Article: The sweet scent of rose water

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The sweet scent of rose water

 

It was during the 10th century that the famous Muslim physician Ibn

Sina, discovered the process of distilling oil from the petals of

roses

 

By Anayat Durrani

April 02, 2002, 02:03 PM

WASHINGTON

 

- Few would argue there exists a scent in the world that could rival

that of the sweet rose. Its fragrant essence alone has been used

throughout the centuries in perfume and beauty treatments, cooking,

love potions, and religious ceremonies.

Rose water is one of the earliest distilled products known to man. It

was during the 10th century that the famous Muslim physician Avicenna

(981-1037), or as the Islamic world knows him, Ibn Sina, discovered

the process of distilling oil from the petals of roses, known as

attar ('itr in Arabic), to obtain liquid scents. Avicenna, who wrote

the famous Canon of Medicine (Al Qanun fi Al Tibb), experimented with

the rose and dedicated one of his 100 books to the fragrant flower.

Rose oil is made from distilling rose petals, primarily Damasks and

Gallicas. Rose water, called `mye ward' in Arabic, is a clear

aromatic liquid recovered from the distillation of rose oil and is

made by dissolving a small amount of rose oil in water.

 

The use of rose water has always played prominently in Arab and

Islamic cultures. In fact, the English word `julep' comes from the

Arabic julab, which is from the Persian gulab, meaning 'rose water.'

Rose water has served many purposes through the ages. Among people of

the Islamic world, rose water has been used in everything from

religious ceremonies to purifying mosques. Rose water is commonly

used to cleanse the self prior to prayer. It is also sprinkled on

corpses before burial. In some Muslim and Arab homes, guests are

welcomed by sprinkling rose water on their hands. Throughout history

rose water has been widely used to purify and cleanse places of

worship. Muslim hero Salah-u-din used rose water from Damascus to

purify the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem in 1187,

after expelling the crusaders. It is said he used 500 camel-loads in

the process. The Taj Mahal was kept purified with rose water. Each

year in preparation for the Hajj pilgrimage, the Holy Kaaba is washed

with zamzam water (from the sacred well in Makkah) mixed with

rosewater.

 

 

 

 

Rose water is a popular flavoring too. It is a common ingredient in

the cuisine of the Middle East, India, and China, added to curries,

main courses, puddings, jams, rice dishes, icing, cakes, ice cream,

salads, pastries and in coffee and tea. It brings a wonderful aroma

to anything it is sprinkled upon. Rose water is used in many Middle

Eastern desserts like baklawa and sometimes in halva. Moroccans are

known to add rose water and cinnamon to orange slices for a delicious

dessert. Rose water is an ingredient in lokum, also known as Turkish

delight, and in many Persian desserts like the traditional faludeh

and Persian ice cream. Then there are beverages like iced rose water

that make for a refreshingly cool drink. Rose water is often added to

tamarind or Vimto syrup to make tasty beverages. Interestingly, rose

water was once upon a time used as a quick remedy for hangovers.

 

Of all its uses, rose water is perhaps most valued for its use in

beauty treatments. Rose water has been one of the most cherished

beauty secrets of the ages used to soften the complexion and clear

the skin. It has refreshing and light properties that can revive a

tired complexion while lightly perfuming the skin. Rose water is a

natural and excellent source for skin care that cleanses, hydrates

and invigorates the skin giving it a soft, rosy glow. Not

surprisingly, it is an ingredient in many popular moisturizers and

skin creams, lotions, conditioners, masks, and soaps and serves as a

fragrance in many cosmetics. Rose water combined with glycerin is one

of the world's most widely used hand lotions. Rose water can also be

used in a bath or as a splash after bathing. Hair can be rinsed in

rose water to give it a natural shine. It can also be applied on the

lips.

 

Rose water is a gentle astringent and can soothe dry, chapped, and

aged skin. It is also great for sensitive skin and is a useful skin

tonic and facial cleanser and toner. Rose water combats wrinkles and

puffiness and has a calming and antiseptic effect on the skin and the

eyes. It makes a good eye compress for dry, inflamed eye conditions.

Some cultures still use rose water as an eyewash. It can also be

applied to insect bites, sunburns, and minor infections.

 

Rose water is also a popular ingredient in countless love potions.

Every culture in the world has its share of love potions and rose

water is almost always a part of each recipe for love. The ultimate

seductress of them all, Cleopatra, used to fill her bath with rose

petals and bathe in the scented water. Napoleon's Josephine

considered rose water a love potion. It is said that Persian women

once used rose water as a potion to lure long lost lovers. No doubt

many more stories exist that tell of the fascination with rose water.

 

Aside from its many benefits, rose water is quite inexpensive,

particularly in comparison to rose oil. Rose water for skin or beauty

purposes, with or without glycerin, can be found at most pharmacies.

Rose water for cooking purposes should only be purchased in 100

percent pure form and can be found in most Middle Eastern markets or

natural food stores.

 

 

 

© April 2003 Arabia Online Ltd. All rights reserved