Rose oil (Rosa damascena / Rosa centifolia (essential oil))
Synopsis
Rose oil—also known as attar of rose, rose essential oil, or rose otto—is a highly concentrated aromatic oil extracted primarily from the petals of Rosa damascena (Damask rose) and occasionally from Rosa centifolia (cabbage rose). It is obtained via steam distillation or solvent extraction, producing either the essential oil (rose otto) or rose absolute, depending on the method. Both forms are rich in volatile compounds and widely revered for their therapeutic, emotional, and skin-healing effects.
Medicinally, rose oil is known for its antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, astringent, and mild sedative actions. It contains a complex blend of constituents including citronellol, geraniol, nerol, phenylethanol, and eugenol, which contribute to its soothing and balancing properties.
Key therapeutic uses include:
- Emotional support: Rose oil is a well-known nervine and emotional tonic, helping alleviate stress, grief, anxiety, and depression. Its gentle fragrance is considered uplifting and heart-opening, making it popular in aromatherapy and meditation.
- Hormonal and reproductive health: Traditionally used to regulate menstrual cycles, relieve PMS, and ease menopausal symptoms, rose oil may also be used to enhance libido and reproductive vitality.
- Skin healing: Rose oil is excellent for dry, aging, or sensitive skin, promoting cell regeneration, reducing redness, and improving elasticity. It is often used in facial serums, creams, and balms to reduce scarring, wrinkles, and inflammation.
- Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory: Rose oil exhibits mild antiseptic properties, making it useful for minor skin infections, inflammation, and irritation.
Rose oil is extremely potent and typically used in small amounts—either diluted in carrier oils, inhaled through diffusion, or added to skincare products.
Historical Usage
Rose oil has been treasured for over a thousand years in Persian, Indian, Egyptian, and Greco-Roman medical and spiritual traditions.
The earliest recorded distillation of rose oil is attributed to Persian physician Avicenna (Ibn Sina) in the 10th century. His pioneering work in distillation led to the creation of rose water and later rose oil, both of which were used for cardiac, digestive, skin, and emotional complaints. Avicenna recommended rose preparations to cool inflammation, lift the spirit, and support the heart.
In Unani (Greco-Arabic) medicine, rose oil and rose water were key ingredients in remedies for liver heat, melancholy, headaches, and blood purification. Rose was believed to balance excess heat (Pitta) and soothe the heart and mind.
During the medieval and Renaissance periods in Europe, rose oil was used in apothecaries and monastic medicine as a calming, beautifying, and wound-healing agent. It was prized in balms, salves, and perfumes for royalty and was often used ceremonially to anoint the sick or dying.
In Ayurvedic medicine, rose (called “Shatapatri”) is used in both oil and water form to balance Sadhaka Pitta (the emotional aspect of the heart), improve complexion, and enhance mental clarity and mood.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, rose oil became a luxury commodity in European perfumery, with Bulgaria (particularly the Valley of Roses) emerging as a major global supplier. Today, Bulgarian and Turkish rose oils remain among the most sought-after and expensive essential oils in the world.
In modern aromatherapy, rose oil is considered one of the most powerful essential oils for emotional healing, skin rejuvenation, and spiritual upliftment, often used in blends for grief, love, forgiveness, and beauty.
Uses: Health Conditions
Anxiety (Scientific)
Depression (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Stress (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Body Systems
Brain (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)
Vagina (Traditional)