Rose is most well known for its heady, delicate, floral aroma which has been used to calm anxiety and pain. Multiple human studies back up the use of rose for menstrual pain, migraine pain, anxiety, and depression. More research is warranted.
Rose is one of the most expensive essential oils because it requires 20 rose blossoms to make just one single drop of rose essential oil.
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. More human studies are needed. Other in vitro and in vivo studies show anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective, cardiac-protective, and anti-convulsive potential. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Latin Name: Rosa damascena
Family: Rosaceae
R. damascene is a bushy shrub growing to seven feet with pink or red flowers. R. damascena makes Bulgarian or Turkish rose oil and R. centifolia makes French or Moroccan rose oil.
Petals and hips are used. To make a tea, add 2 Tbsp of fresh rose hips or 1 Tbsp of dried hips - gently crushed to 2 cups of hot but non-boiling water and steep for only 3 minutes. Strain and drink.
Oil is steam or water distilled, or made from an absolute. The absolute has more pheylethyl alcohol and less citronellol and geraniol than the essential oil. Viscocity of essential oil is slightly oily, leaving no stain on the blotter, and turning semi-solid at room temperature. It is pale yellow in color with a honey-sweet, spicy, floral, rosy aroma.