The Essential Oil of Rose

A Brief History

The two major species of rose used for essential oil production are Rosa Damascena, (Bulgarian Rose) and Rosa Centifolia. The Rosa species are small prickly shrubs that spread to approximately two metres high. Rosa Centifolia is mainly grown in France and Rosa Damascena originated in Bulgaria, Persia, Asia Minor and Greece.

The products that are obtained from Roses are the essential oil and an absolute. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the whole flowers and an absolute by solvent extraction. The products vary from different species and from the country that they are grown in.

Rose Otto is the oil distilled from Rosa Damascena.

The flowers are generally picked manually and to minimise loss of oil harvesting needs to be done between 5 and 10am as this is the time that the flowers are open and the oil content is the highest.

Rose Absolute is obtained by solvent extraction.

The Bulgarian Damask Rose cultivated since the 16th century which produces the finest quality distilled essence, or Otto. Most Rose oil produced in France is extracted by solvents from Rosa Centifolia (cabbage Rose) to produce an absolute. Due to the fact that it takes sixty thousand roses to make 1 ounce of Rose Otto the absolute is cheaper and used by the perfume industry. Rose Otto is the best quality of the two essential oils.

Rose absolute from R. Centifolia is an orange- yellow to brown- orange viscous liquid with a sweet, deep – rosy odour.

Rose absolute from R. damascena is the same colour as the above and has a rich, warm, spicy floral and very deep rose odour.

Rose Otto obtained from R. damascena is a pale – yellow or slightly olive yellow liquid, which has a warm, deep floral, slightly spicy odour and immensely rich with traces of honey.

Rose Otto obtained from R. Centifolia is colourless to pale yellow, sometimes with a green tinge. It has a deep, sweet, warm and rich odour.

The word Rosa is derived from the Greek word Rodon, which means red.

The Rose has been used for many sacred purposes in literature and mythology.

In ancient art and literature the rose was the predominant flower symbol. Its blossom symbolises beauty, love, perfection and immortality.

It was highly valued in Babylon, China, Rome and Greece. These cultures were aware of the healing properties of rose.

Ancient Rome frequently used Rose, during festivals and banquets the petals were strewn over the floor and along the streets. Rose petals were worn in a garland by the Romans as prevention against drunkenness. To them, the rose was a sign of pleasure, but was also used at their funeral.

Uses and Applications

Nowadays, rose oil and rosewater are often used in skin care preparations, perfumes and soaps.

The therapeutic actions of Rose oil are; Antidepressant, reduces inflammation, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent (contracts, tightens and binds tissues), bactericidal, helps purify the body, especially the blood, promotes and regulates the menstrual flow, helps stop minor bleeding, stimulates and aids liver function, sedative (nervous system) and is a tonic for the heart, liver, stomach and uterus

Rose oil can be used to help with palpitations, irritability and insomnia. It helps release anger, despair and frustration. It opens the heart and soothes feelings such as anger, fear and anxiety. It is comforting oil in times of sadness and is also a good oil to use if you are grieving as it helps to move you on.

Rose oil is well known for its ability to help with gynaecological problems as it regulates menstruation relieves menstrual cramps and excessive bleeding. It is often used to help with fertility problems due to its regulating ability.

In skin care rose oil is suitable for all skin types, especially for mature, dry or sensitive skin. Rose has a tonic and astringent effect on capillaries and can be used in the treatment of broken capillaries, redness and inflammation of the skin.

The mode of administration is massage, compress, bath, ointment, skin care, direct inhalation, diffuser and oil vaporiser.

Rose absolute and rose Otto are non-toxic, non irritating and non- sensitising. Rose oil is a base note.