Rose is one of the most complex essential oils. Patrica Davis states in her book "Aromatherapy: An A-Z" that there are more than 300 known constituents of rose essential oil, which account for 86 percent of the oil as a whole. Scientists still are trying to determine the exact constituents of the remaining 14 percent of rose oil. Rosa damascena and rosa centifolia are the two main types of pure rose oil.
Aphrodisiac
Rose oil is most well known for its aphrodisiac properties and is the traditional oil used for romance. Davis says that rose oil is effective in treating frigidity in women and impotence in men. In their book "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals," Shirley and Len Price also list rose oil as a sexual tonic.
Antidepressant
Another of rose oil's best properties is the ability to act as an antidepressant. Rose calms the nervous system. Use rose oil to help with postnatal depression, depression following a relationship breakup and for depression caused by female reproduction or sexual problems. Davis states that rose oil also is extremely helpful in restoring an emotional balance in women caused by sexual or reproductive problems.
Astringent
Rose oil is used in a lot of skin care products and blends, primarily because of its astringent properties. True rose oil is suitable for all types of skin care but is particularly useful for wrinkles, sensitive, dry or mature complexions. Patricia Davis recommends the use of rose oil in the treatment of cheek thread veins, due to rose oil's astringent and tonic properties. However, she adds that the treatment is necessary for several weeks before a possible change is noticed.
Sedative
As rose oil is an antidepressant, and calms the nervous system, it naturally follows that rose oil also is sedative in its properties. Use rose oil to help with stress, insomnia, to calm the digestive system due to stress and to help calm nerves before a major event, such as a wedding, job interview or exam.
Antiseptic, Antiviral and Bactericidal
Rose oil is also antiseptic, antiviral and bactericidal in its properties. Julia Lawless, in her book "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," states that rose oil is useful in treating conditions such as coughs, colds, eczema, herpes, diarrhea and asthma.
Hormonal
Rose oil is useful in treating a number of women's irregularities, such as menstrual difficulties and uterine disorders, because of the high percentage of hormonelike chemicals in its constituents. Rose oil can help to regulate a woman's menstruation. Rose oil is a favorite oil of women due to its ability to help treat a number of women's health problems.
References
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals;" Shirley Price, Len Price; 2002
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z;" Patricia Davis; 1999
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils;" Julia Lawless; 1995
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