How to Collect Rose Oil

Rose oil is an extract from the rose petals and rose hips of a rose bush. While the pure form of rose oil is very concentrated, it is often diluted with a carrier oil (like jojoba, almond or grapeseed oil) and commonly used to make bath salts, body creams and bath and skin oils. Roses are used for medicinal purposes as well as aromatherapy.

Things You'll Need

• Rose petals
• Jojoba oil, almond oil or grapeseed oil (or any other kind of oil you enjoy the scent of)
• 2 jars with lid
• Strainer

Instructions

1. Pick fresh rose petals. This should be done early in the morning because the added dew helps extract the rose scent from the petals. Make sure they are free of impurities and insects.

2. Crush or bruise the rose petals gently to release their natural fragrance. Don't destroy the petals. Twisting the pedals slightly is also a good way to do this.

3. Place the crushed petals into a jar, try to have enough to cover the entire bottom of the jar; then cover them with the oil you prefer (such as jojoba). Only fill the container up to the top of the rose petals with your oil. You don't want to over-saturate the rose oil with your added oil.

4. Close the lid and let sit. Let it sit for at least 10 to 12 hours; for even better results, wait for 24 hours. Strain the liquid into your other jar, leaving your petals in the strainer.

5. Squeeze the leftover petals out and remove any lingering oils still on them. Strain this residue and discard the remaining petals.

6. Smell the rose oil in the jar. Often people want to have a stronger scent. Crush more pedals in your first jar, and pour the first batch of rose-oil onto it, to cover it, and let it sit for 24 hours. Once the steps are completed again, you will have a stronger rose-oil.

7. Repeat steps 1-6 as many times as you'd like in order to obtain the proper amount of rose-scent. It could be as many as 10 repetitions of the process, or as few as 1.

Tips & Warnings

• Heating the oil after it has been extracted can produce a more bountiful scent. Run the jar under warm water to augment the aroma. Also, try doing this process with a number of different types of roses. Different roses give off different scents. Experiment to find the one you like.

References

• History of Rose Oil collecting

Resources

• Health Benefits of Rose Oil