Thring TSA, et al. (2011). Antioxidant andpotential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea,rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. DOI: Puddings: From Middle Eastern staples like Mahalabia (Milk Pudding) to burbara (wheat berry pudding) to overnight oats and chia pudding. The ancient Romans infused wine with rose petals but the process of distilling steam to create rose water has its roots in ancient Persia. Scholars and physicians in what is now Iran first documented the distillation process as early as the 9th century.

People have used rose water for centuries for both culinary and aesthetic purposes. Many use it today as perfume or facial toner, but this aromatic liquid is also common in traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dessert recipes like Turkish Delight and Baklava. Next time you bake a cake, try swapping the vanilla extract with rose water. You might just find your new favorite flavor. How Is Rose Water Made? Rose water has been used in aromatherapy for some time and can also be applied to a cloth and laid on the forehead for similar effects. Digestion Indian: Rose water is in many Indian sweets, which are known as mithai or mishti. Among popular Diwali sweets, rose water is often in rasmalai (a cold, juicy treat) and lyangcha (a deep-fried sweet). We have tested many purveyors over the years, and the most delicately flavored, pure product we’ve found is from O•Floralé.Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

If you’re adding rose water to something that you aren’t heating—such as whipped cream or Vasavada’s lemon cardamom and rose posset—add it 1/4 teaspoon at a time, she says. Mix and taste as you go until you reach the perfect amount of rosiness. Understand how it interacts with heat That said, should you decide to pat it on your face while making some rose-scented milk pudding we wouldn't blame you! Table of Contents

You can use rose water for cooking and baking everything from pudding to cookies—these tips and recipes will help you get started.

Rose water became hugely popular in the Middle East during the early Middle Ages. There, they used rose water not just for desserts but in medicine, for religious ceremonies, dentistry, and more. Crusaders later introduced the fragrant water to Europe, where it became a luxury commodity among the aristocracy. You’ll find rose water in many traditional recipes, but you don’t need to be limited to those applications. Here are some ideas for incorporating rose water into your everyday meals: Add it to yogurt, frosting, or ice cream: Light floral flavors go very well with cream, giving them an unexpected Mediterranean flair. In fact, the actual flavor is hard to describe because it’s really more of an experience than a taste. A dash adds the sensation of tasting the moment you put your face to a beautiful rose in full bloom and take a big, deep breath. Rose water has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which mean it can help wounds heal faster, by keeping them clean and fighting injections.

In other medical cases, rose water is known to be beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Rose water is the fragrant liquid distilled from fresh rose petals. It is a pantry staple throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East, just a dash adds a delicate floral quality to both sweet and savory foods. Photo Credits: Andrea GralowA specific protein fragment called an amyloid, which is created by the body, has been shown to be present in these conditions and to affect the brain function, kill cells, and hinder memory. Encouragingly, properties found in rose water are an inhibitor of this amyloid. Headaches The ingestion of rose water has also been shown to have beneficial effects on the digestive system. It works by increasing bile flow, which helps symptoms of common complaints, including bloating and upset stomach. Rose water is traditionally made through steam distillation, the same process used to flavor many botanical gins. Today, many people make their own version at home by boiling rose petals in water and then straining. While it'll work in a pinch, it’s not quite the same as capturing the super delicate, pure concentration of rose’s essence that you get from the steam itself. Here are the basic steps: