'Rosa' comes from the Greek 'roden' meaning 'red', as the ancient rose was
thought to have been crimson. The 10th century Persian physician, used the
rose as his first plant to distill and a rose distillery existed in 1612 in
Shiraz, Persia.
Description of Rose :
It is floral with a rosy hint obtained by cold pressing of flowers and is
widely used in aromatherapy and cosmetic application. A small, erect,
prickly shrub with unequal, large, hooked prickles and many bristles, leaves
compound, alternate, leaflets usually five, rachis not prickly, flowers
usually pink, very fragrant, very double on long slender pedicels, calyx
tube globose, ovoid, the mouth contracted, lobes 4-5 imbricate, petals many,
stames many, inserted on the mouth of the calyx tube.
Appearance : Thick liquid
Aroma : Floral, Honey-like, Intense and Sweet
Color : Deep yellow to brownish red
Chemical constituents:: Rose oil has various chemical
compounds that include Citronellol, phenyl ethanol, geraniol, nerol,
farnesol and stearpoten with traces of nonanol, linalool, nonanal, phenyl
acetaldehyde, citral, carvone, citronellyl acetate, 2-phenylmenthyl acetate,
methyl eugenol, eugenol and rose oxide.
Extraction: It is extracted by the steam distillation and
solvent extraction of the rose petals
Aromatherapy uses:
The therapeutic properties of rose oil are antidepressant, antiphlogistic,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal,
choleretic, cicatrisant, depurative, emmenagogue, haemostatic, hepatic,
laxative, nervous system sedative, stomachic and a tonic for the heart,
liver, stomach and uterus. Oil soothes and harmonizes the mind and helps
with depression, anger, grief, fear, nervous tension and stress and at the
same time addresses sexuality, self-nurturing, self esteem and dealing with
emotional problems.
Pharmaceutical uses::
It is very helpful for poor circulation and heart problems, which includes
heart palpitations, arrhythmia and high blood pressure as well. It is also
used to boost the liver and gall bladder. Rose oil assists in cases of
asthma, coughs, hay fever, liver congestion and nausea. It is also effective
for moisturizing and hydrating the skin. It is used to repair broken
capillaries, inflammation and is useful in eczema and herpes. Rose oil is
useful in eczema and herpes. It is most effective for moisturizing and
hydrating the skin while having a general stimulant and antiseptic action
which is good for all skin types, but especially so for dry, mature and
irritated skin.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
Rose oil is used in preparations of inhalations, cold creams and lotions
and other cosmetic uses. It may be used in potpourri as a pleasant scent. It
can be mixed with vegetable glycerine for moisturizing use. It is mostly
used in perfumery and also in toilet preparations, lozenges and toothpaste.
Flavorings:
It is used in flavoring agent for cakes, candies, tea, jams, rose vinegars,
salads and cream caramel. It is also used as addtive to drinks , beverages
and yogurt. It is also used in preparing butter, syrup, jams and honey. Rose
oil is used in desserts, pastries and cakes.
