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The Diverse and Potent Healing Applications of Rose

The Rose has been an enduring symbol of love and beauty throughout history. The flower itself is beautifully complex, with deep hues, luxuriant petals, and an Absolutely wonderful aroma. This same beauty is found in the aromatic oils made from Rose flowers. Not only is the smell sweet, rich and distinctive, but it so happens that Rose oil has the most diverse healing applications of any essential oil used in aromatherapy today. The oil is considered a supreme healer of both the body and soul, and it is very easy to use with basic natural healing techniques.

Now more than ever, in these challenging times around the world, the healing power of Rose is most needed. It might even be considered that it's anti-viral and beauty enhancing effects are minor when compared to the dramatic heart opening action this oil has. By opening the heart chakra, this natural medicine can help us both to give and receive more love. And depending on its application, it can also deal with illness and make us more beautiful. So what is true Rose oil, and how can we make the best use of it?

Rose essential oil is a remarkable liquid. It's really an incredible concentration of Rose flowers: it takes an amazing amount of Roses to make just a few drops. On average, under the most favorable conditions, the yield of Rose oil is one kilogram for every 2,500 kilos of Roses. it can take more than four times this amount of Roses to make the same amount of oil if the weather has been less than favorable. Think of it -- It can be hard to imagine even what 2,500 kilos (over 5,000 pounds) of Roses looks like! And the oil itself is naturally a mixture of over a three hundred individual molecules, many of which have yet to be identified through scientific methods. It is this fantastic combination of extreme concentration combined with Mother Nature's alchemy which imparts Rose oil's incredible healing value.

There are two distinct types of Rose oil in use today, distinguished by the distillation techniques from which they were made. Rose Absolute is the solvent extract of Rose petals -- Roses are immersed in a solvent such as ethanol, which draws the aromatic oil out of the flower. The ethanol is then evaporated off, leaving the deep red colored aromatic concentrate behind. Rose absolute is most close to the natural Rose aroma, smelling like a fresh cut flower. Rose Otto is the steam distilled essential oil of Rose; because it is steam distilled Otto is considered true Rose 'essential oil'. The most highly prized varieties of both oil are produced in Bulgaria, though other countries such as Turkey and Morocco also distill excellent Rose oils.

When looking at the oils' the therapeutic applications, it is important to take into account the entire mind body/complex -- rather than divorcing the two which is so often done in modern medicine. Rose essential oil is very active on a physiological level, however it is when its action on the emotions and spirit are taken into account that Rose really shines. Otto is a strong antiviral, being used by many folks for its efficacy in treating herpes and shingles. Despite its potency, it is gentle enough for undiluted application to the skin for this use. Rose oils are also profoundly effective tonics for the female reproductive system; they are said to enhance fertility and bring about health for the uterus and ovaries. For these needs, a dilute formula of 3% Rose oil can be massaged into the lower abdomen on a frequent basis.

Rose Otto is found in many of the world's finest skin care formulations. It is considered the hands-down finest therapeutic oil for dry and mature skin, with a great many healing properties. It is softening, hydrating, and gently stimulating to skin cell metabolism. It is mildly astringent and antiseptic without being drying, and can heal broken capillaries, reduce redness and smooth skin texture. Rose water, the left-over water from the steam distillation process, is an excellent all-around facial tonic, and can be splashed or swabbed-on after washing anytime.

The most important healing effect may be roses ability to open the heart. When the world around us seems exceptionally challenging, it is particularly important to keep our hearts open. Simply the aroma of either the absolute or the Otto can do this -- our olfactory sense is intimately connected to the emotional center of our brain, and our brains and hearts talk to one another constantly. The aroma of the floral symbol of love just happens to signal to the system to unlock the heart chakra, making it easier for us to both give and receive love. Either oil (the Otto or the Absolute -- you should investigate which one works best for you) can impart this effect. They may be dabbed on the heart area and wrists at full strength, or diluted in organic Jojoba oil to your desired strength and worn anywhere as a natural perfume (keep in mind Rose Absolute's deep red color will leave this color on whatever it touches before it is absorbed). Many whom use the oil in this manner describe an uplifted sense in their emotions, and even more open and kind reactions from those around them.

Using Rose oils is very easy and uncomplicated. Both the Otto and Absolutes are very safe and non-irritating, and can be used at 100% concentrations without concern for anything but perhaps the cost. Pure Rose oils are very strong aromatics, and can be significantly diluted and still retain all it's therapeutic properties. A 10% dilution in Jojoba is very common, and a little bottle will go a long way for aromatic use. This can be massaged in small amounts into the wrists, solar plexus or pelvic region. Rose Otto can be used undiluted on herpes legions, but again, dilution would not reduce the efficacy (with many essential oils, dilution in fact enhances the efficacy). Either Otto or Absolute can be used in a diffuser, filling your space with a brilliant uplifting aroma. Rose oil can be added to bathwater, or used in a massage formula at between a .5 and 3% dilution as well.

Rose essential oil, and particularly Rose Otto has the potential to be very transformative. It may be that this revered symbol of beauty and love is now offering us its incredible health-giving effects in its most concentrated and portable form. One of the interesting aspects of our digital age is that while the planet is in peril, positive information and healing materials are available faster than ever. A bottle of Rose originating in Bulgaria can be delivered almost anywhere on Earth virtually overnight. If Rose oil sound right for you, it's encouraged that you give it a try -- every little bit one can do to open their hearts and bring out their light will make the world a better place for everyone.

Article Source: http://physicalfitnessarticles.net

The author is a natural health practitioner in Boulder, Colorado. She is a regular user of essential oils and consultant to aromatherapy creations at Ananda Aromatherapy.

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