Essential Oil Spotlight : Rose

ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL 

  

Family Name: Rosaceae

 

Common Name: Rose

Botanical Name: Rosa damascena / R. centifolia

Extraction method: Rose otto is generally regarded as oil distilled from R. damascena.

Rose absolute is obtained by solvent extraction.

Odour:  'Rose absolute from R. centifolia is an orange-yellow to brown-orange viscous liquid with a sweet, deep-rosy, very tenacious odour.
Rose absolute from R. damascena from Bulgaria is a pale-yellow or slightly olive-yellow liquid which has a warm, deep-floral, slightly spicy.
Rose otto obtained from R. damascena  is an orange-yellow to brown-orange viscous liquid with a rich, warm, spicy-floral and very deep rose odour with a pronounced honey undertone.
Rose otto obtained from R. centifolia is colourless to pale-yellow, sometimes with a greenish tinge when fresh. It has a deep, sweet, warm, rich, but less spicy odour than Bulgarian or Turkish rose otto oils.

General Description: 

The Rosa species are small prickly shrubs 2.4m high. It is considered a native of Europe and Western Asia. The birthplace of the cultivated rose R. damascena was probably northern Persia, or Faristan on the Gulf of Persia. It then spread across Mesopotamia, Palestine and across to Asia Minor and Greece. 

 

History/Folk lore: 

  Cleopatra was said to have taken aromatic baths using rose petals to help entice her lovers.

Rose is a traditional symbol of love and beauty. It is known as the “Queen of Flowers”. Probably the most common scent associated with love, romance and Valentine’s Day. 
The first recorded 'rose garden' was a collection planted by Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon. With her interest rose growing then became extremely fashionable and led to great activity amongst rose breeders.

Cultivation of R. damascena and production of rose oil was introduced to Bulgaria, then part of the Turkish Empire in the 15th century. 

Commercial rose growing to produce rose oil was well established in the Kazanlik region of Bulgaria by the end of the 17th century. It is the Bulgarian rose oil which today is still considered the most prized of all rose oils. The Bulgarian rose industry is confined to one mountain district, having for its centre the town of Kasanlik.  

 

Main Uses In Massage:

Rose oil is beneficial for those who have sensitive skin, as it is generally safe for all skin types and does not usually cause allergic reactions. 

It helps to lift mood so using it in a massage blend will be of great benefit for those suffering from depression or just needing a pick me up.

Rose is one of the best essential oils to use in a blend for women suffering menopausal symptoms. Weekly massages can help to ease women through the menopausal transition.

Due to it's aphrodisiac properties couples may find giving their partner an intimate massage, with rose essential oil included will help to boost libido.

Therapeutic Properties or Actions: 

Antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, choleretic, cicatrisant, depurative, emmenagogoue, haemostatic, hepatic, laxative, sedative (nervous system), stomachic, tonic (heart, liver, stomach, uterus).

Body Systems & Therapeutic Uses: 
Reproductive System -  Helps to tone the uterus and regulate the menstrual cycle. It is particularly effective on those who are suffering from obstructed and irregular menses. It also eases cramps, nausea, and fatigue while reducing the pain associated with menstruation and post-menopausal syndrome.  Rose essential oil also acts an aphrodisiac and can help to assist in boosting libido and reduce symptoms of sexual disfunction in both men and women.

Skin Care - Rose essential oil is moisturising and hydrating for the skin, while having a general stimulant and antiseptic action, which is good for all skin types, but especially so for dry, mature and irritated skin. It is used to repair broken capillaries, inflammation as well as skin redness and is useful for eczema and herpes.
Nervous System - Acts as a tonic for the nerves and helps to relieve anxiety. It helps to give a feeling of well being. Is known for being an antidepressant.

Digestive System - Is a stomachic. Helps to soothe the stomach, regulate acidity and prevent ulcers. It also helps to decongest the liver and ease nausea. It's astringent properties can also cure certain types of diarrhea.

Precautions:

Rose absolute and Rose Otto are non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising.

 

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I will be posting more information about other essential oils on this blog so keep checking back. 

< Related articles - lemon , peppermint , rosemary , tea tree & ylang ylang >

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