a chinwag with the creative behind distille sorrow rose oil

As anyone who has experienced immense grief understands, the brightest beams of light can be found in even the darkest of times. Nicole Rose – founder of Distille Sorrow – was able to channel her own grief into the creation of Distille Sorrow, a rose oil that helped her through tough times. Now, she wants it to help others. We caught up for a chat with Nicole to find out all about Distille Sorrow’s rose oil and how the product came about.

Tell us a bit about Distille and how the brand got started. The beginnings of Distille Sorrow’s vision were first realised in 2015 when intense grief and sorrow entered me and my young children’s lives. I sought comfort for the unexpected and tragic passing of my husband. It was during this period of sorrow that I first visualised the concept and product Distille Sorrow. It is my hope that Distille Sorrow provides a sacred place of repose that others can seek and that the rose oil will comfort them in times of grief, loss and sorrow.

How have roses played a significant part in crafting Distille Sorrow? For centuries, rose has been assigned to the heart and soul. It can provide comfort in times of sorrow. Rose petals for this cherished oil are hand-harvested at dawn – mainly by women. Revered by alchemists, essential oils are regarded as the spirit and soul of the plant. In aromatherapy, rose oil is said to bring comfort to the heart. The scent that I smelt, whilst alone in my sorrow, was the scent of a rose.

Association with the word “rose” continues to be close to my heart, as it has been part of my family’s name for generations. My great grandmother’s name was Rosa and my mother’s Rosalina. My own middle name is Rose, as is my daughter’s.

Why do you think rose oil has such a sensory impact? The aromatic compounds of rose essential oil are widely utilised in aromatherapy for their profound effects on emotional wellbeing. Historically, rose oil has been valued since ancient times for applications in perfumery, medicine and ceremonial rituals, and is obtained through steam distillation, a method that yields the product Rose Otto. Many people find that the inhalation of rose oil is known to evoke positive emotions alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety – promoting calmness and relaxation.

What are some of the ways that you use Distille Sorrow rose oil? Distille Sorrow rose oil can be used through inhalation or direct topical application. For inhalation, a few drops added to a cool-mist or ultrasonic diffuser can fill a room, allowing the aromatic molecules to interact with the nervous system for prolonged emotional benefit. Direct inhalation can also be achieved by placing a drop on a tissue and breathing it in for stress reduction. You can also apply a small amount to the palms and inhale deeply.

I apply the rose oil directly to The Ribbon of Sorrow and inhale the delicate scent. I also use it topically by gently wiping the applicator across my top lip. It is instantly calming and the scent is divine. For topical use, the oil must always be diluted in a carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut or sweet almond oil before being applied to the skin. A patch test is recommended.

What do you hope Distille Sorrow offers those who are navigating loss? My intention is to create a space of beauty and reverence – a support resource and product dedicated to the beloved who have passed and to help the ones left behind with their distress.

The Poetry of the Still Room is a place on the website to read poems of loss and visit positively with emotions that can be difficult to face and process. It encourages creative poetry for those enduring pain and those requiring a non-judgmental place of repose.

Loss can come to us in so many forms. We grieve the loss of people close to us or from afar. We grieve the loss of our pets, also. A recent bereavement came to us when my daughter’s beloved cat passed away. I gifted my daughter Distille Sorrow rose oil with a handwritten note.

This lovely interview is presented in partnership with Distille Sorrow. Discover more about the Distille Sorrow rose oil on their website.