Kama Ayurveda’s Rose Water has been a bestseller since it’s launch. While its popularity has only grown over the years, not many are aware of what makes this Rose Water so special.
In this blog, let’s take you on a journey to discover the many secrets stored in a single bottle of Kama Ayurveda’s Pure Rose Water, starting from its origin.
Origin of Kama Ayurveda Rose Water
Kannauj, now known as India’s Perfume Capital, carries on the ancient tradition of deriving essential oils (ittar) from flowers.
If you ever visit Bara Bazaar in Kannauj, you would be engulfed in the heady scents that hang all around. The ancient steam-distillation (deg-bhapka) method - a way to extract essential oils from the flower petals - is still upheld in the small lanes of Kannauj.
But even in Kannauj, the city of fragrances, there is one scent that stands out head and shoulders above the others - ‘The soul of the rose’ or ruh ul gulab.
It’s this fragrance that is captured in Kama Ayurveda Rose Water.
The Making Of Kama Ayurveda Rose Water
Did you know that about 13 – 15 roses (approximately 300 rose petals) are used to make a 200ml bottle of Kama Ayurveda Rose Water?
Let’s walk you through the special steam distillation (deg-bhapka) process is used for the making of the rose water -
1. The hand-picking of roses and grading
Rose petals are first hand-picked before sunrise and sent to the distilleries to be used the very same day.
They are then collected as per the grade and strength required. The ‘grade’ refers to the type of flower (there are many varieties) and ‘strength’ refers to the ratio of flower petals to the water.
2. The heating of the copper vessel (deg)
The rose petals are upended into large dhegs, or copper pots and a small amount of cold water is added to it. A fire is then lit below this container which causes the distilled water to convert into steam.
The temperature to which the container is heated determines if the outcome is as desired or whether it will be a waste of good roses. Here, the expertise of the perfume maker plays an important role.
3. The collection of steam in bhapka
Steam passes through the rose petals, and the roses slowly release their essence.
This steam then twirls and passes through copper pipes into another compartment which is cooled continuously by external channels of cold water.
This compartment is completely sealed, and the cold water aids the process of condensation of rose water vapors, which are then collected at the bottom in a specially created container. This container is known as bhapka.
This rose water is then emptied out and filtered with UV (ultraviolet) rays so that all microscopic bacteria are destroyed and the product is fit for human use.
Is Kama Ayurveda Rose Water expensive?
Perfume making through deg-bhapka process is intricate and complex
The deg is closely tended by people skilled in this work to ensure that the delicate volatile aromas of the plant are not destroyed. The knowledge and expertise of the perfume maker play an important role in determining the quality of rose water produced.
In Kannauj, the art of perfume making has been passed on since generations from father to son as a family heirloom.
This craft is so esoteric, so hard, that it is slowly dying and fading away. It is also extremely expensive.
1kg of the purest essence of the rose costs 18,000$ or more. 10 grams of the essence sells for more than 650$.
Rising demand for cheap alcohol-based fragrances, coupled with the high cost of production, has badly affected the perfume industry of Kannauj.
We believe, though, that the moment you experience the true scent of the rose - is priceless.
The purity of Rose Water created from the ancient deg-bhapka method in unmatchable. Therefore, we procure our Pure Rose Water only from the local perfume artisans of Kannauj.
Kama Ayurveda Rose Water and Emotional Health
Jahangir said that “there is no other scent of equal excellence...it lifts the spirit and refreshes the soul.”
Just the mention of Rose brings a cooling and soothing sensation to our senses. The elegant Rose flower has been a symbol of love, friendship, and forgiveness not merely by coincidence.
Did you know that rose balances a special Ayurvedic dosha that governs the emotions and their effects on the heart? This dosha known as Sadhaka Pitta is the caretaker of the heart.
When in balance, Sadhaka Pitta promotes self-confidence, healthy desires, motivation and feelings of fulfillment. However, when out of balance, the same causes negative emotions including self-criticism, low self-esteem, jealousy, and mood swings.
Using Kama Ayurveda Rose Water boosts positive emotions and elevates the experience of happiness and bliss.
Using Kama Ayurveda Rose Water
Roses play a starring role in ayurvedic beauty care and since thousands of years, women have used it in their daily routine in the form of Rose Water.
Because of being a tridoshic flower, Ayurvedic healers recommend it for all people with all kinds of doshas. This makes rose water suitable for all skin types.
Apart from cooling a blazing pitta dosha—the mind-body force associated with fire, heat, anger, ambition, and stress, it also balances Vata and Kapha.
Wondering how to use Kama Ayurveda Rose Water to best benefit from it? Here’s what to do -
Post cleansing, spray Pure Rose Water, allow it to absorb and follow with moisturizer. Pure Rose Water may also be used through the day, as a refreshing spritz.
This video shows how you can use Kama Ayurveda Pure Rose Water as a part of your night skin-care regime.
fyou do this regularly, you can expect these 7 things to start happening to you.
● Your skin begins to glow
Rose water cools, moisturizes, and tones the skin. The essence of rose augments the glow and complexion of the skin. By enhancing all seven dhatus (body tissues), the rose enlivens inner beauty and bring out the natural glow.
● You start feeling goodRose water has strong antidepressant and antianxiety properties that enhance your mood by relaxing your nervous system.
● Your skin breakouts reduceWhen used for a longer period, roses water pacifies the heat in the blood and prevents skin imbalances, thereby preventing the skin from erupting.
● Your dark circles lighten upRosewater is well known for removing dark circles while refreshing tired and stressed eyes. Just by applying it under the eyes every night before sleeping, you can start noticing improvement.
● Your skin becomes free from bacterial infectionsRose water is antibacterial, soothing, healing and has antiseptic properties. Hence, it purifies the skin and protects it from bacterial infections.
● Your skin pH level becomes balancedThe PH of rose water is very close to 5.5 which just so happens to be what your skin’s PH should be. Coincidence? We think it’s a match made in heaven! Using rose water after cleansing balances the PH of your skin and your beauty products absorb better into your skin.
● Your skin feels hydratedWhile some people think that toners dry the skin out, it’s quite the opposite. When natural toner like rose water is used, it freshens up your skin by settling into your pores and providing it with mild hydration. Over time, this improves skin texture significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kama Ayurveda Rose Water
What is the shelf-life of Rose Water?
Worried about how long pure rose water will last? Don’t worry, the shelf life of Pure Rose Water is 2 years.
Should I refrigerate Rose Water?
Yes, Pure Rose Water may be refrigerated for a refreshing facial spritz. It will provide a soothing and cooling effect in summers.
Can Rose Water be used as eye drops?
Our Pure Rose Water is recommended for external use only.
Is Rose Water suitable for Acne-Prone skin and sensitive skin?
Yes. Rose Water has soothing, healing, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that make it suitable for all skin types.
However, if you have active acne and very oily skin, we would suggest you Pure Lavender Water or Pure Vetiver Water.
Conclusion
Rose water is undoubtedly a beauty magic potion. While you will find one in every household of India, it’s only the purest Rose Water that provides the best benefits.
Kama’s Pure Rose Water is a decadent floral distillation that refreshes, hydrates and tones leaving skin scented with the luxuriant scent of pure Roses. It is available at all Kama retail stores as well as on the online store.