The Bulgarian damask rose (Rose Damascena), cultivated since the 16th century, is universally considered to produce the finest quality distilled essence, or “otto”.  Rose otto is the pure oil extracted from the petals of the Bulgarian Rose Damascena, which is only cultivated and harvested in the Bulgarian Rose Valley (Rozova dolina).

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The Greek poet Sappho called the rose “the queen of flowers” for a very good reason. Because of the amazing properties of Bulgarian rose otto, it’s many applications in skin care, medicine, aromatherapy and perfumery, as well as the limited supply every year, it is considered one of the most precious essential oils in the world. This is no wonder as it takes over 3 tonnes of fresh rose petals to extract just 2.2lbs (1 kg) of Rose oil.

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Therapeutically, rose oil is cleansing, and detoxifying. It is anti-inflammatory, acne-preventing, and balancing as well as anti-aging and moisturizing. Rose oil is also rejuvenating, stimulating, harmonizing and antiseptic.

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Rose oil is even shown to ease pain. In a study conducted in 2020, children recuperating from surgery inhaled either almond oil or rose oil. Patients in the group that inhaled rose oil reported a marked decrease in the levels of pain they felt. Researchers hypothesise that the reason may be that the rose oil stimulated their brains to release endorphins, the so called “feel-good” hormone.

Based on the outcome of this study, the researchers suggested that aromatherapy using rose oil could be an effective way to ease pain in patients who have undergone surgery.

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Another earlier study conducted in 2013, involved patients with menstrual pain receiving abdominal massages to relieve their discomfort.

One group was massaged with a carrier oil (almond oil) only, while the other group was massaged with almond oil and rose oil. The group receiving a massage with rose oil reported having less cramping pain following the massage than the group massaged with almond oil only did. 

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Rose oil has additionally been shown to decrease anxiety as well as stress. 

In a 2019 study, researchers applied rose oil to the skin of each study participant and proceeded to measure its effects on the most common symptoms of anxiety. These symptoms: blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, cortisol levels, and blood oxygen levels all decreased. The subjects also reported feeling more relaxed after the rose oil treatment.

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Yet another study from 2022, involving more than 100 women who were giving birth found that rose oil lowered their anxiety levels during delivery. 

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Spiritually, rose oil is supportive of the Heart’s Yin-energy, helping to restore a sense of emotional security. It restores the capacity for self-fulfilment by helping to find the joy that lies within.

Rose oil calms and supports the Heart, helping to nourish the Heart-yin and restore a sense of well-being. It can help alleviate nervous anxiety, insomnia and palpitations.