Rose essential oil

Names: Summer Damask Rose, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose (Anatolian rose oil) Otto of Rose, attar of rose.

Description: A small prickly shrub growing to between 1 and 2m with very fragrant pink blooms bearing 36 petals. The leaves are whitish with hairs. The plant is very specific in its choice of soil and climate.

Believed to be native of the Orient. Now cultivated mainly in Bulgar, Turkey and France. Other types are also grown in China, India and Russia. India produces only rose water and Aytar,a mixture of rose otto and sandalwood.

History / Traditions: There are a number of historical traditions associated with rose. The Greeks associated the rose with Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, arts and creativity.

Rose is seen as the supreme oil of the 'heart chakra' the center of love. In medieval Christian tradition the scent of rose was associated with the presence of angels.

Extraction: Essential oil or otto by water or steam distillation from fresh petals. A concrete and absolute by solvent extraction from fresh petals.

Details of Oil: A pale yellow or olive yellow liquid with a very rich, sweet, floral, deep yet slightly spicey scent. The oil becomes semi solid under cool conditions. The oils is non toxic, non irritant and also non sensitizing.

Properties: Rose oil is cooling, relaxing and toning. its effects are similar to Bergamot, Geranium and Jasmine, decreasing sympathetic nervous system activity, while at the same time strengthening the parasympathetic nervous system. Rose therefore increases feelings of vitality, creating a sense of well-being.

Rose oil can be used in the treatment of a wide range of stress related conditions and can also be used for hyperactivity in children. Rose also has a strong effect on reproduction and sexuality and is helpful for menopausal women or during heavy periods.

The antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties of rose suit it for the treatment of digestive disorders such as gastroenteritis and gastric ulcers. It can help relieve feelings of nausea and help regenerate damaged intestinal walls.

Rose can also be used in the treatment of skin problems. Its rejuvinating properties relieve dryness, inflammation, heat and itching of the skin.

Physical Effects: The oil has the following qualities, it is antidepressant and checks or counteracts inflammation. It is antiseptic, antispasmodic, an anti-tubercular agent. Antiviral, astringent, Bactericidal, choleratic, cicitrisant, depurative, an amenagogue, haemoststic, a regulator of appetite and a sedative. It is also a good tonic of the heart, liver, uterus and stomach.

Blends: Rose blends well with citrus oils and floral scents. Cedarwood, Coriander, Chamomile, Frankincense Sandalwood and Vanilla are all good blends.

Uses: In skin care the oil is used for broken capillaries, conjunctivitis (rose water), dry skin, eczema and also for sensitive complexions. The benefits for the circulation include treatment of poor circulation, palpitations, muscles and joints.

The respiratory benefits include treatment of asthma, coughs and hay fever.Digestive benefits include treatment of cholecystititis, liver congestion and nausea. Benefits for the nervous system include treatment of depression, impotence, insomnia, frigidity, headaches, nervous tension and stress related complaints.

Related pages: Distance Learning Diploma course in Aromatherapy - http://www.kevala.co.uk/courses/aromatherapy.php