What Are the Benefits of Rose Oil?

What Are the Benefits of Rose Oil?
Photo Credit roses rose, rose.. image by Christophe Hamerlik from Fotolia.com

Rose essential oil has numerous uses in aromatherapy. In her book "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy," aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood points out that sixty thousand rose blossoms are required to produce one ounce of rose oil, making it one of the more expensive essential oils. However, because of its many uses, it may be worth the price. Furthermore, rose oil is a non-irritant, so it is safe for use in most topical aromatherapy treatments such as massage oil, compresses or in the bath.

Mood Lifting

Rose essential oil is widely used by aromatherapists for its mood-lifting, depression and anxiety-alleviating properties. According to Susan E. Worwood and Valerie Ann Worwood in their book, "Essential Aromatherapy," rose oil is useful during times of emotional crisis and nervous tension. When stressful situations or overwhelming emotions occur, place a few drops of rose oil on a tissue and inhale, inhale directly from the bottle, or use no more than ten drops of the oil in a warm bath.

Aphrodisiac

In their book, "Essential Aromatherapy," the Worwoods point out that rose oil has been used as a natural aphrodisiac for centuries; they state that in mythology, rose oil was thought to have sprung from the blood of Venus or Adonis. The petals of the flower were strewn over marriage beds in Roman times. Today, rose oil is popularly used in amorous massage oils and perfumes. According to Janice Cox in her book "Natural Beauty at Home," when used in an aromatherapy burner or in incense form, the aroma of rose can help to invoke a romantic mood.

Treat Infections

One of rose oil's many uses is as an antiseptic in the prevention and treatment of infections in minor cuts and wounds. According to the Worwoods, rose oil is a good bactericide, has antiviral properties, and when used for its astringent properties, can help to contract the blood vessels, helping to stop the blood flow from minor cuts and wounds. Additionally, the Worwoods point out that rose oil has antiseptic properties which can help kill germs and bacteria in certain types of infections, such as internal infections of the colon or intestines, and external infections such as those occurring from insect bites or stings and minor skin infections occurring from wounds or cuts.

References

Article reviewed by Kathleen Stebbins Last updated on: May 13, 2010

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