Calm and relaxing rose oil aromatherapy for a healthier you
Bright eyes, glowing skin and a healthy heart are just a few rewards of a healthy lifestyle. But what if you could boost your health – and get better night’s sleep – with the help of a flower, a rose?
Maybe it’s time to slow down and smell the roses – literally!
While the beauty and fragrance of roses have inspired poets and lovers through the ages (for that other “S” thing we do in bed) it’s also a gentle, non-toxic therapeutic herb used to treat insomnia, depression, inflammation, stress and mental cramps. Whether it’s applied to the skin or used as aromatherapy, there’s no denying the power of rose as a healing tonic and mood-elevating supplement. But it’s also often used in cosmetics because of its delicious scent and anti-aging properties.
Rose petals only contain minimal amounts of oil so it can take thousands of pounds of rose petals to produce a single ounce of oil. But even though rose oil is one of the most expensive essential oils on the market, it’s still one of the most popular.
7 health benefits of rose essential oil
Although scientific research on rose oil is fairly limited, so far it’s getting a thumbs up. Here’s a look at some key findings on the health benefits of rose essential oil – and suggestions for incorporating it into your life.
- Antidepressant – A sniff of rose essential oil is thought to soothe the nerves, calm the nervous system and can act as a tonic to relieve symptoms of depression. Use it in the bath, during a massage or with an inhalation or aromatherapy burner during times of stress or fatigue.
- Menstrual cramps – “In a Korean study published in the July-August 2006 edition of the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers concluded that aromatherapy using topically applied essential oils of lavender, clary sage and rose were effective in decreasing the severity (by more than 50%) of menstrual cramps. Read more at IntegrativeHealthCare.org.
- Insomnia – Drop a few drops of rose oil in a warm bath before bedtime – or combine with chamomile, lavender, neroli, or marjoram – to help relax your mind and body.
- Immune system support – “Rose petals are a natural source of vitamin C, according to a review published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which can block some of the damage that can result from exposure to toxins and free radicals. Such damage can lead to increased rates of aging. Vitamin C also provides support for your immune system, and it aids in the production of collagen, a protein essential for healthy skin and hair.”
- Aphrodisiac – Cleopatra soaked in aromatic baths of rose petals to entice her lovers. Modern science supports the theory and is often used to alternative medicine to stimulate the libido and increase feelings of sexual desire. Of course, the bath will help you sleep better as well – the perfect sleep spa.
- Inflammation – “Results from two different arthritis studies have confirmed that an active ingredient of rose hips has been shown to protect and possibly rebuild joint tissue broken down by arthritis. Rose oil has demonstrated the ability to protect vulnerable cartilage and possibly stimulate its regeneration. It’s also been shown to improve mood, increased energy and sleep quality of those affected by arthritis.
- Stress – “According to a 2009 study published in Natural Product Communications. For the study, 40 healthy volunteers absorbed either rose essential oil or a placebo through their skin. Results revealed that those who received rose essential oil experienced a greater increase in feelings of calm and relaxation, as well as greater decrease in breathing rate and blood pressure, compared to those who received the placebo.
Want more roses in your life? Check out these resources for inspiration!
• 12 ways to use roses in your kitchen – TheKitchn.com
• Rose petal cupcakes – FoodNetwork.com
• More rose recipes than you’ll ever be able to try – Pinterest.com
