Rose was one of the first essential oils that Sylla worked with in her aromatherapy practice. It is also one that holds deep emotional resonance for her, as it was a source of comfort during a time of grieving.
Therapeutically, Rose is an oil that can be good for practically everything. It can be helpful for skin-care blends, balancing hormones, cardiovascular issues, stress, migraines, emotional disorders, and much more.
Rose is just one of the oils featured in the Atlantic Aromatic Library. Here, we’ve included a sneak peek, so you can get a sense of what it has to offer.
In this video, you will learn:
- The difference between Rose Otto and Rose absolute.
- How chemistry affects the oil.
- How Sylla used Rose to treat emotional issues.
- Why it’s good to vary oils during difficult times.
Below, we’ve also included an abbreviated profile of Rose (full video and profile available in the Atlantic Aromatic Library).
Rose Exploration
Common name: Rose
Botanical name: Rosa damascena
Part of the Rosaceae family, there are many variations of Rosa damascena. The biggest areas of production are Bulgaria and Turkey, and other names for it include Summer Rose, Bulgarian Rose, Turkish Rose, Otto of Rose, and Attar. Rose Otto is the oil, while the absolute is a thicker, richer-smelling extract. When you hear the name Rose Otto, you’ll know it’s the essential oil.
Rosa centifolia is another species that produces a much lighter oil. It comes from many different places. In the video, you’ll see that Sylla’s sample is from Russia.
In the Otto, stearoptene levels are up to 22%. These constituents are the more solid parts of the oil, which can cause the Otto to solidify at about room temperature. There are also monoterpenols in the Otto, along with geraniol and citronellol—up to 45%. The percent of phenylethyl alcohol is not as high in the Otto as it is in the absolute. The phenylethyl alcohol, or PEA, is what produces that very rosy, floral scent. A lot of people prefer the absolute for this reason.
Drawing these samples up in the pipette, you can see the beautiful color of the Damask Rose. It is clear, which is very similar to Rosa centifolia. The absolute is a little thicker, darker, and richer. More color may come through with the absolute because it’s solvent-extracted. Try blending the two together to get the best of both.
Now, we’d love to know:
- Do you have a preference for steam-distilled Rose or the Rose Absolute? Why?
- What are your favorite ways to use Rose?
Leave us a comment with your answers and let’s keep this conversation going!
You can enjoy this video and profile in full by joining us in the Atlantic Aromatic Library. Claim your seat now, and get ready to begin your learning journey with a collection of meditations, lessons, recipes, interviews, and more.
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