Here's a little tip for all you natural health enthusiasts out there wanting to make a difference: now may be the time to try a Rose essential oil. Roses have always been great symbols of love and beauty, and the potency which nature created is readily available in pure Rose oils. Rose essential oil is considered one of the most profoundly healing natural aromatics by leading aromatherapists. It has an incredible number of diverse and effective healing applications, it is easy to use, and its aroma is loved by nearly everyone.

What a time for Rose it is! The oil of the deep red Rosa Damascena is considered the premier heart opening aromatic; can you think of something we need more of in this world? And even if you're still just a little vain (just kidding!), Rose is one of the most active essential oils in beauty care -- it helps us love more AND be more beautiful. Plus it's anti-viral, antiseptic, and a stress-reliever, too. What's so special about Rose oil? What is it, where do you get it and how do you use it? Let's have a practical look at this profoundly useful therapeutic essential oil.

True are Rose essential oil is truly a remarkable liquid. A few drops of oil is actually the aromatic concentrate of thousands of roses; the yield by weight is on the order of one-to-5000. This means it takes on average 5000 pounds of roses to make 1 pound of true Rose oil. And the oil itself is not so simple; there are well over 200 identifiable natural chemicals that make up the oil of Rose. It is the number of Roses is needed to make a drop of essential oil that gives the oil its potency -- and the number of natural chemicals within the oil that give it its great variety of their actions.

There are two distinct types of Rose oil available, with significantly different properties. There is the 'Otto', which is the steam distilled variety (as is the most common method of essential oil production) and there is the 'Absolute', a liquid chemical extract done at cool temperatures. Rose absolute has the distinct aroma of the rose flowers, deep and rich, with a natural red color. The absolute is produced primarily in two countries: Bulgaria and Morocco. The Moroccan variety is a little higher note in aroma, with the Bulgarian being deeper and richer. Otto is completely different animal -- the essential oil is clear, or sometimes a very pale yellow. It's aroma varies depending on the country of origin; the source being typically Bulgarian or Turkish. The Otto doesn't smell like the flower exactly; it has its own unique aroma that's brilliant, with nearly everyone that smells it uttering some exclamation of pleasant surprise.

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.

While not the most common, certainly the most important therapeutic application of Rose is as a healer of the Soul. The aromas of both the Absolute and the Otto are well-known antidepressants, an action that is not clearly defined by modern medicine. The olfactory sense is the one of the five senses directly hardwired to the brain, and here has a deeply rooted in effect on our overall well-being. Rose Absolute can be worn as a natural perfume for this purpose, often diluted to 10% in jojoba oil and dabbed on the wrists and neck. The same can be done with the Otto, though it may be even more useful and small concentrations as an aromatherapy massage oil. In the esoteric medicine systems, inhalation and topical application of Rose is thought to regulate the flow of Chi through the liver. This is of profound importance, as it is a blocked flow of this Chi that can lead to anger, irritation, and anxiety. And perhaps the greatest of all effects is the unfolding of the heart chakra, allowing us to be more open, loving, and receptive to one another, and to be comforted in tense times.

Employing the healing properties of Rose oils is fun and easy to do. Both the Otto and Absolute are safe, and can be used undiluted whenever desired. They are both considered highly potent, and diluting them in a carrier oil will not reduce their efficacy however. A five to ten percent dilution is most often used for personal perfume, a one to three percent dilution as a massage oil, and a one to two dilution and beauty care preparations. Either oil is excellent for use in even the simplest of aromatherapy diffusers, by themselves or blended with other aromatics of your choice. There are many aromatherapy methods you can use; trust your instinct to find the best one for you.

The essential oils of Rose are considered among the most transformative and aromatherapy, and effect which seems a natural evolution of Nature's symbol of love and beauty. Mankind has developed the technological know-how to put the power of thousands upon thousands of Roses in one tiny bottle, and transport it around the world almost instantly. It is Nature however, who developed this fantastic medicine millennia ago. If you'd like a little more beauty and love in your life, you might consider giving Rose essential oils try.