The Rosaceae Family
The Deva of Roses
Orientation
Your animated helper will orient you to the course, so please spend a few minutes listening to her suggestions.
You can head over to Aphrodite’s Salon for this lecture. The rose is often used to represent her.
Read the essential oil descriptions, enjoy the pictures, and fill out the scent impressions sheet for the oils you can sniff.
Aphrodite has a short video at the end of the page; take the time to relax and watch it. Here is a link to your Scent Impressions Sheet-https://www.northernstarcourses.com/lesson/f-the-scent-impressions-sheet/
You will have some handouts in your journal to download at the bottom of the page.
Rose Otto, Damask Rose
Rosa x damascena
From: Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco
Class: monoterpenols (48-93%).
3 Key Constituents: (-)-Citronellol, geraniol, alkenes, gamma alkanes
Roses from different countries have different chemical constituents.
Three ways of producing rose oil are steam distilled from petals, making concrete, or an absolute. The Otto (steam-distilled version) is best for body application in aromatherapy, like skin or healing purposes. Otto derives from “attar,” meaning essence or perfume in Arabic. Hot steam distillation (hydrodistillation) produces rose oil and hydrosol. A two-stage coronation process involves distilling the oil-rich aromatic water left from the first distillation a second or even third time and adding this oil to the first. The yield is tiny, with one kilo produced from 3000 to 5500 kilos of fresh flowers, hence the high price. The dew-touched petals are hand-picked in the morning before the sun’s heat and distilled within 24 hours. Adulteration has increased since the Soviet control in Bulgaria, using palmarosa, geranium and other oils and synthetics.
Rose absolute is beautiful in perfumery. It is less desired for body application because a small amount of solvent remains within the absolute. Depending on the crop, it may take 300 kilos of fresh flowers to produce one kilogram of rose absolute.
It also is adulterated with palmarosa, clove bud, and balsam of Peru. Rose absolute is dominant in phenyl ethanol, giving a rich, sweet rose scent with some woody notes; the Bulgarian tends to be more honey-sweet, Turkish possesses some tart, citrus notes, and Moroccan Rose absolute is similar to the Bulgarian but is lighter and brighter. It has a more regulating, centring and sinking effect energetically. It excels for those suffering from insecurity and safety and those prone to worry and compulsive and repetitive thinking. Holmes.
You might be curious about how many rose petals are needed to steam distill one kilo of hydrosol, as you can do this yourself. It will depend on the rose variety and the petals’ water content.
You may need about 1 to 2 kilos of rose petals to produce one kilo of rose water. This ratio can vary; sometimes, even more, petals are required, depending on how concentrated you want your rose water to be. The quality of the rose petals is paramount. Using fresh, aromatic petals will yield a more potent product.
Cosmetic: Rose essential oil may benefit all skin types, including acne, dryness, sensitivity, maturity, and wrinkles. It may also help with many skin conditions, such as broken capillaries, rosacea, stretch marks after pregnancy, conjunctivitis (rose water), eczema, herpes, shingles, infections, ulcers, inflammations, swellings, and even radiation burns (Sheppard-Hanger, pg. 369).
Respiratory: chronic and bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, coughs, hay fever, and sore throat may be impacted positively. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 369
Cardio: palpitations, poor circulation, lower high blood pressure, arrhythmia, cardiotonic. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 369. A randomized, controlled trial of 60 patients with sleep quality in the coronary care unit was divided into two groups. The ones receiving rose aromatherapy showed significantly improved sleep quality. Hajibagheri A et al, Complement Ther Clin Pract 2014 20(3): 159-63.
Immune: stimulant aids tuberculosis and diphtheria. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 369
Digestive: Rose Otto may be helpful for mouth ulcers, infections, gingivitis, and liver and gall bladder congestion. It is also suitable as a bile stimulant and helpful for hangovers, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 369
Genito: urinary infections, cystitis, irregular menstruation, period pain and impotence
. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 369 Some studies suggest it raises sperm count and quality and counteracts sexual weakness in males and females. It needs to be sniffed, but some reports say the effect is strengthened when combined with vitamin A, which is taken internally. It regulates reproductive and hormonal conditions from both estrogen and progesterone deficiency. It helps with postpartum depression and menopausal syndrome, including post-hysterectomy, vaginal dryness, impotence and frigidity.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial of 120 women with pregnancy-related lower back pain found rose oil significantly reduced pain intensity without adverse effects. Shirazi M et al., J Evid Based Complement Altern Med 2017 22(1): 120-6. Another study looks at 75 students suffering from dysmenorrhea. Three groups of 25 received either self-massage only, self-massage with almond oil or self-massage with damask rose oil. The pain was significantly lower in the rose oil group by the second menstrual cycle. Sadeghi Aval Shahr H et al., J Obstet Gynaecol 2014 25:1-4.
Mind: It is where rose oil shines: it may lift depression, grief, insomnia, migraine, headache, nervous tension, stress, melancholy, sorrow, heartache, and postpartum depression. Its lovely scent may also encourage sweet dreams. It is helpful in various psychological disorders such as addiction (including food), codependency, bipolar disorders and minor depression. Distressing feelings such as shame, jealousy, envy and despair, including self-destructive and suicidal tendencies, may be eased. For chronic stress, combine with petitgrain or lavender.
Seizures—Purchon and Cantele, pg. 103, write that research shows rose essential oil can delay the onset and duration of seizures. Patients who used rose oil displayed a significant reduction in the frequency of attacks.
TCM: Rose Otto nourishes the blood, Yin and Essence and harmonizes the Heart and Shen.
Perfumery: Mid note, floral, rosy. Mid-high odour intensity, depending on the particular cultivar.
Blends with ambrette, Balsam of Peru, bergamot, black pepper, clary, chamomile Roman, clove, geranium, guaiac, jasmine, lavender, mimosa, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, and ylang.
Combine with geranium for hormonal regulation or as a cholagogue for biliary congestion or cholecystitis. For estrogen or progesterone deficiency, consider blending rose with clary sage or scotch pine, while for severe pelvic congestion with menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea, combine with niaouli. For impotence and low sperm count, combine rose with pine or black spruce.
Myth and Spirituality: Roses have been associated with lovers and romance for centuries. The colour of the flower has significance. Pink roses are for a sweetheart or to express gratitude, and orange roses are for passion. Yellow is for friendship and cheering people up. Red is for your true love. White roses are for purity or saying goodbye to those who have departed. Rose petals and essential oils are added to a bath to conjure a lover. Rosehip beads attract love. Rose is related to Venus and the water element. Evert Hopman pg. 50
Rose has been used for religious and spiritual ceremonies in many cultures. Angels are often associated with the smell of roses, as are saints. Mother Mary is associated with Roses, symbolizing her unblemished purity. Catholics pray to the divine with a rosary, a set of holy beads. Initially, the rosary was made of dried rosebuds strung together.
Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love, is often portrayed with roses, illuminating her great beauty and love.
The rose is the most revered flower across cultures. Much art, photography, and reverence have been paid to it. Valentine’s Day, the day to show gratitude to one’s lover, is often celebrated by giving flowers, and roses are a favourite. No other flower can say, “I love you,” quite like a rose.
Rose absolute and rose essential oil, mainly from Rosa Damascena, have been the focus of various studies due to their beneficial properties.
Research Will Be Similar For All of the Rose Ottos Used in Aromatherapy :
Antimicrobial and Antidepressant Properties: A comprehensive study has highlighted that rose oil possesses antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, antidepressant, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant properties alongside its relaxant and hypnotic effects. https://naturallivingonline.com/essential-oils/rose-essential-oil-rose-absolute-a-guide-to-benefits-uses-and-side-effects/
Neuroprotective Effects: Research conducted in 2017 explored the potential benefits of rose essential oil in neurodegenerative conditions, finding that it could delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease-like symptoms in an animal model by suppressing amyloid beta deposits and reducing toxicity. https://superfoodly.com/benefits-of-rose-oil-for-skin/
Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effects: A clinical trial involving pregnant women with lower back pain showed that topical application of rose essential oil significantly alleviated pain, demonstrating its analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. https://superfoodly.com/benefits-of-rose-oil-for-skin/
Psychoemotional Benefits:
Inhaling Rosa Damascena essential oil reduces stress and anxiety levels, making it a helpful component in aromatherapy for mental well-being. Citation: Farsi, Z., Rajai, N., Teymouri, F., & Gholami, M. (2021). Effect of aromatherapy with Rosa Damascena essential oil on nurses’ occupational stress in the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial. Read more.
Anti-Genotoxic Properties:
The wastewater from the steam distillation of Rosa Damascena has been shown to possess anti-genotoxic properties, suggesting that even by-products of rose oil production could be utilized beneficially in health and cosmetic industries. Citation: Gateva, S., Jovtchev, G., Angelova, T., Dobreva, A., & Mileva, M. (2022). The Anti-Genotoxic Activity of Wastewaters Produced after Water-Steam Distillation of Bulgarian Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa alba L. Essential Oils. Life, 12(3). Read more.
Caution: There have been rare reports of allergies or dermatitis in hypersensitive individuals. Tisserand & Young pg. 465 recommends a dermal maximum of 0.65 in a blend.
Rose French
Rosa centifolia/ Cabbage or May Rose
From: France, Morocco
Class: Alcohol
3 Key Constituents: 2- Phenylethanol, (-)-Citronellol, Alkanes, and alkenes, (Buccellato 1980: – Tisserand and Young, pg. 407)
Steam is distilled from petals, concrete, or absolute. The Otto (steam-distilled version) is best for physical aspects of aromatherapy, like skin or healing purposes. Absolute is beautiful in perfumery. It is less desired for healing because a small amount of solvent can be found within it.
Uses
Cosmetic: dry, mature and sensitive skin, herpes, broken capillaries. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 369
It is not as effective as rose Damascena against herpes; otherwise, it has similar effects in all areas.
It has the same emotional and perfumery characteristics.
Research for Rose Absolute, Various Types:
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties:
Rose Absolute and rose essential oil and hydrosol exhibit significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities. It is particularly noted for its high levels of phenylethyl alcohol. The oil shows vigorous antibacterial activity against several strains, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, highlighting its potential use in therapeutic and preservative applications.
Citation: Ulusoy, S., Boşgelmez-Tinaz, G., & Seçilmiş-Canbay, H. (2009). Tocopherol, carotene, phenolic contents and antibacterial properties of rose essential oil, hydrosol and absolute. Current Microbiology, 59(6), 554-558. Read more.
Content of Tocopherols and Carotenes:
This study also highlights the content of tocopherol, carotene, and other phenolic compounds in rose absolute. Notably, rose absolute contains higher levels of beta-carotene and tocopherols than rose essential oil and hydrosol, suggesting enhanced potential for combating oxidative stress.
Citation: Ulusoy, S., Boşgelmez-Tinaz, G., & Seçilmiş-Canbay, H. (2009). Tocopherol, carotene, phenolic contents and antibacterial properties of rose essential oil, hydrosol and absolute. Current Microbiology, 59(6), 554-558. Read more.
These studies provide a scientific basis for using rose absolute in various applications, especially its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties make rose absolute suitable for therapeutic uses and as a natural preservative in cosmetic and food products.
Caution: Rare reports of dermatitis in hypersensitive individuals. Maximum 2% in blends. Tisserand and Young, pg. 407
Spring Rose (Rosa bourbaniana) from India. Please do not take it internally. Do not use if pregnant. Mid note; mid odor intensity.
Tea Rose (Rosa hybrida) Mid note; mid-low odour intensity. Hybrid rose from India. Please do not take it internally. Do not use if pregnant. The volatiles are slightly different but pleasant. Joichi A et al., Flavour and Fragrance Journal 2013 28(3): 180-7.
Of course, many varieties of rose absolute and otto are on the market. Each one has its own sweet notes and regional beauty!
The Roses Video- With A Mature, Aphrodite
ROSE ABSOLUTE Rosa damascena– Lynda Hughes, Student Video
Lynda has chosen Emily, a Ship’s Meditation Instructor, to Read Her Tribute.
Roses by Emily Dickson
Nobody knows this little Rose.
Might a pilgrim be
Did I not take it from the ways
And lift it to thee.
Only a Bee will miss it.
Only a Butterfly,
Hastening from far journey
On its breast to lie
Only a Bird will wonder
Only a Breeze will sigh
Ah, Little Rose, how easy
For such as thee to die!
Please write your poem on roses, funny or romantic and share it with your Facebook forum group.
You can visit your Practical Potion Journal in the downloads below for rose recipes.
