• Rosewater has become well known for its versatility.red roses with water effect image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Rosewater, also known as "rose hydrosol," is used extensively for its wide range of properties, including flavoring, aromatic, therapeutic and ceremonial. It was also used by upper classes of the past. According to Aromaticamedica.com, "As a further reminder of her love to Mark Anthony, Cleopatra had the sails of her ships soaked in rosewater so that the scent of the rose on the breeze alerted her lover of her impending arrival -- well before she could be seen."
  
  

Flavoring

• Due to its distinctive flavor, rosewater is used in a variety of traditional recipes in the Middle East, India, Indonesia and Western Europe. This includes such dishes as puddings, custards, cakes, scones, candy, ice cream, syrups, mousses, rice, cookies, turnovers, jellies, fancy desserts and fondues. It is used in drinks and as a non-alcoholic alternative to wine. A 2004 issue of the "Saudi Aramco World" reported that "Rose water offers a way to refine the socially ubiquitous glass of tea, and it is now often offered as a healthful caffeine-free 'white coffee.' "
  
  

Aromatic

• Mixing rosewater into an unscented moisturizing cream or oil creates a luxurious rose-scented massage. Spraying rosewater on bed linens, on a yoga mat, in a room, or directly onto skin and hair adds an infusion of its sweet fragrance. Use a bottle with a nozzle that provides a fine mist to maximize the effect. Add it to bath water to enhance the experience of relaxation. Dab it onto the skin as a light perfume. Instead of plain water, rosewater may be used to add its particular aroma to anything, including laundry water as did the Elizabethans. Cleopatra was known to use it as an aphrodisiac.
  
  

Therapeutic

• Rosewater has been prized for centuries as a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial solution. It is used to prevent and treat eye infections as an eyewash. It can also reduce the effects of such skin conditions as acne, wrinkles, redness and puffiness. Apply rosewater by itself as a moisturizer to hydrate dry skin and lips, to soothe sunburned skin, and to relieve such skin irritations as insect bites. It can restore the natural luster of nails and hair, and brighten a dull complexion. It is also beneficial when used in aromatherapy. Rosemagazine.com reports that it "offers a soothing property to the nerves and emotional /psychological state of mind. It is regarded as a mild sedative and anti-depressant."
  
  

Ceremonial

• Rosewater is prominently featured in certain cultural ceremonies and traditions. At the end of a Muslim wedding banquet, the hands and faces of guests are sprinkled with rosewater using special hand-held sprinkler bottles. It is also used to greet guests and as a body cleanser before praying. IndiaDivine.org states that "Throughout history rose water has been widely used to purify and cleanse places of worship" and indicates that the Taj Mahal is no exception. Rosewater is also a fundamental ingredient in love potions and amulets.