We all know, and love, the smell of roses as we walk through a rose garden. But have you tried using rose essential oil? There are lots of reasons to try rose essential oil for your health; it's one of the most popular essential oils, thanks to its floral and inviting scent.
Known throughout history to enhance libido and inspire romance, the natural scent of rose can be used to woo a lover or rekindle passion. But are roses just for lovers? Not at all!
Widely used in luxury skincare products, essential oil of rose has astringent properties that make it perfect for toning and lifting the skin. The antioxidant properties of essential oil of rose make it great for speeding up the natural healing processes of the skin, helping skin blemishes to fade.
In aromatherapy, rose is often used to enhance feelings of wellbeing, and to induce feelings of positivity, joy and hope. You could pop some in an aromatherapy diffuser, and enjoy the floral scent throughout your home.
The calming scent of rose can be used to relieve anxiety and to help alleviate feelings of shock. According to Healthline, studies have shown that the use of rose oil has helped to decrease blood pressure levels, heart rates, and cortisol levels.
Related: The best essential oils to help you drift off to sleep
Essential oil of rose is also believed to stimulate the hormone secretions which trigger menstruation, and to ease post-menopausal symptoms.
How to use rose essential oil
As with all essential oils, there are different ways you can apply and use rose oil. Before using any essential oil, it's important to be aware of safety precautions, and know exactly what your chosen oil can be used for.
An increasingly popular use of essential oils is to use an aromatherapy diffuser. They can help the scent of an essential oil spread around a room quickly but subtly, and also the mist can help ease your breathing and assist in clearing your airways if you're suffering with a cold.
Plus, many aromatherapy diffusers have different light settings, helping you to create a colourful atmosphere in your room, and some also have music settings too.
You can put a couple of drops on your hands and inhale, or even wear a couple of drops as a fragrance.
You can also use rose essential oil topically, using a carrier oil, such as almond oil, for use during a massage, applying to specific areas of your skin, or adding it to lotions and rubbing in.
Our favourite rose essential oil products
From where to buy pure essential oil, to the best accessories to help you enjoy your rose oil, here are our favourite items:
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You can buy a cheaper 10ml bottle of rose essential oil, but this one is 100% pure and has more than 54,000 ratings, so it comes highly recommended. Add this subtle floral scent to your pot pourri, your body lotion, or even try making your own soap.
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A larger bottle at a smaller price, and this one comes with a dropper in the bottle making it easier to apply. Plus, if you subscribe on Amazon, you'll get 10% off your purchase.
www.johnlewis.com
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If you're keen on using rose oil in your beauty regime, but aren't keen on mixing rose essential oil with your own lotions, then opt for a ready-made rose oil product. We love Neal's Yard rose facial oil, which leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth - and smelling lovely, of course.
www.johnlewis.com
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Sink into a bath with a drizzle of this bath oil and emerge like a rose-scented goddess. Well, maybe, maybe not - but either way, you'll smell divine. This luxurious bath oil contains Moroccan rose otto oil, steam distilled from petals harvested at dawn. You'll feel totally relaxed after bathing in this. Make it a morning bath for the ultimate luxury (guilty pleasure, hands up).
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One of our favourite aromatherapy diffusers, pop a few drops of rose essential oil - together with some water - in here and let the relaxing scent fill your room. The light show is gorgeous, too; and when it's turned off, this ceramic diffuser sits like a modern piece of art on your shelf.
Essential oil safety guidelines
We've referred to essential oil specialists Doterra for some important guidelines before using essential oils:
Avoid applying oils to sensitive areas like the nose, ears, eyes, or broken skin.
Always read labels and package instructions before using an essential oil for the first time.
Dilute oils to minimise skin sensitivity.
Be aware of oils with sun sensitivity warnings.
Practice safe storage — keep oils out of reach of children.
Always supervise young children when applying essential oils.
If you have specific health concerns, talk to a healthcare professional before trying essential oils.