Roses have long been associated with the heart and beauty and are traditionally seen as a symbol of love.
Rose cultivation began in ancient Babylonia and Assyria and was passed on to Europe through later civilizations. Early garden roses were wild species grown for their beauty, fragrance, rose water, rose oil and later for medicinal and horticultural purposes.
The earliest roses are known to have grown more than 35 million years ago and fossilized roses have been found all over the world, proving the existence of this flower in prehistoric times. Fossilized rosaries were even discovered in the tombs of the ancient Egyptians.
The ancient Greeks and Romans worshiped this fragrant flower and identified it with their goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus. On special occasions, rose petals were scattered on the floor and sprinkled into the bath water. Believing the rose to be an aphrodisiac, they sprinkled the petals in their wine and beer. Cleopatra even filled her living room with rose petals to seduce Marc Antony. High society Roman women also believed that rose petals could banish wrinkles when used in poultices!
The Greek poet Sappho described the rose as the ‘Queen of Flowers’, and today many aromatherapists are convinced that there is no finer essential oil.
Although an expensive oil, Rose is one of the best all-purpose essential oils for your aromatherapy collection. It is a gentle, uplifting and soothing oil. It not only helps combat depression, sadness, anger and anxiety, but is also a tonic for the heart and digestive system. Rose is the first choice to help with women-related problems and is one of the best essential oils to use on the skin thanks to its antibacterial, astringent, anti-inflammatory and skin cell stimulating effects.
Although there are more than 150 different species of roses, the main cultivars used for oil production are Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia and Rosa gallica (known as the apothecary rose).
Rose Otto essential oil
Rose Otto essential oil has light, sweet, floral top notes with deep pink undertones. It is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh flowers and is considered by some aromatherapists to be purer and superior to Rose Absolute, which is extracted with solvents. Rose Otto tends to be preferred for therapeutic purposes.
Rose (damascena) Absolutely
Rose (Damascena) Absolute has a deep, pink, fresh aroma. Most rose absolute is obtained from the Rosa damascena, also known as the damask rose and common in Bulgaria and Turkey. It is obtained via solvent extraction and due to the lower temperatures used in the extraction process, the aroma of Rose Absolute tends to be closer to the true scent of fresh rose than Rose Otto. Rose Absolute is often used in the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics.
Rose (centifolia) Absolutely
Rose absolute can also be extracted from Rosa centifolia, also known as the cabbage rose or the Provence rose. Rosa centifolia is mainly grown in Egypt, Morocco and France for its unique scent, which is bright and sweet, with light notes of honey. Rose (centifolia) Absolute is obtained from the petals via solvent extraction, yielding an oil with a deep, rich, rose-spicy, honey-like aroma.
Rose is a highly concentrated and expensive essential oil. For a more affordable and easy-to-use option, we also offer Rose Absolute Light (Rosa centifolia Absolute diluted 5% in Jojoba) and Rose Otto Light (Rose otto essential oil diluted 5% in Jojoba).
Aromatherapy combines with rose
Aromatherapy diffuser blend
Add 3 drops of Rose, Patchouli and Bergamot essential oils to an aromatherapy diffuser/diffuser or oil burner for a beautiful mood-enhancing, confidence-boosting and anxiety-reducing blend!
Perfume appearance
Use our Rose Otto Light essential oil as a ready-to-use pulse point perfume to inspire self-love and self-confidence and open your heart.
Grounding/balancing/aphrodisiac massage oil
Mix 30 ml of carrier oil with 2 drops of rose, 3 drops of cedarwood and 4 drops of sandalwood and ylang ylang. Or try our Sensuality pre-blended massage oil with rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Aromatherapy bath mixture
Mix 2 drops of rose, frankincense and neroli and 4 drops of geranium with 15 ml of SLS Free bath and shower gel. Use as a fragrant body wash or bubble bath.
Aromatherapy bath salts
Mix 100 g Dead Sea Salt with 15 ml Jojoba, 2 drops Rose, 4 Geranium, 8 Bergamot and 10 Lavender.
Body Moisturizer (ideal for sensitive skin)
Mix 100 ml organic moisturizing lotion, 5 ml jojoba, 5 ml warmed extra virgin coconut butter, 10 drops lavender, 2 drops German chamomile and 2 drops rose.
PMS massage mixture
Mix 1 drop of Rose, 2 drops of Bergamot and 4 drops of Lavender with 15 ml of carrier oil and massage into the back and abdomen. Remember to always massage the abdomen clockwise and avoid this during menstruation. Ideal for treating bad mood and painful periods.
Complexion-enhancing facial treatment
- Mix 1 tablespoon Kaolin Clay, 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera & Rose Gel, 1 teaspoon Rosehip Seed Oil, 1 teaspoon liquid honey, 2 drops Rose Essential Oil, 2 drops Geranium and 4 drops Bergamot. Mix until you have a thick, yogurt-like paste. If it is too thick, you can loosen it with a little Rose Otto Hydrolate. Apply to the face and neck after cleansing, avoiding the eye contour.
- Soak 2 cotton pads in Rose Otto Hydrolat and place them over the eyes. Lie down and relax for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cotton pads and rinse the clay mask with warm water. Sprinkle the face with cold water, pat dry and finish with a firming spray of Rose Otto Hydrolat.
- While your skin is still slightly damp, massage in a few drops of our Rose Facial Oil to complete the process or try the moisturizer recipe below.
Facial moisturizer for dry/sensitive skin
Mix 50 ml of moisturizing lotion or cream with 5 drops of rose, 2 drops of lavender and 4 drops of carrot seed.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sharon Lovett
Marketing manager
Disclaimer and safety advice