Rose water is in the use from the early Roman era itself. Rose water has got wide applications in various aspects. It is the left out hydrosol part during the preparation of rose oil by distillation of rose petals and water. Rose water is prepared traditionally from damask roses found in the countries like Iran, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, and France.

Rose water has got innumerable applications. It acts as a good toner and is used in a variety of facials and body creams. It is known to have anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. It provides good fragrance and is used in the preparation of baths. It is also used in various cooking recipes. It is used to provide flavor in many sweets. It is also used to cook meat in several Asian countries. It is also used as a part of religious rituals of Muslims and Hindus.

Rose water can be prepared at home with the help of rose petals. The preparation procedure is quite easy and takes no time. You need not buy the expensive rose water that is available in the market. Homemade rose water is made up of only natural products and contains no chemicals.

Few of the effective recipes of homemade rose water are mentioned below.

Homemade rose water 1:

• Collect the petals of fresh roses.
• Take a large pot with a fireplace brick in the center.
• Fill the pot with rose petals and distilled water.
• Place a small bowl on the top of the brick.
• Cover the pot with a lid.
• Place this pot on the flame and bring the water to boil.
• Once the water has started boiling reduce the flame.
• Also place a bag of ice on the lid.
• Once the water starts boiling, the steam reaches the top and gets condensed because of the ice. The condensed rose water is then collected into the bowl placed on the brick.
• Collect the rose water from the bowl in intervals.

Homemade rose water 2 (for toning the skin):

• Take a pan and add about 2 cups of fresh rose petals to it.
• Also add 2-1/4 cups of distilled water to it.
• Place this pan on a low flame.
• Continue heating till half of the water is evaporated.
• Then, remove from the flame and cool it down.
• Then add 3/4 cup of witch hazel and 6-8 drops of glycerin to it.
• Blend all of them and pour this liquid into a bottle.
• This rose water can be used as a cleanser and toner every day. You can also use this in facials.

Homemade rose water 3:

• Take an enamel pot of any size and add few cleaned rose petals to it.
• Then add distilled water. The level of water should be just above the petals.
• Place this pot on a low flame.
• Do not boil the water. Continue steaming until the petals become colorless.
• This would take about an hour.
• You will find rose oil floating on the surface of the water.
• Separate the liquid and also squeeze the separated petals to extract the water from them.
• Your homemade rose water is ready.

Homemade rose water 4 (using an oven):

• Make sure to preheat the oven to 450°. Preheating is very important.
• Fill rose petals in an enamelware roaster.
• Also add distilled water till it covers the petals.
• Place this roaster in the oven after preheating.
• Do not cover the roaster. Wait till the water starts boiling.
• Then, switch off the heat. Let it stay in the oven until it cools down.
• Cover the roaster with a lid after switching off the heat.
• After cooling down, separate the liquid and also squeeze the separated petals to extract the water from them.
• Your homemade rose water is ready
• Refrigeration will increase the shelf life period.

Homemade rose water 5:

• Take a cup of fresh and cleaned petals in a bowl.
• Add 2 cups of boiling water to it.
• Cover it with a lid and set it aside until it gets cooled down.
• After cooling, separate the liquid and also squeeze the separated petals to extract the water from them.
• Your homemade rose water is ready
• Refrigeration will increase the shelf life period.