Rose and jasmine flowers are among the most fragrant of all blooms. Roses have a sweet, fruity scent, while jasmine flowers exude a heavy, narcotic one. Natural oils of rose and jasmine, also known as essential oils, contain the pure essences of these flowers in concentrated, liquid forms, without any synthetic ingredients. Thanks to the availability of natural rose and jasmine oils at most natural food and beauty supply stores, you can enjoy the exquisite fragrances of these flowers anytime.
Varieties of Rose Oils
There are several varieties of natural rose essential oils from which to choose, including Turkish, Bulgarian, Moroccan, Indian, Russian and Egyptian rose oils. Each variety of rose oil possesses its own characteristics; some are fruitier, some are more flowery, while others are redolent of tea or honey. If possible, smell a few different types of natural rose oils to find the variety that most appeals to your senses.
Uses of Rose Oils
Rose oils are used in skin care, natural perfumery and aromatherapy. For use in skin care, add rose oil to face creams and toners, or apply it directly to the skin. Rose oil is ideal for mature, dry and sensitive skin, as it has rejuvenating and soothing properties. For use in aromatherapy, sprinkle a few drops of rose oil on a cloth and press the cloth to your face while breathing deeply, or place rose oil in a specially designed essential oil diffuser that is warmed by a candle or light bulb. The smell of rose oil promotes feelings of serenity and reduces feelings of fear, stress and grief.
Varieties of Jasmine Oils
Two types of jasmine flowers are used to make oils: J. grandiflorum and J. officinale. The oils of these two types of jasmine flowers are so alike in scent and quality as to be virtually interchangeable.
Uses of Jasmine Oils
Jasmine oils, like rose oils, are used in skin care, natural perfumery and aromatherapy. For use in skin care, add jasmine oil to face creams and toners, or apply it directly to the skin. Jasmine oil is good for sensitive skin, as it has ant-inflammatory properties. To use jasmine oil in aromatherapy, sprinkle a few drops of it on a cloth and press the cloth to your face while breathing deeply, or drop some jasmine oil in a specially designed essential oil diffuser that is warmed by a candle or light bulb. The odor of jasmine oil promotes feelings of sensuality, calm and relaxation, and reduces depression, nervous exhaustion and stress.
Oils Versus Absolutes
Absolutes are similar to essential oils, but posses an even more potent, true-to-nature fragrance. They capture the essence of a flower or plant in a highly concentrated, undiluted form. For example, a rose essential oil may consist of pure rose oil diluted in a carrier, such as jojoba oil; in contrast, a rose absolute is entirely pure, undiluted rose oil. The small bottles that contain absolutes are like those that hold essential oils, and structured to allow you to dispense just one drop at a time. Absolutes can sometimes be found wherever essential oils are sold, including health food stores, natural beauty supply stores, online vendors and even some supermarkets.
Natural Rose or Jasmine Oil Perfume Recipe
You can make a natural perfume using rose and jasmine oils. The basic formula for creating a natural perfume is 10 percent perfume and 90 percent carrier substance. Follow this formula to make your rose or jasmine perfume: to every 15 mL of your carrier, such as alcohol or jojoba oil, add 1.5 mL of rose or jasmine absolute. There are about 60 drops in 1.5 mL. Use this basic formula to fill bottles of any size you wish. If you use a rose or jasmine essential oil that is diluted in jojoba oil, add more than you would a rose or jasmine absolute.
Storing Natural Rose and Jasmine Oils
Heat, sunlight and oxygen all adversely affect the quality and longevity of natural flower oils. Keep your natural rose and jasmine oils or homemade perfumes in colored glass bottles and store them a cool, shady place. Make sure the lids are securely fastened when you are not using the oils to prevent evaporation.
References
- "Essence and Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume"; Mandy Aftel; 2004
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- Aura Cacia: Jasmine Essential Oil
- Aura Cacia: Rose Essential Oil
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