Understanding What Are the Benefits of Drinking Rose?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Historically used in traditional medicine and cuisine, rose water is a natural byproduct of distilling rose petals. This fragrant liquid is more than just a pleasant scent; research and traditional use suggest numerous wellness advantages, leading many to wonder, what are the benefits of drinking rose?

Quick Summary

An ancient elixir, drinking food-grade rose water offers potential health benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support digestion, relieve stress, and contribute to healthier, more hydrated skin. Incorporating it into your diet is a simple way to boost hydration and overall well-being.

Key Points

Antioxidant Protection: Drinking rose water provides a source of powerful antioxidants, which combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress that contributes to cellular damage and premature aging.
Digestive Comfort: It can aid digestion, soothe upset stomachs, and alleviate bloating due to its anti-inflammatory and mild laxative properties.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The calming aroma and properties of rose water can act as a natural mood enhancer and relaxant, helping to reduce stress and anxiety when consumed.
Promotes Skin Radiance: Beyond topical application, internal consumption supports skin health by boosting hydration, fighting inflammation, and providing vitamins that contribute to a clearer, more glowing complexion.
Supports Hydration and Detox: Adding rose water to your daily water intake is a flavorful way to stay hydrated, while its mild diuretic effect can assist the body's natural detoxification processes.
Boosts Immunity: The vitamins and antioxidants found in rose petals, such as vitamin C, can help strengthen the immune system and support overall health.
Eases Menstrual Discomfort: Traditionally, rose tea has been used to alleviate symptoms associated with menstruation, including pain and mood swings.

Exploring the Nutritional Profile of Drinkable Rose

Derived from rose petals, edible rose water is a fragrant and flavorful liquid that has been cherished for centuries across various cultures for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Before incorporating it into your diet, it is crucial to ensure you are using pure, food-grade rose water, not synthetic or cosmetic varieties. The therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and other polyphenols. These powerful antioxidants play a vital role in protecting your cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. This cellular protection is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases and premature aging. In addition to its antioxidant strength, edible roses contain small amounts of vitamins A, C, and E, which further support skin health and immune function.

Digestive Wellness and Gut Health

One of the most well-documented benefits of drinking rose water is its positive effect on the digestive system. Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda have long utilized rose for its cooling and soothing properties.

Relieves Bloating and Upset Stomach: Rose water is traditionally used as a carminative, a substance that helps relieve flatulence and soothe the digestive tract. Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm irritation in the stomach and intestines, easing common complaints like bloating and discomfort.
Aids Digestion: Some research suggests that rose water can promote healthy digestion by increasing bile secretion, which is necessary for the proper breakdown of fats.
Mild Laxative Effect: The mild laxative properties of rose water can help regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation, supporting overall gut function.

Mental and Emotional Balance

The soothing and calming aroma of roses is a major contributor to their therapeutic effects on mental well-being. The act of drinking rose-infused water or tea provides a subtle, aromatherapeutic experience that can help mitigate stress and improve mood.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Inhalation studies using rose oil have shown a positive impact on reducing anxiety levels and promoting relaxation. These effects are believed to be transferable through ingestion, as the calming properties act on the central nervous system.
Uplifts Mood: The pleasant flavor and aroma of rose are known to uplift the spirit and promote feelings of happiness, making it a natural mood booster.
Promotes Better Sleep: Due to its mild sedative qualities, drinking rose water before bed may help soothe the nervous system and enhance sleep quality for those experiencing tension or anxiety.

Radiant Skin from the Inside Out

While topical application is widely known for skin benefits, consuming rose water can also contribute to a healthy, glowing complexion. The vitamins and antioxidants work from within to nourish and protect skin cells.

Deep Hydration: As a water-based beverage, drinking rose water is an effective way to boost internal hydration, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and a plump, dewy appearance.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: By reducing inflammation internally, the antioxidants in rose water can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness associated with conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
Combats Aging: The antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, help protect skin cells from damage and support collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines over time.

How to Incorporate Rose into Your Diet

There are several easy and delightful ways to enjoy the benefits of edible rose water or rose tea:

Rose Water Drink: Add 1-2 teaspoons of edible rose water to a glass of plain or sparkling water. Drink throughout the day for hydration and a refreshing floral flavor.
Herbal Tea: Brew dried rose petals or buds with hot water to create a soothing, aromatic tea. You can also add a splash of rose water to your favorite herbal tea blend.
Culinary Twist: Incorporate rose water into desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes. It pairs well with fruits, milkshakes, lemonade, and certain Middle Eastern recipes.

Rose Water vs. Rose Tea: A Comparison


Feature	Rose Water (Edible Hydrosol)	Rose Tea (Herbal Infusion)
Preparation	Condensation collected from steam distillation of rose petals.	Dried or fresh rose petals/buds steeped in hot water.
Concentration	Often more potent and concentrated with bioactive compounds extracted during distillation.	Dependent on steeping time and petal quantity; less concentrated than distilled water.
Taste Profile	Stronger, more intense floral flavor profile.	Lighter, more subtle floral notes with potentially bitter or astringent undertones.
Best Uses	Flavoring for drinks, desserts, and cooking; can be added in small doses.	Soothing, hydrating beverage; can be consumed in larger quantities daily.

Conclusion

The tradition of drinking edible rose water and tea for its wellness benefits spans centuries, and for good reason. The liquid's rich antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties offer a holistic approach to health, supporting everything from digestive health and skin hydration to mental and emotional well-being. While generally safe for consumption, particularly in food-grade forms, it's always advisable to use high-quality, pure products and to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it regularly into your routine, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are sensitive to new ingredients. By mindfully incorporating rose into your diet, you can enjoy a flavorful, fragrant boost to your daily hydration and overall wellness.

For more information on the various applications and benefits of rose, you can refer to this detailed review from the National Institutes of Health(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10758878/).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking pure, organic, food-grade rose water is generally considered safe for most people. Always ensure the product is free from added chemicals, preservatives, or artificial fragrances. If you have any allergies or sensitivities, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.

There is no standardized dosage for drinking rose water. A common practice is to add 1 to 2 teaspoons to a glass of water once or twice a day. It is advisable to start with a smaller amount and monitor how your body responds.

Yes, the aroma and properties of rose are known to have relaxing effects that can help reduce anxiety and stress. Traditional and preliminary studies suggest a calming effect on the central nervous system when rose water or oil is consumed or inhaled.

Yes, consuming food-grade rose water can contribute to skin health from the inside out. Its rich antioxidants fight free radical damage, while its hydrating properties help moisturize and improve skin's elasticity.

No, they are different. Rose tea is an herbal infusion made by steeping rose petals or buds in hot water. Rose water, or hydrosol, is typically produced through the steam distillation of rose petals, resulting in a more concentrated product.

For consumption, you should only use rose water specifically labeled as pure, organic, and food-grade. Avoid cosmetic-grade rose water, which may contain additives not intended for ingestion.

Yes, rose water has been used traditionally to aid digestion and can act as a mild carminative, which helps relieve gas and bloating. Its anti-inflammatory effects can also soothe an upset stomach.

You can make your own drinkable rose water by simmering clean, pesticide-free rose petals in distilled water until they lose their color. Once cooled, strain and store the liquid in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.