Rose (Rosa damascena) Research

Latin Name: Rosa damascena

Family: Rosaceae

A few dozen research articles were found on R. damascena.  Multiple human studies found the aroma to help reduce both anxiety, pain, and possibly migraine headache pain.  Additional studies attributed the intake of extracts with reduced menstrual pain.  A mouthwash with the extract may help reduce oral ulcers.  Other in vitro and in vivo studies show anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective, cardiac-protective, and anti-convulsive potential.

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

GENERAL

• Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy Science: A guide for healthcare professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press
• Petersen, D. (2015). Aromatherapy materia medica.  Essential oil monographs.  American College of Healthcare Sciences.
• Mahboubi, M. (2016). Rosa damascena as holy ancient herb with novel applications. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 6(1), 10-16.
• Chrubasik, C., Roufogalis, B. D., Müller‐Ladner, U., & Chrubasik, S. (2008). A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 22(6), 725-733.
• Boskabady, M. H., Shafei, M. N., Saberi, Z., & Amini, S. (2011). Pharmacological effects of Rosa damascena. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 14(4), 295.
• A review of research on the therapeutic actions of rose hips are discussed.  Benefits including: antioxidant, antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, gastroprotective and skin improving effects.  From:  Patel, S. (2013). Rose hips as complementary and alternative medicine: Overview of the present status and prospects. Mediterranean journal of nutrition and metabolism, 6(2), 89-97.
• A review of research on rose oil was discussed.  Human studies showed an analgesic and relaxing effect with both inhalation and topical use.  From:  Mohebitabar, S., Shirazi, M., Bioos, S., Rahimi, R., Malekshahi, F., & Nejatbakhsh, F. (2017). Therapeutic efficacy of rose oil: A comprehensive review of clinical evidence. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 7(3), 206.

SAFETY / CONCERNS

• It requires 20 rose blossoms to make one single drop of essential oil (Petersen, 2015).
• Essential oil is frequently adultered.
• Citronellol is a toxic constituent in the essential oil; a skin patch test required (Petersen, 2015).
• Essential oil is contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy.

ANXIOLYTIC / IMPROVED MOOD

• In a randomized clinical trial with 99 preoperative patients, rose oil in a diffuser before surgery significantly affected their State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State Questionnaire of Spielberger (STAI-S) levels compared to the control groups. From: Dagli, R., Avcu, M., Metin, M., Kiymaz, S., & Ciftci, H. (2019). The effects of aromatherapy using rose oil (Rosa damascena Mill.) on preoperative anxiety: A prospective randomized clinical trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 26, 37-42.

• Inhalation of rose oil had a relaxing effect and reduced depression and stress in humans.  From:  Hongratanaworakit, T. (2009). Relaxing effect of rose oil on humans. Nat Prod Commun, 4(2), 291-6.

• Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure.  From:  Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.
• R. damascena oil reduces sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from depression.  From:  Farnia, V., Shirzadifar, M., Shakeri, J., Rezaei, M., Bajoghli, H., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., & Brand, S. (2015). Rosa damascena oil improves SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from major depressive disorders: results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat, 11, 625-635.
• This was a 3 month randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 40 older patients having dementia. The damascene rose capsule group showed improved cognition and less depression.  From:  Ebrahim Esfandiary, Z. A., Omranifard, V., Ghanadian, M., Bagherian-Sararoud, R., Karimipour, M., Mahaki, B., & Dabiri, S. (2018). Novel effects of Rosa damascena extract on patients with neurocognitive disorder and depression: A clinical trial study. International journal of preventive medicine.
• Rose essential oil inhalation reduced stress in humans and rats.  From:  Fukada, M., Kano, E., Miyoshi, M., Komaki, R., & Watanabe, T. (2012). Effect of “rose essential oil” inhalation on stress-induced skin-barrier disruption in rats and humans. Chemical senses, 37(4), 347-356.
• Fragrance inhalation affected the sympathetic nervous system. Pepper, estragon oil, fennel, and grapefruit increased sympathetic activity, and rose and patchouli oils decreased sympathetic activity.  Inhaling pepper oil increased plasma adrenaline levels while rose oil decreased adrenaline.  From:  Haze, S., Sakai, K., & Gozu, Y. (2002). Effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adults. The Japanese journal of pharmacology, 90(3), 247-253.
• In an aromatherapy study with 99 patients, the group that received 15 minutes of rose aroma in a diffuser before going into surgery had less preoperative anxiety.  From:  Dagli, R., Avcu, M., Metin, M., Kiymaz, S., & Ciftci, H. (2019). The effects of aromatherapy using rose oil (Rosa damascena Mill.) on preoperative anxiety: A prospective randomized clinical trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 26, 37-42.
• In a study with 110 women in their first stage of labor, the group receiving rose aromatherapy had reduced anxiety and pain.  From:  Hamdamian, S., Nazarpour, S., Simbar, M., Hajian, S., Mojab, F., & Talebi, A. (2018). Effects of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena on nulliparous women’s pain and anxiety of labor during first stage of labor. Journal of integrative medicine, 16(2), 120-125.
• Rose oil and its constituents of 2-phenethyl alcohol and citronellol produced anxiolytic effects.  From:  Umezu, T., Ito, H., Nagano, K., Yamakoshi, M., Oouchi, H., Sakaniwa, M., & Morita, M. (2002). Anticonflict effects of rose oil and identification of its active constituents. Life Sciences, 72(1), 91-102.

• Anxiolytic properties of rose oil were noticed.  From:  de Almeida, R. N., Motta, S. C., de Brito Faturi, C., Catallani, B., & Leite, J. R. (2004). Anxiolytic-like effects of rose oil inhalation on the elevated plus-maze test in rats. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 77(2), 361-364.
• Rose oil odor had an anxiolytic effect.  From:  Bradley, B. F., Starkey, N. J., Brown, S. L., & Lea, R. W. (2007). The effects of prolonged rose odor inhalation in two animal models of anxiety. Physiology & behavior, 92(5), 931-938.
• Rose oil vapor was protective against oxidative stress causing depression in rats.  From:  Nazıroğlu, M., Kozlu, S., Yorgancıgil, E., Uğuz, A. C., & Karakuş, K. (2013). Rose oil (from Rosa× damascena Mill.) vapor attenuates depression-induced oxidative toxicity in rat brain. Journal of natural medicines, 67(1), 152-15.
• In a study of 105 women in their 35 – 37th week of pregnancy, the test group dropped 7 drops of lavender and 1 drop of rose water into a washcloth and took 10 deep breaths in before putting it next to their pillow for the night.  The control group did the same with sesame oil.  The study was conducted until 6 weeks post delivery. The aromatherapy group had significantly lower postpartum depression.  From:  Kianpour, M., Moshirenia, F., Kheirabadi, G., Asghari, G., Dehghani, A., & Dehghani-Tafti, A. (2018). The effects of inhalation aromatherapy with rose and lavender at week 38 and postpartum period on postpartum depression in high-risk women referred to selected health centers of Yazd, Iran in 2015. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research.
• Extracts from the flowers of Rosa damascena demonstrated a CNS depressing effect in vivo.  From:  NYEEM, A., Alam, M. A., Awal, M. A., Mostafa, M., Uddin, S. J., Islam, N., & Rouf, R. (2006). CNS depressant effect of the crude ethanolic extract of the flowering tops of Rosa Damascena.

ANTI-ULCER

• In a randomized double blind study of 50 patients, the use of a mouthwash containing Rosa damascena for two weeks reduced the incidence of mouth ulcers. From:  Hoseinpour, H., Peel, S. A., Rakhshandeh, H., Forouzanfar, A., Taheri, M., Rajabi, O., … & Sohrabi, K. (2011). Evaluation of Rosa damascena mouthwash in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Quintessence International, 42(6).
• Rose damascena was effective in reducing the inflammatory condition of ulcerative colitis in rats.  From:  Latifi, G., Ghannadi, A., & Minaiyan, M. (2015). Anti-inflammatory effect of volatile oil and hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa damascena Mill. on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Research in pharmaceutical sciences, 10(6), 514.
• Research was reviewed on the following plants for treating recurrent apthous (mouth) ulcers:  Satureja khuzistanica, Aloe vera, Myrrh, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Alchemilla vulgaris, Myrtus communis, Melissa officinalis, Rhizophora mangle, Chamomile, Rosa damascena, Nicotiana tabacum, Punica granatum, Ageratina pichinchensis, Norwegian LongoVital, Lavendula angustifolia oil, and Perilla frutescens oil.  From:  Heydarpour, F., Abasabadi, M., Shahpiri, Z., Vaziri, S., Nazari, H. A., Najafi, F., … & Farzaei, M. H. (2018). Medicinal plant and their bioactive phytochemicals in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: A review of clinical trials. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 12(23), 27.

PAIN

• In a study of 92 women who had just had a c-section, a rosehip extract reduced pain without side effects compared to the placebo.  From:  Gharabaghi, P. M., Tabatabei, F., Fard, S. A., Sayyah-Melli, M., Del Azar, E. O. A., Khoei, S. A., … & Mashrabi, O. (2011). Evaluation of the effect of preemptive administration of Rosa damascena extract on post-operative pain in elective cesarean sections. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 5(16), 1950-1955.
• In a double blind study with 64 children, inhalation of Rosa damascena reduced post surgery pain.  From:  Marofi, M., Sirousfard, M., Moeini, M., & Ghanadi, A. (2015). Evaluation of the effect of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena Mill. on postoperative pain intensity in hospitalized children in selected hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2013: A randomized clinical trial. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 20(2), 247.
• Inhalation of Damask rose essential oil significantly reduced pain in a study with 80 elderly patients who had undergone knee arthroplasty.  From:  Bastani, F., Samady Kia, P., & Haghani, H. (2017). The Effect of Inhalation Aromatherapy With Damask Rose (Rosa Damascena) on the Pain of Elderly After Knee Arthroplasty. Journal of Client-Centered Nursing Care, 3(2), 153-160.
• In a study of 111 women giving birth, rose water poured over the hands of women in labor significantly reduced pain compared to the placebo.  From:  Roozbahani, N., Attarha, M., AkbariTorkestani, N., AmiriFarahani, L., & Heidari, T. (2015). The effect of rose water aromatherapy on reducing labor pain in primiparous women. Complementary Medicine Journal of faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, 5(1), 1042-1053.
• In a randomized clinical trial of 50 patients with severe burns, aromatherapy with diffused Damask rose significantly reduced pain intensity during and after wound dressing changes.  From: Bikmoradi, A., Harorani, M., Roshanaei, G., Moradkhani, S., & Falahinia, G. H. (2016). The effect of inhalation aromatherapy with damask rose (Rosa damascena) essence on the pain intensity after dressing in patients with burns: A clinical randomized trial. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 21(3), 247.
• In a study of 120 pregnant women with lower back pain, rose oil in an almond carrier oil applied topically over 4 weeks significantly reduced pain without side effects.  From:  Shirazi, M., Mohebitabar, S., Bioos, S., Yekaninejad, M. S., Rahimi, R., Shahpiri, Z., … & Nejatbakhsh, F. (2017). The effect of topical Rosa damascena (rose) oil on pregnancy-related low back pain: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(1), 120-126.
• In a study with 110 women in their first stage of labor, the group receiving rose aromatherapy had reduced anxiety and pain.  From:  Hamdamian, S., Nazarpour, S., Simbar, M., Hajian, S., Mojab, F., & Talebi, A. (2018). Effects of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena on nulliparous women’s pain and anxiety of labor during first stage of labor. Journal of integrative medicine, 16(2), 120-125.
• This study of 120 women in labor demonstrated that the group that received aromatherapy with essential oils of either rose and/or lavender had reduced pain compared to the control group.  From:  Chughtai, A., Navaee, M., Alijanvand, M. H., & Yaghoubinia, F. (2018). Comparing the Effect of Aromatherapy With Essential Oils of Rosa damascena and Lavender Alone and in Combination on Severity of Pain in the First Phase of Labor in Primiparous Women. Crescent Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences, 5(4), 312-319.
• Extracts from Rosa damascena reduced pain and inflammation in mice.  Hajhashemi, V., Ghannadi, A., & Hajiloo, M. (2010). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Rosa damascena hydroalcoholic extract and its essential oil in animal models. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research: IJPR, 9(2), 163.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

• Extracts from Rosa damascena reduced pain and inflammation in mice.  Hajhashemi, V., Ghannadi, A., & Hajiloo, M. (2010). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Rosa damascena hydroalcoholic extract and its essential oil in animal models. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research: IJPR, 9(2), 163.

HEADACHE

• In a double blind placebo controlled study of 40 patients with migraine headaches, a topical formulation containing Rosa damascena oil reduced pain, especially in those with “hot” type headaches.  From:  Niazi, M., Hashempur, M. H., Taghizadeh, M., Heydari, M., & Shariat, A. (2017). Efficacy of topical Rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) oil for migraine headache: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over trial. Complementary therapies in medicine, 34, 35-41.

• In a study of 88 patients with migraine headaches, half the group received capsules with Viola odorata flowers, Rosa damascena flowers and Coriandrum sativum fruits three times a day for 4 weeks and had reduced headaches compared to the control group. From:  Kamali, M., Seifadini, R., Kamali, H., Mehrabani, M., Jahani, Y., & Tajadini, H. (2018). Efficacy of combination of Viola odorata, Rosa damascena and Coriandrum sativum in prevention of migraine attacks: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Electronic physician, 10(3), 6430.

• This was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 88 patients with migraine headaches. The group who received combination of Viola odorata flowers, Rosa damascena flowers and Coriandrum sativum fruits in 500 mg capsules three times a day and 20 mg of propranolol twice a day, for 14 days, had significantly reduced symptoms. From: Kamali, M., Seifadini, R., Kamali, H., Mehrabani, M., Jahani, Y., & Tajadini, H. (2018). Efficacy of combination of Viola odorata, Rosa damascena and Coriandrum sativum in prevention of migraine attacks: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Electronic physician, 10(3), 6430.

• Botanicals were reviewed for their scientific research on treating headaches, and included feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), butterbur (Petasites hybridus), marijuana (Cannabis sativa), Saint John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and the Damask rose (Rosa damascena). From: Rajapakse, T., & Davenport, W. J. (2019). Phytomedicines in the treatment of migraine. CNS drugs, 33(5), 399-415.

COGNITION

• Fragrance inhalation affected the sympathetic nervous system. Pepper, estragon oil, fennel, and grapefruit increased sympathetic activity, and rose and patchouli oils decreased sympathetic activity.  Inhaling pepper oil increased plasma adrenaline levels while rose oil decreased adrenaline.  From:  Haze, S., Sakai, K., & Gozu, Y. (2002). Effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adults. The Japanese journal of pharmacology, 90(3), 247-253.
• R. damascena can reverse behavioral deficits and may be useful to treat cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. From:  Esfandiary, E., Karimipour, M., Mardani, M., Ghanadian, M., Alaei, H. A., Mohammadnejad, D., & Esmaeili, A. (2015). Neuroprotective effects of Rosa damascena extract on learning and memory in a rat model of amyloid-β-induced Alzheimer’s disease. Advanced biomedical research, 4.
• This was a 3 month randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 40 older patients having dementia. The rose capsule group showed improved cognition and less depression. From:  Ebrahim Esfandiary, Z. A., Omranifard, V., Ghanadian, M., Bagherian-Sararoud, R., Karimipour, M., Mahaki, B., & Dabiri, S. (2018). Novel effects of Rosa damascena extract on patients with neurocognitive disorder and depression: A clinical trial study. International journal of preventive medicine, 9.

ANTI-CANCER

• Rosa damascena showed anticancer activity.  From:  Abdel-Hameed, E. S. S., Bazaid, S. A., & Hagag, H. A. (2016). Chemical characterization of Rosa damascena Miller var. trigintipetala Dieck essential oil and its in vitro genotoxic and cytotoxic properties. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 28(2), 121-129.
• Concrete and absolute rose oils were cytotoxically and geno-toxically safe at a dose of 10 μg/ml on cultures of normal human blood lymphocytes and could be useful to treat certain types of cancer. From:  Hagag, H. A., Bazaid, S. A., Abdel-Hameed, E. S. S., & Salman, M. (2014). Cytogenetic, cytotoxic and GC–MS studies on concrete and absolute oils from Taif rose, Saudi Arabia. Cytotechnology, 66(6), 913-923.

ANTIMICROBIAL  / ANTIBACTERIAL

• Origanum onites, Mentha piperita, Juniperus exalsa, Chrysanthemum indicum, Lavandula hybrida, Rosa damascena, Echinophora tenuifolia, and Foeniculum vulgare were tested for antimicrobial activity. From:  Andoğan, B. C., Baydar, H., Kaya, S., Demirci, M., Özbaşar, D., & Mumcu, E. (2002). Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of some essential oils. Archives of pharmacal research, 25(6), 860-864
• Rosa damascena essential oil was antibacterial against three strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis spp. Vesicatoria.  From:  Basim, E., & Basim, H. (2003). Antibacterial activity of Rosa damascena essential oil. Fitoterapia, 74(4), 394-396.
• Rose, geranium, lavender and rosemary oils were the most potent QS inhibitors, destabilize bacterial communities studied.  From:  Szabó, M. Á., Varga, G. Z., Hohmann, J., Schelz, Z., Szegedi, E., Amaral, L., & Molnár, J. (2010). Inhibition of quorum‐sensing signals by essential oils. Phytotherapy research, 24(5), 782-786.

​ANTI-SEIZURE

• R. damascena significantly prolonged seizures and reduced the frequency and amplitude in rats. From:  Homayoun, M., Seghatoleslam, M., Pourzaki, M., Shafieian, R., Hosseini, M., & Bideskan, A. E. (2015). Anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of Rosa damascena hydro-alcoholic extract on rat hippocampus. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 5(3), 260.
• R. damascena reduced seizures in rats.  From:  Kheirabadi, M., Moghimi, A., Rakhshande, H., & Rassouli, M. B. (2008). Evaluation of the anticonvulsant activities of Rosa damascena on the PTZ induced seizures in wistar rats. J Biol Sci, 8(2), 426-430.
• R. damascena had an anticonvulsant effect on mice. From:  Hosseini, M., Ghasemzadeh, R. M., Sadeghnia, H. R., & Rakhshandeh, H. (2011). Effects of different extracts of Rosa damascena on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in mice. Zhong xi yi jie he xue bao= Journal of Chinese integrative medicine, 9(10), 1118-1124.

APHRODISIAC

• In a study of 180 postmenopausal women ages 45-55, taking 40 mg of a Ginkgo biloba tablet and 2-3 drops of aroma of geranium, rose, fennel, and lavender 3 times a day for 6 weeks reduced sexual disfunction compared to the placebo, gingko only, and aromatherapy only groups.  From:  Malakouti, J., Jabbari, F., Jafarabadi, M. A., Javadzadeh, Y., & Khalili, A. F. (2017). The impact of ginkgo biloba tablet and aromatherapy inhaler combination on sexual function in females during postmenopausal period: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Womens Health Reprod Sci, 5, 129-136.
• This was a study of 96 women ages 18-35 with sexual disfunction. The treatment group that had an 8 week intervention of sexual health training plus a daily food item of carrot halwa, which included carrot root plus its seed extract, rose, saffron, honey, and other spices.  This group showed the greatest improvement compared to the health training only group and the group who received no training and no supplement. From: Molkara, T., Akhlaghi, F., Ramezani, M. A., Salari, R., Vakili, V., Kamalinejad, M., … & Motavasselian, M. (2018). Effects of a food product (based on Daucus carota) and education based on traditional Persian medicine on female sexual dysfunction: a randomized clinical trial. Electronic physician, 10(4), 6577.
• R. damascena oil reduces sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from depression.  From:  Farnia, V., Shirzadifar, M., Shakeri, J., Rezaei, M., Bajoghli, H., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., & Brand, S. (2015). Rosa damascena oil improves SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from major depressive disorders: results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat, 11, 625-635.

CARDIAC HEALTH / HYPOTENSIVE

• Rose damascena had an inotropic and chornotropic effect on guinea pig heart.  From:  Boskabady, M. H., Vatanprast, A., Parsaee, H., & Boskabady, M. (2013). Possible mechanism of inotropic and chronotropic effects of Rosa damascena on isolated guinea pig heart. DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 21(1), 1.
• Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure.  From:  Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.

ANTIOXIDANT

• Petal part waste from making rose oil demonstrated antiradical and antioxidant capacity.  From:  Baydar, N. G., & Baydar, H. (2013). Phenolic compounds, antiradical activity and antioxidant capacity of oil-bearing rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) extracts. Industrial Crops and Products, 41, 375-380.
• Rose oil inhalation had a protective effect in formaldehyde exposure and male testical damage.  From:  Köse, E., Sarsılmaz, M., Taş, U., Kavaklı, A., Türk, G., Özlem Dabak, D., … & Ögetürk, M. (2012). Rose oil inhalation protects against formaldehyde‐induced testicular damage in rats. Andrologia, 44(s1), 342-348.

PREGNANCY

• In a study of 111 women giving birth, rose water poured over the hands of women in labor significantly reduced pain compared to the placebo.  From:  Roozbahani, N., Attarha, M., AkbariTorkestani, N., AmiriFarahani, L., & Heidari, T. (2015). The effect of rose water aromatherapy on reducing labor pain in primiparous women. Complementary Medicine Journal of faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, 5(1), 1042-1053.
• In a study of 105 women in their 35 – 37th week of pregnancy, the test group dropped 7 drops of lavender and 1 drop of rose water into a washcloth and took 10 deep breaths in before putting it next to their pillow for the night.  The control group did the same with sesame oil.  The study was conducted until 6 weeks post delivery. The aromatherapy group had significantly lower postpartum depression.  From:  Kianpour, M., Moshirenia, F., Kheirabadi, G., Asghari, G., Dehghani, A., & Dehghani-Tafti, A. (2018). The effects of inhalation aromatherapy with rose and lavender at week 38 and postpartum period on postpartum depression in high-risk women referred to selected health centers of Yazd, Iran in 2015. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 23(5), 395.
• In a study of 120 pregnant women with lower back pain, rose oil in an almond carrier oil applied topically over 4 weeks significantly reduced pain without side effects.  From:  Shirazi, M., Mohebitabar, S., Bioos, S., Yekaninejad, M. S., Rahimi, R., Shahpiri, Z., … & Nejatbakhsh, F. (2017). The effect of topical Rosa damascena (rose) oil on pregnancy-related low back pain: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(1), 120-126.
• In a study with 110 women in their first stage of labor, the group receiving rose aromatherapy had reduced anxiety and pain.  From:  Hamdamian, S., Nazarpour, S., Simbar, M., Hajian, S., Mojab, F., & Talebi, A. (2018). Effects of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena on nulliparous women’s pain and anxiety of labor during first stage of labor. Journal of integrative medicine, 16(2), 120-125.
• This study of 120 women in labor demonstrated that the group that received aromatherapy with essential oils of either rose and/or lavender had reduced pain compared to the control group.  From:  Chughtai, A., Navaee, M., Alijanvand, M. H., & Yaghoubinia, F. (2018). Comparing the Effect of Aromatherapy With Essential Oils of Rosa damascena and Lavender Alone and in Combination on Severity of Pain in the First Phase of Labor in Primiparous Women. Crescent Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences, 5(4), 312-319.

REDUCED MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

• The group of menopausal women who received an aromatherapy massage on the abdomen, back and arms with lavender, rose geranium, rose and jasmine in almond and primrose oils once a week for 8 weeks had reduced symptoms compared to the nontreated group.   From:  Hur, M. H., Yang, Y. S., & Lee, M. S. (2008). Aromatherapy massage affects menopausal symptoms in Korean climacteric women: a pilot-controlled clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(3), 325-328.
• In a study of 180 postmenopausal women ages 45-55, taking 40 mg of a Ginkgo biloba tablet and 2-3 drops of aroma of geranium, rose, fennel, and lavender 3 times a day for 6 weeks reduced sexual disfunction compared to the placebo, gingko only, and aromatherapy only groups.  From:  Malakouti, J., Jabbari, F., Jafarabadi, M. A., Javadzadeh, Y., & Khalili, A. F. (2017). The impact of ginkgo biloba tablet and aromatherapy inhaler combination on sexual function in females during postmenopausal period: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Womens Health Reprod Sci, 5, 129-136.
• In a study of 87 menopausal women, 30-minute aromatherapy sessions twice a week for 4 weeks resulted in reduced phsychological symptoms.  Aromatherapy included lavender, geranium, rose, and rosemary essential oils at a ratio of 4:2:1:1 that were diluted to 3% in a blend of 90% almond and 10% primrose carrier oils.  From:  Taavoni, S., Darsareh, F., Joolaee, S., & Haghani, H. (2013). The effect of aromatherapy massage on the psychological symptoms of postmenopausal Iranian women. Complementary therapies in medicine, 21(3), 158-163.

REDUCED DYSMENORRHEA

• In a double blind study of 92 young women, pain associated with menstruation was significantly reduced with the intake of a Rosa damascena extract.  From:  Bani, S., Hasanpour, S., Mousavi, Z., Garehbaghi, P. M., & Gojazadeh, M. (2014). The effect of rosa damascena extract on primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind cross-over clinical trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 16(1).
• An abdominal massage using Lavandula officinalis, Salvia sclarea, and Rosa centifolia almond oil reduced the severity of menstrual cramps.  From:  Han, S. H., Hur, M. H., Buckle, J., Choi, J., & Lee, M. S. (2006). Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 12(6), 535-541.
• In a study of 48 women, an aromatherapy abdominal massage (with rose, lavender, clove, and cinnamon in almond oil) was effective in alleviating menstrual pain and bleeding heaviness.  Marzouk, T. M., El-Nemer, A. M., & Baraka, H. N. (2013). The effect of aromatherapy abdominal massage on alleviating menstrual pain in nursing students: a prospective randomized cross-over study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.
• In a study of 100 women with dysmenorrhea, inhaling rose aroma reduced pain.  From:  Uysal, M., Doğru, H. Y., Sapmaz, E., Tas, U., Çakmak, B., Ozsoy, A. Z., … & Esen, M. (2016). Investigating the effect of rose essential oil in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 24, 45-49.

MALE HEALTH

• R. damascena oil reduces sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from depression.  From:  Farnia, V., Shirzadifar, M., Shakeri, J., Rezaei, M., Bajoghli, H., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., & Brand, S. (2015). Rosa damascena oil improves SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from major depressive disorders: results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat, 11, 625-635.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 5/15/2022​