Rose essential oil---Latin name Rosa damascene and Rosa centifolia---is the richest and the most expensive of all the essential oils. The rose has been venerated for its scent and healing properties since ancient times. It is mentioned in the ancient texts of India and China, in Christian writings, and was sacred to the Greeks and Romans. Rose essential oil is thought to have many healing properties, but should never be used as a substitute for medical care.
Origin and Production
Rosewater was first distilled in Persia in the tenth century, and then later, in the sixteenth century the process to extract the oil was discovered. According to NaturalHealthCrafters.com, “There are two types of rose oil commonly available: rose otto, captured by steam distillation of the fresh petals; and rose absolute, obtained by solvent extraction of the fresh petals.” The flowers are picked in the early morning, while the dew is still on them, and taken to be distilled while they are still fresh. It takes around sixty thousand roses to produce 28 grams of oil equivalent to around three thousand blooms to each precious drop.
Properties
There has been very little research by the health industry into the benefits and properties of this essential oil, however according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information: “In recent years, antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial activities of R. damascene essential oil have been demonstrated.”
Aromatherapists believe rose oil to be anti-depressant, anti-septic, anti-viral, astringent, bactericidal and a tonic to the liver, stomach and uterus. It is known as the ‘women’s oil’, helping with menstrual problems and benefiting the skin, particularly mature or aging skin.
Rose Oil for the Skin
Rose essential oil is thought to be beneficial for helping treat broken capillaries and scars as it is believed to stimulate the circulation and promote the growth of new cells. It is used to help dry skin, eczema and considered safe to use on sensitive skin. It is also thought to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
For dry, mature skin, combine two drops of Rose otto with four drops each of Neroli and Frankincense in 20ml jojoba oil and apply daily.
Rose Oil for Women’s Problems
Rose oil is thought to ease uterine disorders, and to help with irregular or heavy menstruation. It eases frigidity, impotence and insomnia, lifts depression and headaches and its calming properties help with stress related complaints. Adding a few drops of oil to the bath, or massaging gently into the abdomen, one drop to 5ml carrier oil, will help to ease symptoms.
Rose Oil for the Spirit
Says OrganicFacts.net of rose oil: “This oil is widely used in aromatherapy and invokes positive thoughts, spiritualism and feelings of joy, happiness and hope.” To help ease feelings of grief and sadness, and to release past pain, a bath with two drops of Rose otto and four drops of Frankincense is believed to help.
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