Rose Essential Oil
Rose essential oil, extracted from the Rosa damascena plant, has a rich history and a distinctive plant description that make it a cherished and valuable ingredient.
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Historical Significance
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Ancient Origins: The Rosa damascena, commonly known as the Damask rose, has a history that dates back thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East, particularly in regions of present-day Iran and Turkey.
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Symbol of Love and Beauty: Throughout history, the Damask rose has been revered as a symbol of love, beauty, and passion. It was associated with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, and the Roman goddess Venus.
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Medicinal and Cosmetic Uses: Long before the extraction of essential oil, various parts of the rose, including its petals and rose water, were used in traditional medicine and cosmetics. It was used to treat a range of ailments and as a natural fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics.
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Cultural and Religious Significance: The Damask rose has played a role in various cultures and religions. In Islam, it is considered a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, and its oil is used in perfumes and religious rituals. In Christianity, it has been associated with the Virgin Mary.
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Plant Description
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Shrub Characteristics: Rosa damascena is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It typically reaches a height of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) and has a spreading growth habit.
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Leaves: The leaves of the Damask rose are pinnate, meaning they are compound with multiple leaflets. They are dark green, serrated along the edges, and have a glossy appearance.
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Flowers: The most iconic feature of Rosa damascena is its fragrant, pink to light red flowers. These flowers are typically double-flowered, meaning they have multiple layers of petals, giving them a lush and romantic appearance. The petals are often used to extract rose essential oil.
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Fragrance: The scent of Rosa damascena is intensely sweet and floral, with a warm and rich aroma. This fragrance is highly sought after and is one of the reasons for its historical and modern popularity.
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Cultivation: Damask roses are cultivated in various regions around the world, with Bulgaria and Turkey being known for producing high-quality Rosa damascena essential oil. They require a temperate climate and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
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In summary, Rosa damascena, or the Damask rose, has a rich historical significance as a symbol of love and beauty. It has been valued for its fragrant flowers and has been used in various cultural and religious contexts. The plant itself is a deciduous shrub with beautiful double-petaled flowers and dark green, serrated leaves. Its fragrance is celebrated for its sweetness and floral richness.
Take a Closer Look
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Floral, sweet, earthy
BOTANICAL Name
Rosa damascena
PLANT PART
Flower
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Aromatic use: Add three to four drops to the diffuser of your choice.
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Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.
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RECOMMENDED USES
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Combine one to two drops with the doTERRA moisturizer of your choice and apply to the face, neck, and décolletage.
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Apply one drop to skin imperfections twice daily.
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Diffuse in the morning for a sweet, floral aroma.
BENEFITS OF ROSE OIL
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Skin Care: Rose oil is often used in skincare products due to its potential to hydrate and soothe the skin, reduce redness, and promote a more youthful complexion.
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Healthy Inflammatory Response: may regulate many important pathways relevant to healthy inflammatory response.
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Antioxidant: It contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
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Scrapes: rose oil's soothing properties can support the healing of minor scrapes and irritations.
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Stretch marks: It may minimize the appearance of stretch marks over time with regular use.
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Aromatherapy: Inhaling the aroma of rose oil may provide a sense of relaxation and stress relief, which could indirectly benefit physical health by reducing stress-related issues.
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Discomfort Relief: It may have soothing properties and can be used in massage blends to relieve muscle tension.
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Digestive Support: Some people use rose oil for its mild digestive properties, believing it can help ease digestive discomfort.
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Respiratory Support: Inhalation of rose oil may provide a soothing effect on the respiratory system and assist with breathing comfort.
CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
10 ways to use rose oil
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Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of rose oil to a diffuser to create a calming and uplifting atmosphere in your home or workspace. Inhaling the aroma can help reduce stress and anxious feelings.
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Massage Oil: Dilute rose oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or almond oil) and use it for a soothing and aromatic massage. It can help relax muscles and promote a sense of well-being.
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Skincare: Incorporate rose oil into your skincare routine by adding a few drops to your moisturizer or face serum. It may help hydrate the skin, reduce redness, and promote a healthy complexion.
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Bath Soak: Mix a few drops of rose oil with Epsom salts or a carrier oil, then add it to your bathwater for a luxurious and relaxing soak. This can help relieve stress and leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
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Perfume: Create your own natural perfume by blending rose oil with other essential oils or use it alone. Apply it to your pulse points for a subtle and long-lasting fragrance.
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Hair Care: Add a drop or two of rose oil to your shampoo or conditioner to impart a pleasant scent to your hair and potentially promote hair health.
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Facial Steam: Add a couple of drops of rose oil to a bowl of hot water, then lean over it with a towel draped over your head to create a facial steam. This can help open pores and rejuvenate the skin.
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Room Spray: Make a homemade room spray by mixing rose oil with water in a spray bottle. Use it to freshen up your living space or as a linen spray for a calming bedtime environment.
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DIY Cosmetics: Incorporate rose oil into DIY cosmetics like creams, lotions, and lip balms for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
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Spiritual and Meditation Practices: Apply a small amount of rose oil to your wrists or palms before meditation or spiritual rituals to enhance the experience and connect with feelings of love and tranquility.
diy recipes with rose oil
1. Rose-Infused Bath Salts
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Ingredients:
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1 cup Epsom salt
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1/4 cup pink Himalayan salt (optional)
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10-15 drops rose essential oil
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5-8 drops lavender essential oil
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Instructions:
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In a mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt and pink Himalayan salt (if using).
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Add the rose and lavender essential oils, and mix thoroughly.
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Store the infused bath salts in a sealed glass jar.
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Add a couple of tablespoons to your bath for a relaxing and fragrant soak.
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2. Soothing Rose Face Mask
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Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons rose clay or pink clay
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1 teaspoon rosehip oil
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1-2 drops rose essential oil
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1-2 drops chamomile essential oil
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Water (as needed)
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Instructions:
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Mix the rose clay, rosehip oil, and essential oils in a small bowl.
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Add water gradually until you achieve a thick, spreadable paste.
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Apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area.
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Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water for refreshed and glowing skin.
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3. Romantic Massage Oil
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Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons carrier oil (such as sweet almond or jojoba oil)
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5-8 drops rose essential oil
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3-5 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
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Instructions:
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Combine the carrier oil and essential oils in a small glass bottle.
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Shake well to blend the oils.
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Use this sensual massage oil for a romantic and relaxing massage experience.
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4. Rose-Infused Hair Serum
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Ingredients:
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1 ounce argan oil
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3-4 drops rose essential oil
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2-3 drops lavender essential oil
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Instructions:
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In a small glass bottle, combine the argan oil and essential oils.
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Mix well by shaking gently.
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Apply a few drops to your hair and scalp to add shine and nourish your locks.
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5. Refreshing Rose and Mint Foot Scrub
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Ingredients:
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
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5-8 drops rose essential oil
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2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix the sugar and melted coconut oil in a bowl.
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Add the rose and peppermint essential oils and stir until well combined.
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Use this scrub to exfoliate and invigorate your feet during a relaxing foot bath.
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essential emotions & spirituality
ROSE - THE OIL OF DIVINE LOVE
Spiritual Benefits
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Heart Chakra Activation: Rose oil is believed to have a strong connection to the heart chakra, which is associated with love, compassion, and balance. It is often used in spiritual practices to open and balance this energy center.
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Enhanced Meditation: In meditation and mindfulness practices, the fragrance of rose oil is thought to promote a sense of inner peace, spiritual awareness, and connection to higher consciousness.
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Spiritual Cleansing: Some use rose oil as part of spiritual rituals or ceremonies to purify and cleanse the aura, creating a more harmonious and sacred atmosphere.
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Emotional Healing: Rose oil is believed to help release emotional blockages and traumas, allowing for a deeper connection to one's true self and inner wisdom.
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Symbol of Divine Love: In various spiritual traditions, the rose is seen as a symbol of divine love and beauty, and the use of rose oil can evoke feelings of spiritual love and devotion.
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Emotional Benefits
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Elevated Mood: The aroma of rose oil is known for its uplifting and mood-enhancing properties, making it an effective choice for reducing feelings of sadness and promoting emotional well-being.
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Stress Reduction: Inhaling the scent of rose oil is believed to reduce stress, helping individuals feel more relaxed and grounded.
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Self-Love and Confidence: Rose oil is associated with self-love and self-acceptance. It can encourage feelings of self-worth and boost self-confidence.
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Eased Grief and Loss: The comforting scent of rose oil is sometimes used to provide emotional support during times of grief and loss, helping individuals process their emotions.
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Harmonious Relationships: Rose oil is thought to promote harmony and loving communication in relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic.
Negative Emotions: Bereft of divine love, constricted feelings, closed or broken heart, lack of brotherly love
Positive Properties: Loved, compassionate, healed, tender- hearted, accepted, empathy, receiving divine love
rose oil affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that can be used to focus the mind on desired outcomes and cultivate a positive mindset. When working with rose oil or incorporating its fragrance into your wellness routine, you can combine these affirmations with your practice to enhance your experience. Here are five rose oil affirmations:
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"I am surrounded by love and beauty, just like the fragrance of a rose."
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This affirmation can help you connect with the essence of the rose, symbolizing love and beauty, and invite those qualities into your life.
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"My heart is open, and I radiate love and compassion to myself and others."
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Rose oil is often associated with matters of the heart. This affirmation can help you cultivate a loving and compassionate mindset.
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"I am worthy of self-care and self-love, just like a delicate rose petal."
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Use this affirmation to remind yourself of the importance of self-care and self-love, as symbolized by the care we give to delicate rose petals.
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"I release all negativity and embrace the beauty within and around me."
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Rose oil is thought to help release emotional blockages. This affirmation can support your journey toward emotional healing and self-acceptance.
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"I am in harmony with the universe, and I am grateful for the abundance in my life."
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Roses are often seen as symbols of harmony. This affirmation can help you cultivate a sense of gratitude and balance in your life.
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Repeat these affirmations daily or as part of your mindfulness practice while inhaling the aroma of rose oil. They can be a powerful tool for promoting positive thinking, self-care, and emotional well-being.