. Plus it's anti-viral, antiseptic, and a stress-reliever, too. What's so special about Rose oil? What is it, where do you get it and how do you use it? Let's have a practical look at this profoundly useful therapeutic essential oil.

True are 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.

There are two distinct types of Rose oil in use today, distinguished by the distillation techniques from which they were made. Rose Absolute is the solvent extract of Rose petals -- Roses are immersed in a solvent such as ethanol, which draws the aromatic oil out of the flower. The ethanol is then evaporated off, leaving the deep red colored aromatic concentrate behind. Rose absolute is most close to the natural Rose aroma, smelling like a fresh cut flower. Rose Otto is the steam distilled essential oil of Rose; because it is steam distilled Otto is considered true Rose 'essential oil'. The most highly prized varieties of both oil are produced in Bulgaria, though other countries such as Turkey and Morocco also distill excellent Rose oils.

Therapeutic applications of Rose oil, as mentioned above, are many and very diverse. On a biological/physiological medicine aspect, Rose Otto is a strong antiviral. It has been successfully used in treating herpes and shingles outbreaks. Either oil is considered especially healing to the female reproductive system; it is noted to 'have an astonishing effect on the female sexual organs as a purifying and regulating agent' (Battaglia -- 'The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy'). It can provide potent overall support to the health of the uterus, and can address infertility. For such applications, a 5% dilution can be made in Jojoba oil and massaged into the pelvic region several times daily (essential oils are quickly metabolized by the body, and it is best to use a little bit frequently, rather than a lot every so often).

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 five to ten percent dilution is most often used for personal perfume, a one to three percent dilution as a massage oil, and a one to two 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 many aromatherapy methods you can use; trust your instinct to find the best one for you.

The essential oils of Rose are considered among the most transformative and aromatherapy, and effect which seems a natural evolution of Nature's symbol of love and beauty. Mankind has developed the technological know-how to put the power of thousands upon thousands of Roses in one tiny bottle, and transport it around the world almost instantly. It is Nature however, who developed this fantastic medicine millennia ago. If you'd like a little more beauty and love in your life, you might consider giving Rose essential oils try.

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For more, visit Synergy Essential Oils or Ananda Aromatherapy.

The Magic Healing Properties of Rose Essential Oil

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