Rose oil is the best skin food and nourisher you can find, especially for those of us with dry skin. It has been used in beauty and skincare across the Northern Hemisphere for millennia, and we still use it widely. Modern research supports that it can help relieve the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, but also that it can help whip our skin into shape when we introduce it regularly into our skincare routine.
Imagine putting a product on your face that can also help you FEEL more relaxed throughout your day. We show you how to use rose oil benefits in Cleansers, Moisturizers, Serums, Masques, and Lip Conditioners to create the Ultimate Rose Beauty Box.
Rose Essential Oil - What's All the Hype About?
How Many Roses?
We all know that most articles on Rose oil start with "How many roses does it take to make one liter of Rose essential oil"?
It's FIVE tons, by the way. Yes, FIVE whole tons. That's many roses.
No wonder it is such a beloved and precious commodity, coveted by all lucky enough to have a sacred bottle squirreled away in their oils box.
Global Use Of The Rose Through Ancient History
The modern use of roses in beauty care is not a new thing; in fact, it is a very ancient practice.
Rose essential oil has been used for beauty treatments and to treat health conditions for millennia.
They have found evidence of fossilized roses dating back around 35 million years, making you ponder what early man and settlers used them for. Fossils have shown that the rose originated in Central Asia, and we know that it was cultivated for its wonderful fragrance and properties by these early civilizations.
Roses are beloved worldwide, and there are around 150 species, mostly originating from the Northern Hemisphere. Of course, there are now countless cultivars nurtured and pruned to perfection in our gardens across the globe.
The Historical Use Of Roses
Evidence shows that the Chinese, Egyptians, and Romans started to grow the rose widely for cultivation approximately 5000 years ago.
The gardeners of the Han dynasty were so beloved that their rose gardens threatened to take over farming land required for food. They were completely obsessed with the roses' beauty and fragrance.
We know, too, that the Incas used Roses in various ways, using them as a cure-all remedy for maladies and afflictions.
I know how many ways I use fresh and dried roses, Rosewater, and essential oil; what about you?
Flower of Love
We all know that the rose is the flower associated with love, especially red roses, but how did that come about?
Both Greek and Roman Mythology tell of how Aphrodite/Venus, when trying to save her love, Adonis, pricked her foot on a white rose, and her blood turned red. Then Aphrodite used her tears of grief to water the rose, where it flourished and multiplied into many more scarlet roses.
Legendary are the orgastic parties of the Romans, who filled their bed-chambers with soft pillowy clouds of rose petals for their decadent and fragrant frolics.
Billions of red roses are still sold every year across the globe on Valentine's Day. Many readers like myself would rather be given a bottle of Rose essential oil instead. I must posit that theory to my husband for next year.
Ritual Use
Roses have played an important part in ritual use across the millennia and back into the annals of time. Proffered at altars by the Greeks and Romans and used in the incense at temples of Abyssinia, ancient Persia, and across India.
Even today, roses play a part in ritual offerings, altar decorations, and church flower arrangements across the modern world.
So revered are they that they are used in life's most important celebrations, from births, christenings, marriages, birthdays, and of course, a funeral at the end of our fragrant lives. No other flower is used as widely as our precious rose.
The Modern Use Of Rose Essential Oil
Modern Research into Using Rose Essential Oil to Alleviate Anxiety and Depression
One of the modern ways to use Rose essential oil is being thoroughly researched. Scientists are finding that chemical constituents in Rose essential oil can help to alleviate anxiety and potentially reduce the symptoms of depression.
Certainly, I have been using it for many years, especially at times. It feels supportive and gives you the courage to face the day and process the emotions that life is healthily bringing to the surface without feeling overwhelmed.
Phytomed (2017) concluded, 'Different therapeutic properties of rose oil have been investigated in human studies, and the most important of them are analgesic and anti-depressant activities. No side effects have been reported from rose oil in investigated human studies.'
Hongratanaworakit (2009) also concluded, 'These findings are likely to represent a relaxing effect of the rose oil and provide some evidence for the use of rose oil in aromatherapy, such as causing relief of depression and stress in humans.’
It is promising that science is starting to support what Aromatherapists have known for years. Rose is a wonderful oil for a client experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression.
Using Rose Essential Oil with Trauma
Developing a range of vibrational essences and essential oils made it apparent that Rose essential oil (and essence) always jumped to the fore when I was formulating preparations where there was any underlying trauma.
Liz would have plenty to say about using Rose essential oil with trauma. I am sure she covers it in depth in her book Rose - Goddess Medicine for those interested in learning more.
I have been developing a vibrational essence with essential oils designed for people who experience PTSD. We are not the only ones supporting Rose essential oil in trauma care.
When asked, "How could essential oils possibly help with PTSD?" Vancouver EMDR Therapy says;
"Essential oils directly impact the brain's limbic system. The limbic system is where the amygdala is stored. This region of the brain activates our fight and flight response. When people have been traumatized, the region of the brain is the most affected. Essential oils are a catalyst for healing from the perspective of mind-body energetics."
Suppose you have been following the work done using the direct inhalation method of essential oils. In that case, you will see how essential oils can very effectively have a positive impact on the limbic system.
Rose Essential Oil is a Women's Best Friend
There is rising evidence that Rose is beneficial to women in numerous ways.
It has historically been used as uterine support and a purifier to keep it functioning beautifully and regulate menstruation with its emmenagogue actions. This means the chemical constituents in Rose essential oil stimulate the hormone secretions, which then trigger menstruation—making it particularly beneficial to those who suffer irregular periods.
Aromatherapists use essential oil to help relieve symptoms of PMS with its antispasmodic actions. It has also alleviated restlessness, bloating, and menstrual pain.
Uysal (2016) found that using Rose essential oil 'may be beneficial for pain relief in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea.' (Painful periods).
Aromatherapists are turning to it time and again to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Won Lee (2021) found that inhaling Lavender and a low dose of Neroli was also beneficial.
As we know, it is widely used in stress relief and is perfect for use with insomnia related to stress and anxiety.
We know that the rose symbolizes the language of love in flowers. Still, there is some rhyme to its reason as its chemical constituents also have aphrodisiac effects, increasing libido and reducing the symptoms of some sexual dysfunctions.
Rose essential oil is also perfect for feeling more balanced, relaxed, and uplifted.
Benefits of Using Rose Essential Oil
Skin
I always call Rose 'Skin Food' as its deeply nourishing qualities seem to support your skin health. It is one essential oil that appears in my skincare more regularly than most with my sensitive, dry/combination skin type.
It is renowned for its healing essence and powerful blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and antiseptic properties. It is a refreshing and regenerative tonic for your skin. The complex mix of antioxidants in rose oil helps heal and improve the quality of your skin.
Its astringent properties tone and lift the skin and help to contract muscles; wonderful for smoothing the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Who doesn't want nice smooth skin?
Citricasant (wound healing) and antioxidant actions can help to reduce the potential formation of scars and help marks on the skin fade more quickly. This essential oil can be used for pox, acne scars, and stretch marks. It works hard to refine the appearance of the skin.
Rose Oil has deeply nourishing properties which can assist your skin to the picture of health in no time. Used regularly, this essential oil helps replenish your skin, leaving your complexion bouncier, brighter, and more luminous.
Physical
There are many and varied physical benefits from using rose essential oil as it has many actions from the various chemical constituents.
Aromatherapists use rose essential oil to bring down fevers associated with inflammation, which is useful in treating arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.
It is an effective antiseptic and an elegant and fragrant way to stop your cut from getting infected! It also has antiviral and bactericidal effects, so a good one to pop into the first aid kit.
Rose has antispasmodic properties and can help relieve muscular spasms and convulsions. Its hepatic actions support the strength and health of the liver; stomachic actions support stomach health, soothing inflammation and reducing acid. Its laxative effects are the nicest way to make yourself…well….go!
So powerful is Rose as a natural healing agent that Mileva (2021) concluded that:
'Rose essential oils and extracts with their therapeutic properties-as respiratory antiseptics, anti-inflammatories, mucolytics, expectorants, decongestants, and antioxidants-are able to act as symptomatic prophylactics and drugs, and in this way, alleviate dramatic sufferings during severe diseases.'
Boskabady (2011) found that rose essential oil had hypnotic, analgesic, and anticonvulsant effects. He also found respiratory, cardiovascular, laxative, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Mental
We have already touched on how science is finding that rose essential oil is a very effective agent for relieving some symptoms related to anxiety and depression.
Aromatherapists everywhere strongly advocate using Rose in this particular modality to relax, calm and help with emotional processing.
Hongratanaworakit, in his 2009 study, concluded that 'These findings are likely to represent a relaxing effect of the rose oil and provide some evidence for the use of rose oil in aromatherapy, such as causing relief of depression and stress in humans. It is big news that science supports the theory.
My experience with Rose is more on the ethereal emotional spectrum.
Emotional
It is a wonderful go-to if someone is very emotional and cannot stop crying; rose essential oil will calm you and help prevent those tears. It adds a little Valerian if the emotion is connected to shock or grief.
I have used it intensively to help people process emotions and memories, especially those related to abandonment, abuse, and trauma. Remember how effective essential oils are upon our limbic system?
Roses, generally, are deeply connected to the heart and our heart center. It can help us naturally bring out the feelings and essence of love and romance, especially if it has not felt safe for you to open your heart. It can help you connect to others more readily and develop trust.
We use phrases like it is 'all coming up roses' or to have a 'rosy glow' to foster that place of love, comfort, and something beautiful. Rose essential oil can bring in optimism and make us feel full of joy and hope.
It is useful for those who have not felt comfortable with intimacy and need a bit of a comfort blanket. Just the aroma itself can cause arousal and boost the libido, but often for some, they need to feel it is safe to do that, and rose is the perfect companion to hold your hand (because having your best friend there to do it is …. well….. just weird)!
Spiritual
Rose vibrates at a high frequency, and science measures it at 320MHz. Using roses internally by consuming rose petals and hips as food and externally as hydrosols, essential oils, herbal elixirs, and essences is a potent way to raise the vibrational frequency.
Attaining a higher vibration can help you achieve deeper meditations and can help you connect with source energy/God. Whatever your belief system, you can introduce rose to your spiritual practice.
Use fresh and dried roses, hydrosol, and essential oil in your religious practices and spiritual rituals, just as they have been used globally for millennia. Retrace the steps of men and women through the centuries and use roses for a love potion or a petition to heal women's ailments, to name just a couple.
Or pop it on your skin to feel and look like a Queen!
Can I Use Rose Fragrance Oil?
Well, yes, you can use fragrance oil.
However, you will have NONE of the benefits listed above, it will just smell nice, and that is about it.
I sometimes use a fragrance oil alongside an essential oil to boost scent. But with Rose, I would still opt for promoting it with Rose Geranium first.
Surely you deserve to treat yourself to the real thing for your Ultimate Rose Beauty Box?
What Is In The Ultimate Rose Beauty Box
I have developed a range of glorious products and some brand-new recipes for you to try out for your Ultimate Rose Beauty Box.
Cleanser
Perfect for cleaning your skin and lifting away the day's dirt and grime, beautifully light and fluid. You can wipe or wash this off, whatever is your preference.
Helichrysum is a wonderful skin healer, and Cypress is great for those of you who sit in front of computer screens all day and absorb all those positive ions that make your skin look dull and lifeless.
Toner
This is a wonderfully refreshing toner with Witch Hazel and Rosewater.
I know this will be contentious, but I don't wipe mine off; I use a spray bottle, spray my face and let it dry off a tad before applying my moisturizer.
You need to exercise caution if you are not using a proprietary dispersant because as you reach the end of the bottle, the oils can float on top of the fluid, and all you are left with is the oils, which can sting a bit. I top mine back up before it gets to that point.
Moisturizer
This is a light, absorbent moisturizer because I cannot stand anything that feels sticky or claggy on my skin. You can rub this in and are good to go in a few minutes.
It might be light as a feather, but it is deeply nourishing and leaves your skin soft and velvety.
It makes the perfect base over which to apply makeup.
Serum
This is a wonderfully nourishing serum suitable for your face and around the eyes. Perfect for helping to reduce those fine lines and wrinkles and make the skin appear plumper and more refined.
Masque
This might be a new one for you, a two-part masque. A clay-based powder that you mix with a vial of fluid gorgeousness. It creates an amazing masque with your skin singing like angels in no time and looking and feeling like heaven on Earth.
Lip Balm/Conditioner
Many of us neglect our lips and maybe give them a quick slick when we moisturize our faces. The skin on our lips differs from our faces, requiring more specialized care. This Lip Conditioner contains everything you need for perfectly plump and kissable lips.
Swap Box
This is your box; you can make it up as you wish. Here are some other ideas with links to full tutorials.
Night Cream
Want something more luxurious, thicker, and nourishing for your skin at night? Pop over to How To Make Night Cream With Essential Oils.
Body Butter
Body butter is deeply nourishing for the skin, high in nutrients from cosmetic butter and carrier oils. If this is for you, pop over to How To Make Body Butter With Essential Oils.
Body Lotion
Light and easily absorbed, this is the perfect choice for those who like to shower and run. Pop on over to How to Make Body Lotion With Essential Oils.
Hand Cream
Gorgeousness for your hands, thick, unctuous, and perfect for bringing your hands some comfort and cosseting. If your hands need some love pop over to How To Make Hand Cream With Essential Oils.
Whipped Exfoliating Body Scrub
We loved this video from Whole Elise on How To Make Whipped Exfoliating Body Scrub and thought it would be perfect for sharing with you. It is easily achieved at home and brings a new dimension to your bath and beauty care regime.
Skin Care Recipes with Rose Essential Oil
I have developed and designed luscious Rose essential oil recipes that will suit most skin types, particularly those with dry and sensitive skin.
Clarity Cleanser
| The Ultimate Rose Beauty Box - Clarity Cleanser | |||
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| Equipment | Safety | ||
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy. Grapefruit Specific -Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood thinning medication. It is suggested you cease use of grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery. |
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| Ingredients | |||
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40 ml Aqueous Cream |
20ml Glycerine |
35ml Rosewater or Spring Water |
½ tsp Rosehip Carrier Oil |
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Essential Oils 3% dilution rate = 60 drops |
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30 drops of Rose Otto Essential Oil (Rosa damascena) |
15 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus paradisi) |
10 drops of Helichrysum Essential Oil (Helichrysum splendida) |
5 drops of Cypress Essential Oil (Cupressus sempervirens) |
Method:
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How to Use:
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Tremendous Toner
| The Ultimate Rose Beauty Box - Tremendous Toner | |||
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| Equipment | Safety | ||
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy. Grapefruit Specific -Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood thinning medication. It is suggested you cease use of grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery. |
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| Ingredients | |||
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30ml Witch Hazel |
30ml Rose Water |
15ml Orange Flower Water |
25ml Glycerine |
| Optional: 1% preservative - Follow the manufacturer's instructions. | |||
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Essential Oils 3% dilution rate = 60 drops |
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30 drops of Rose Otto Essential Oil (Rosa damascena) |
10 drops of Neroli Absolute (Citrus aurantium) |
10 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia serrata) |
10 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus paradisi) |
Method:
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How to Use:
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Marvelous Moisturizer
| The Ultimate Rose Beauty Box - Marvelous Moisturizer | |||
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| Equipment | Safety | ||
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy | ||
| Ingredients | |||
| 100g (4 Oz) Water based cream base or Aqueous cream | 1 tbsp. Glycerin |
1 tbsp. Camellia Carrier Oil (Jojoba is a good substitute here) |
1 tsp Witch Hazel |
| ½ tsp Hyaluronic Acid | 25 ml (0.85 FL Oz) Rose Geranium Hydrosol or Rosewater | 50 ml (1.69 FL Oz) Spring Water (bottled or boiled) | 1% preservative - Follow the manufacturer's instructions. |
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Essential Oils 3% dilution rate = 100 drops |
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40 drops of Rose Otto Essential Oil (Rosa damascena) |
30 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Cananga odorata) |
20 drops of Cardamom Essential Oil (Elettaria cardamomum) |
10 drops of Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla planifolia) |
Method:
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How to Use:
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Sensational Serum
| The Ultimate Rose Beauty Box - Sensational Serum | |||
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| Equipment | Safety | ||
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy. | ||
| Ingredients | |||
| 5ml of Rosehip Carrier Oil | 20ml Argan Carrier Oil | 20 ml of Jojoba Carrier Oil | ½ tsp of Glycerin -. |
| You can swap out 10ml of the Jojoba Oil for 10ml of Tamanu Oil but only do that if you have a blemish-prone skin type. | |||
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Essential Oils 3% dilution rate = 30 drops |
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10 drops of Rose Otto Essential Oil (Rosa damascena) |
10 drops of Rose Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium asperum var roseum) |
5 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin) |
5 drops of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis nobilis L.) |
Method:
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How to Use:
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Magical Masque
| The Ultimate Rose Beauty Box - Magical Masque | |||
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| Equipment | Safety | ||
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy. Grapefruit Specific -Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood thinning medication. It is suggested you cease use of grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery. |
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| Ingredients | |||
| Note: Metal spoons and equipment should not be used when mixing bentonite clay because the metal can react with the clay and change its properties. Bentonite clay has a negative electrical charge, and when it comes into contact with metal, it can become positively charged. The negative charge is needed to pull all the ‘muck’ out of your skin and act as a detoxifier. | |||
| Dry Ingredients |
40 grams Bentonite clay |
40 grams Kaolin Clay |
20 grams Very finely ground Oatmeal |
| Wet Ingredients |
20ml Rosewater |
20ml Orange Flower Water |
10ml Glycerine |
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Essential Oils 3% dilution rate - 40 drops |
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20 drops of Rose Otto Essential Oil (Rosa damascena) |
10 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus paradisi) |
5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) |
5 drops of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis nobilis L.) |
Method:
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How to Use:
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Luscious Lip Conditioner
| The Ultimate Rose Beauty Box - Luscious Lip Conditioner | |||
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| Equipment | Safety | ||
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy. | ||
| Ingredients | |||
| 2 Tbsp Beeswax or Hemp Wax | 1 Tbsp Shea Butter |
6 Tsp Jojoba Carrier Oil (Optional - infuse with dried rose petals) |
1 Tsp Glycerine |
| Optional color: ½ tsp Beetroot Powder | |||
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Essential Oils 3% dilution rate = 30 drops |
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10 drops of Rose Otto Essential Oil (Rosa damascena) |
10 drops of Rose Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium asperum var roseum) |
3 drops of Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla planifolia) |
7 drops of Ginger Essential Oil (Zingiber officinale) |
Method:
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How to Use:
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The Final Word
Rose is the Queen of flowers and has been used since immemorial for beauty and skincare worldwide. Let the Rose bring her majesty and splendor to your daily routine, and you will soon have a complexion fit for royalty!
Rose is the best essential oil to feed and nourish your delicate skin. There is nothing better that I can recommend to you.
I appreciate that it is a bit pricey, but you can create all these products using the recipes listed with a 10ml bottle and still have plenty to spare. You might even get away with a 5ml bottle, forgoing a drop or two here and there in certain recipes. It is well worth treating yourself to a bottle. You will not regret it.
If you told me, "I can only afford to make one product, what should I make"? Make the moisturizer, with the serum being a close second. It will give the most value to your skin, especially if you use it at night and leave it on your skin for full absorption.
You can interchange the Rose in these recipes for Rose Geranium essential oil if that makes it a more realistic option for you. Go for it! Try it all out!
These beautiful, cruelty-free products make the perfect gift box for family and friends and one that they are sure to rave about and treasure.
Whichever of our recipes you decide to include in your Ultimate Rose Beauty Box, you will surely be thrilled with the results. Treat yourself and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Rose.
