Q/A: How to include Rose in your diet? What are the benefits of Roses for the skin?

The association of Roses with India’s history goes back to over 5000 years. But, as the earliest Indian history is based on oral tradition and not the written word, one has to depend on traditional myths, legends and folklore. One such legend, widely related even today, goes back to the time when the Gods were said to live on Earth. Brahma, the God of Creation, and Vishnu, the God of Protection had a debate about which flower was the most beautiful. Brahma favoured the Lotus while Vishnu preferred the Rose. Upon being shown an arbour laden with deeply coloured, highly fragrant Roses in Vishnu’s celestial garden, Brahma conceded the argument.

This widely loved flower in all its voluptuousness, has innumerable benefits for the skin. Also, apart from being an inseparable part of timeless beauty regimes – Nur Jahan crafted her own rosewater to millennials using ice cubes of Rose water for the face – the uncultivated Rose had excellent health benefits. Read more to unravel the benefits of Roses for your inner health and outer beauty.

What does Rose do to your skin?

Rose water benefits have been passed on from generations. The skin requires a gentle boost every day to rehydrate, tone and prepare it for a nourishing routine. Rose has cooling, soothing and moisturizing properties. It is renowned to be naturally hydrating in nature. Rose water is chilled and sprayed on to the face for toning and moisturizing. It helps to maintain your skin’s pH balance. Rose essential oil calms the senses and helps ease stress and anxiety.

At Forest Essentials, the inspiration for our elegant selection of products with steam distilled floral waters and pure essential oils, are the exquisitely coloured and scented Desi Gulab of Kannauj.

Does Rose water help in de-tan?

Rose helps to soothe skin and ensures even toned skin with regular use. May we suggest the Hydrating Sea Salt & Crystal Rose Body Polisher for your bath ritual, to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and nourish the skin. You can also use the Rose Petal, Vetiver & Sandalwood Body Ubtan mixed with Buttermilk or Yogurt to soothe the tanning and for even toned skin. As a home remedy for de-tanning, our experts suggest mixing equal amounts of Lemon juice, pure Rose water and organic Honey. Shake it well and apply the mixture on the face with cotton pads. It will help in lightening the pigmentation and uneven skin tone.

More expert recommended DIY remedies with Rose: 

Body Care with Rose:

• Rose mask for underarms: Mix Sandalwood powder with Rose water and apply it on the body, especially underarms to reduce body odor. This will keep the skin soft and fragrant throughout the day.
• Rose foot mask: For summer you can add a few drops of Coconut Oil with Rose Petals and Milk to make a paste and apply a mask (lepa) on the soles of the feet, to cool the body and remove excess heat.
• Rose for bathing: While taking steam or bath, put a few Rose petals in the water to add a natural glow to your skin. You can also infuse clean and dry freshly crushed Rose petals in Coconut Oil overnight. Strain the oil to use it like a massage oil or a post bath oil to nourish and add glow to the skin. You can also use the Indian Rose After Bath Oil to seal moisture in your skin with the soothing fragrance of Rose.

Facial Care with Rose:

• Rose for minimizing appearance of facial pores: Freeze Rose water as ice cubes and use it in a muslin cloth to gently dab for tightening and toning the skin.
• Rose spot treatment to reduce acne: Acne is common in summer due to Pitta imbalances. Mix equal parts of the Forest Essentials Aloe Vera Juice or Gel with Rose water along with 1 tablespoon of the Multani Mitti Ubtan and use it like a spot treatment.
• Rose face mask for facial glow: Mix 1 tsp of Yogurt and Rose petal powder along with 1 tbsp raw organic honey to make a paste and apply for a radiant skin.
• Homemade Rose face mask ageing skin– Mix crushed Rose petals with Sandalwood powder. Add Almond powder, some rosewater and a tablespoon of Honey and mix it into a paste. Apply this paste to the face and neck. Leave the face mask on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
• Homemade remedy for tired and dehydrated eyes- Soak two pads of cotton wool in organic Rose water, at room temperature and then place them over your eyelids for 10 minutes. Do every morning to soothe eyes and to reduce puffiness.

How to include rose in your diet?

Try these delicious recipes made with fresh roses:

Gulaab Lassi: Rose lassi is a fragrant, refreshing and cooling lassi variety made with fresh Yogurt, Rose petals and Rose syrup.

1. Take 1 cup fresh chilled Yogurt in a mixer or blender jar.
2. Add 1 cup chilled water, 10-12 dried Rose petals or 5-6 fresh Rose petals, 1-2 tsp Rose Water and 2-3 tbsp Rose Syrup.
3. Blend everything till smooth and till the lassi becomes frothy.
4. Pour in glasses and serve the Rose lassi with some sliced or chopped dry fruits like Almonds, Pistachios or Cashews.

Rose mouth freshener

1. Take a few roasted Cashews, Almonds and Fennel Seeds and coarsely grind them. You can add a teaspoon of dry Coconut powder too.
2. Add a tbsp of Gulkand (rose jam) and mix it gently. You can even add a pinch of Saffron.
3. Eat a spoonful post lunch.

Rose Sherbet

1. Grind fragrant and clean Rose petals with few teaspoons of water and cook it with Sugar/Misri in 1:4 ratios till it becomes thicker.
2. You can add a 1 or 2 tbsp of pure Rose water for its amazing fragrance.
3. Cool and store it in glass bottle. Serve chilled.