Rose Water + Video

erily we sing to the resplendent Rose, the flower of flowers! Whose breath perfumes heaven's bowers. Oft has the poet's magic tongue, the Rose's fair luxuriance sung. And long the muses, heavenly maids, have reared it in their tuneful shades. When at the early glance of morn, it sleeps upon the glittering thorn. 'Tis sweet to dare the tangled fence, to cull the timid floweret thence. And wipe, with tender hand away, the tear that on its blushes lay. A fresh inhale of spicy sighs that form the weeping buds arise. Our rosy fillets scent exhale, and fill the balm the fainting gale.

When revel reigns, when mirth is high, and ruby beams in every eye. Where morning paints the orient skies, her fingers burn with roseate dyes. And when at length with pale decline its florid beauties fade and pine. Sweet as in youth its balmy breath, diffuses odour even in death. There is not in nature bright, where Roses do not shed their light.-1885-

I wish you all a wonderful week of exuberant romance! And when you are not doting on your loved one take a moment for yourself to soak in a long bath perfumed with rose water, or perhaps tone your chilled cheeks with its glorious bouquet. 

Rosewater is a delight to the skin, its anti-bacterial properties smooth and heal. I enjoy spritzing the water onto my face before applying a few drops of argan oil to soften and moisturize. The robust scent is calming and feminine, an there is something old-worldly about it's perfume, I almost imagine myself living in a different time. 

Rose water also boasts of  Vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help protect skin cells from damage. In ancient times it was widely used to soften the hair, and its moisturizing properties are perfect for achieving that dewy glow.

* Music in the video: String Quartet No. 3 (Mishima) Mishima/Closing by The Kronos Quartet performing Phillip Glass

The directions below are from Organic Authority:

What you'll need:

Large pot with lid

Heat resistant glass or stainless steel bowl (small enough to fit inside the pot)

Ice

Water

2-3 quarts of rose petals. They should only be from fully expressed blooms but before the petals have browned. It's best to pick them just after the morning dew has evaporated, a few hours after sunrise. Use organic if possible, if not then thoroughly rinse to remove any chemicals.

* This method of distilling rose water yields a clear liquid. I added ONE drop of beet juice to give the water a pink hue. 

***NOTE: Do not use roses with no fragrance!! If you can not find roses with a strong rose aroma then you can make a modified rose water recipe using some distilled water and a few drops of pure rose essential oil. 

Directions:

Place the petals inside the pot and pour enough water in to cover them. Set the bowl in the center of the pot, with the rim higher than the water by a few inches. If you need to elevate it, use a canning rack or fireplace brick—or something that will not move around in the water.

Cover the pot with the lid flipped upside down, and bring the rose petals to a boil. Once the water is boiling, fill the top of the lid (still flipped) with ice cubes. Reduce the heat to barely a simmer for 2 hours.

Add more ice as needed, checking occasionally to make sure there is still enough water over the petals. If you need to add more, make sure not to get any water in the center bowl.

The condensation from the heat/ice will drip into the bowl leaving a pure rose water. It should make between one pint and one quart of sumptuously fragrant rose water.

*Store rose water in a glass bottle with a spray top or tight fitting lid. 

*Use as a toner, moisturizer, refresher or to spice up your bubble bath!