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Rose: The Oil of Divine Love
Rose essential oil is steam distilled from the flower of the plant. It has a strong floral and sweet fragrance that is intoxicating and highly uplifting and stimulating to the mind as well as being highly romantic. Be careful when sourcing your Rose essential oil because it is often mistaken for Rose Absolute which is extracted through a solvent method and can contain chemical constituents, therefore wouldn’t be considered therapeutic grade. It is of lesser quality and therefore used primarily by the perfume industry. The process in which Rose essential oil is obtain is a two-part process and is very costly compared to obtaining the absolute.
Because of the popularity of rose and the cost of obtaining the oil, it is often highly adulterated. Just to give you an idea on the cost of the oil and the volume of roses required to produce the oil, here are some figures:
- One drop of pure Rose essential oil = 60 roses
- 15 ml of pure Rose essential oil = 65 pounds of rose petals
- 1 oz of pure Rose essential oil = 60,000 roses
- Two pounds (approximately 3 ounces) of pure Rose essential oil (therapeutic grade) = up to $5,000 per pound or more!
To compensate this expensive process, companies often use a less expensive extraction process (solvent method which yields an Absolute) or will adulterate the oil. Rose oil is commonly adulterated with Geranium essential oil or Palmarosa essential oil because they have a similar aroma.
Emotionally and energetically, Rose essential oil benefits the heart. It is said to have the highest vibrational frequency of any other oil and opens one’s heart and soil to love and spiritual connection. In this way, it may help a person deal with fear, stress or hardheartedness and even help heal relationships with others. Opening the heart chakra helps us experience unconditional love through relationships. This includes relationships with our selves, our partner, our work and the divine. Using Rose even in tiny amounts can help us release fears associated with intimacy, trust and possessiveness. It also integrates our male and female energies to help us become “whole” and balanced.
Rose also teaches the need for Divine grace and intervention in the healing process. As a person opens up to receive Divine benevolence in all its manifestations, the heart is softened. When we choose to receive Divine love, we become wrapped in warmth, charity and compassion. This Divine love heals the heart and clears all wounds. It restores us to authenticity, wholeness and purity. We feel more charitable and compassionate. Love flows freely through our souls. Rose embodies Divine love and teaches us how to access this love through fervent prayer, meditation and opening the heart to receive.
Blends Well With
Rose blends well with Geranium, Lavender and Sandalwood.
Don’t Have This Oil?
Depending on your uses for this oil, substitutes may include: Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Marjoram, Ylang Ylang.
Usage Tips
Use with caution during pregnancy. Always test for skin sensitivity prior to widespread use and use on the feet when possible. Excessive use of any oil can lead to skin sensitisation. Keep out of eyes, ears, or nose. Not all oils are created equal, so test brands carefully, and never use an oil in a way not recommended by its maker.
NOTE: The aroma is very strong, and a quality brand will be very potent. Even though it’s safe to use undiluted (neat), if your Rose essential oil is not diluted you may choose to do so to stretch it further. As little as 1 drop in several tablespoon still imparts a strong aroma; a minimum ratio is generally 1:3 rose to carrier oil.