FOOD FOR THOUGHT: ROSES ARE RED…

Find it in your facial mists, night creams, or expensive serums, ROSEWATER is a common addition to beauty treatments throughout the country, however, its use in the culinary and medicinal worlds spans across the globe and millennia. While its enchanting scent signals visions of bouquets of roses and English gardens, this hidden beauty-counter gem has a host of health benefits. Read on below for a brief history, health benefits, and of course, a recipe!

FLORAL FINDINGS:

Modern day rosewater is often seen in three formats, either in beauty-grade hydrosols made by the distillation of rose petals, rose essential oils used to fragrance perfumes and beauty products, or the food grade water that comes from a long steep of the pretty petals. Historically speaking, rosewater’s multitude of uses dates back to the 10^th century of ancient Persia, where a Persian alchemist named Avicenna initiated the cultivation of its fragrant flowers. Used for topical, medicinal, culinary, and even religious purposes, the obsessions with the luxurious scents of this musky flower were expansive.

From medieval peoples using the fragrant distillate to rinse hands prior to eating (little did they know its toning effects,) and physicians prescribed its use for preventive measures, including fainting, toning organs, easing constipation/menstrual cramps, and even as a (delicious) gargle for the cold and flu. Aromatically speaking, the fragrant oil has long been a favorite with those looking to induce a feeling of compassion and overall relaxation. It was used in burial and religious ceremonies, and the addition to salves and colloids spans further back then your grandmother’s cold cream! Culinarily speaking, rosewater has long been a welcome addition to desserts and sweets in Middle Eastern countries, including Baklava, rice puddings, and jams/jellies, and today it is most commonly used by the beauty industry

PETALS WITH PANACHE:

Big, beautiful, and barreling over with health benefits, no matter which color you pick your body will thank you for one reason or another!

DISTILLED DIGESTER: While significant research has not been made on the claims of rosewaters effects on GI health, folk remedies and ancient texts show its use for preventing nausea, gas, and indigestion.  

CHAKRA THE HEART: In ancient Ayurveda, rose water is used as a remedy to balance nerves and govern the heart. In addition, Indian researchers found the volatile oils found in the essence help to calm the central nervous systems in rats.     

ANTI-UP: The petals, which are rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids, may help inhibit the oxidizing damage of free radicals. This is especially helpful for aging skin, as the radicals work by degrading the matrix that supports our skin cell membrane. (Fun fact: Cleopatra liked to mist her face with a rosewater spray!)

BUGS BEGONE: With antiseptic properties, rosewater has been used as a throat gargle to relieve inflamed and sore throats, as well as a topical treatment for open wounds and rashes.  

SELECTING & STORING:

Always opt for organic rose products, including rose water (the distilled product,) essential oil, and culinary-grade rose water. While the expiration date of your beauty care products can range between formulations and brands, rose essential oil should be kept no longer then two years, and it is recommended to select both a skin-grade and food grade rose water, as a little goes a long way in cooking/baking!

EMAIL: info@biologicalhealth.com

PHONE: 267-308-0777

Genevieve – “G”

Certified Plant Based Nutritionist | CHHC| Culinary Nutritionist

True Wellness Biological Health

Genevieve@biologicalhealth.com

Rosewater Spritzer

Utilizing flavors and ingredients of its homeland, this refreshing drink is fizzy, fragrant, and a great pick me up for February blues.

Serves 2

2 cups sparkling spring or mineral water

2 tsp. culinary-grade organic rosewater

¼ cup fresh organic grapefruit juice

2 sprigs mint

1 tbsp. raw or local honey

1 tsp. beet or pomegranate juice (for color)

In a pitcher, mix ingredients together and let chill for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice.