by Tarah Cech
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.
Rose essential oil is becoming more popular, which is interesting at this time where its unique healing applications may be most needed the world over. True Rose oils are the number one choice for opening of the heart chakra, an opening that many individuals are seeking to inspire; this heart-opening action is evidence of the true symbol of love. Rose essential oil is a premier ingredient in the finest skin care products as well, revealing its potential to enhance beauty. Further, it’s an effective antiviral and antidepressant…All this in one tiny concentrated bottle. What makes Rose oil so special, and how can anyone (not just the natural health enthusiasts) make use of its abundant healing actions?
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 available, with significantly different properties. There is the ‘Otto’, which is the steam distilled variety (as is the most common method of essential oil production) and there is the ‘Absolute’, a liquid chemical extract done at cool temperatures. Rose absolute has the distinct aroma of the rose flowers, deep and rich, with a natural red color. The absolute is produced primarily in two countries: Bulgaria and Morocco. The Moroccan variety is a little higher note in aroma, with the Bulgarian being deeper and richer. Otto is completely different animal — the essential oil is clear, or sometimes a very pale yellow. It’s aroma varies depending on the country of origin; the source being typically Bulgarian or Turkish. The Otto doesn’t smell like the flower exactly; it has its own unique aroma that’s brilliant, with nearly everyone that smells it uttering some exclamation of pleasant surprise.
When looking at the oils’ the therapeutic applications, it is important to take into account the entire mind body/complex — rather than divorcing the two which is so often done in modern medicine. Rose essential oil is very active on a physiological level, however it is when its action on the emotions and spirit are taken into account that Rose really shines. Otto is a strong antiviral, being used by many folks for its efficacy in treating herpes and shingles. Despite its potency, it is gentle enough for undiluted application to the skin for this use. Rose oils are also profoundly effective tonics for the female reproductive system; they are said to enhance fertility and bring about health for the uterus and ovaries. For these needs, a dilute formula of 3% Rose oil can be massaged into the lower abdomen on a frequent basis.
Rose Otto is found in many of the world’s finest skin care formulations. It is considered the hands-down finest therapeutic oil for dry and mature skin, with a great many healing properties. It is softening, hydrating, and gently stimulating to skin cell metabolism. It is mildly astringent and antiseptic without being drying, and can heal broken capillaries, reduce redness and smooth skin texture. Rose water, the left-over water from the steam distillation process, is an excellent all-around facial tonic, and can be splashed or swabbed-on after washing anytime.
While not the most common, certainly the most important therapeutic application of Rose is as a healer of the Soul. The aromas of both the Absolute and the Otto are well-known antidepressants, an action that is not clearly defined by modern medicine. The olfactory sense is the one of the five senses directly hardwired to the brain, and here has a deeply rooted in effect on our overall well-being. Rose Absolute can be worn as a natural perfume for this purpose, often diluted to 10% in jojoba oil and dabbed on the wrists and neck. The same can be done with the Otto, though it may be even more useful and small concentrations as an aromatherapy massage oil. In the esoteric medicine systems, inhalation and topical application of Rose is thought to regulate the flow of Chi through the liver. This is of profound importance, as it is a blocked flow of this Chi that can lead to anger, irritation, and anxiety. And perhaps the greatest of all effects is the unfolding of the heart chakra, allowing us to be more open, loving, and receptive to one another, and to be comforted in tense times.
Using Rose oils is very easy and uncomplicated. Both the Otto and Absolutes are very safe and non-irritating, and can be used at 100% concentrations without concern for anything but perhaps the cost. Pure Rose oils are very strong aromatics, and can be significantly diluted and still retain all it’s therapeutic properties. A 10% dilution in Jojoba is very common, and a little bottle will go a long way for aromatic use. This can be massaged in small amounts into the wrists, solar plexus or pelvic region. Rose Otto can be used undiluted on herpes legions, but again, dilution would not reduce the efficacy (with many essential oils, dilution in fact enhances the efficacy). Either Otto or Absolute can be used in a diffuser, filling your space with a brilliant uplifting aroma. Rose oil can be added to bathwater, or used in a massage formula at between a .5 and 3% dilution as well.
Rose essential oil, and particularly Rose Otto has the potential to be very transformative. It may be that this revered symbol of beauty and love is now offering us its incredible health-giving effects in its most concentrated and portable form. One of the interesting aspects of our digital age is that while the planet is in peril, positive information and healing materials are available faster than ever. A bottle of Rose originating in Bulgaria can be delivered almost anywhere on Earth virtually overnight. If Rose oil sound right for you, it’s encouraged that you give it a try — every little bit one can do to open their hearts and bring out their light will make the world a better place for everyone.
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