Botanical Name: Rosa damascena Botany and Origins: The Rosa species are small prickly shrubs 2.4m high and is considered a native of Europe and Western Asia. It has been suggested that the Mediterranean Rosa gallica is one of the species from which modern rose cultivars are derived. Rosa gallica is a vigorous spreading shrub with dense foliage and few thorns. It has fragrant, semi double light red flowers with yellow stamens. The birthplace of the cultivated rose, Rosa damascena was probably northern Persia, or Faristan on the Gulf of Persia. It then spread across Mesopotamia, Palestine and across to Asia Minor and Greece. The European name for the Damascus rose dates from the Crusades, but it is now incorporated in its botanical name. While there are thousands of rose varieties, there are three varieties which are typically used for rose oil production. They are: Damask Rose from Rosa damascena Cabbage or May Rose from Rosa centifolia Rosa gallica Cultivation of Rosa damascena and the production of rose oil was introduced to Bulgaria, then part of the Turkish Empire in the 15th century. Commercial rose growing to produce rose oil was well established in the Kazanlik region of Bulgaria by the end of the 17th century. It is the Bulgarian rose oil which today is still considered the most prized of all rose oils. The Bulgarian rose industry is confined to one mountain district, having for its centre town of Kazanlik. The other rose oil producing countries are France, Morocco, Turkey, Italy and China. The farm that produces the rose oil has a history of more than 100 years. They have been distilling rose oil since 1909 and all products are certified by National Laboratory "BulRose". Method of Extraction: Rose Otto oil is obtained by steam distillation of the whole flowers. The flowers are generally picked manually and to minimise loss of oil, harvesting needs to be done between 5am and 10am as this is the period that the flowers are open and the oil content is highest. Flowers must be transported promptly to the distillery. It takes approximately 70 full bloomed flowers to produce 1 drop of the oil. Cultivation: Conventional Historical and Traditional Uses: In ancient art and literature, the rose was the predominant flower symbol. Its blossom symbolises beauty, love, youth, perfection and immortality. The word rosa comes from the Greek word rodon (red), and the rose of the ancients was a deep crimson colour, which probably suggested the Greek fable of its springing from the blood of Adonis. According to Islam, rose originated from the sweat of Mohammed. The therapeutic remedies containing rose have a cooling and soothing influence. it is interesting to note that the fields of application of rose oil in ancient medicine are almost identical with those of modern aromatherapy. In Chinese and Sanskrit manuscripts rose was highly praised. The Chinese physician, Li Shin-Chen mentioned that "its medicinal action is upon the liver, stomach, and blood." Ancient Rome had an insatiable appetite for roses and rosewater. During festivals and banquets rose petals were strewn over the floor and along the streets. Self-indulgent Romans wore rose garlands at their feasts, as a prevention against drunkeness. The first preparation of rosewater was by Avicenna in the 10th century. Although rose was highly esteemed in ancient civilisations, it is believed that the oil was first distilled in the early 1600s. It was said that rose oil was discovered at a wedding feast of the princess Nour Djihan to the Grand Mogul Djihanguyer. A canal circling the whole garden was dug and filled with rose water. They noticed a scum had formed on the water and was floating on the surface. The scum turned out to be oil that the heat of the sun had caused to separate from the water. Rose and rose products were employed extensively in English medicine, notably by the well known physician Nicholas Culpeper, who used rose oil as an anti-inflammatory agent. An ointment of roses was used to soothe headaches, a syrup to 'comfort the heart', and rose leaves mixed with mint were applied externally as a poultice to 'quiet the over-heated spirits'. Nowadays, rose oil and rosewater are extensively used as fragrance components in skin care preparations, perfumes, soaps and in food flavouring. Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: A study has demonstrated that rose oil can reduce high blood pressure and arrhythmia of the heart. The same study also discussed the spasmolytic effect of rose oil and its ability to act as a protective against gastrointestinal ulceration. Another study has confirmed the effect of the combination of rose and melissa on Herpes zoster and Herpes simplex. A clinical trial has found rose oil to exhibit anti-anxiety effect and was concluded that rose oil has a pharmacological activity similar to non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic drugs. Indications: Nervous System: Rose oil has been assigned to the heart. The essential oil of rose has a profound psychological effect. It is referred to as a gentle but potent antidepressant. It may be used as a sedative for the nerves and is useful for the treatment of palpitations, irritability and insomnia. It helps to release anger, despair and frustration. It opens the heart and soothes feelings such as anger, fear and anxiety. Rose comforts in times of sorrow, dissolves psychological pain, refreshes a sad heart, and opens doors to love, friendship, and empathy. Reproductive System: Rose oil is valuable for the treatment of gynaecological problems. It has an astonishing effect on the female sexual organs as a purifying and regulating agent. It is considered as a tonic of the uterus. It regulates menstruation and relieves menstrual cramps and excessive menstrual bleeding. It is recommended for functional infertility. It is beneficial when it is difficult to predict ovulation dates because of an irregular cycle. Skin Care: Rose oil has excellent emollient, softening and hydrating properties which accompanied by its stimulating and antiseptic qualities, make it ideal for all skin care, especially for mature, dry or sensitive skin. It has a tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries and can be used for the treatment of broken capillaries, redness and inflamamtion of the skin. Rosewater is also used in skin care for its soothing and mildly astringent properties. Safety: Rose oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising. Country of Origin: Bulgaria Size: 1ml, 5ml, 10ml (for 15ml and above, please contact us)
