Embrace Calm and Confidence with Rose: How This Essential Oil Can Transform Your Well-Being
- May 24
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Ah yes, rose, the scent that might bring up memories of a grandmother’s perfume, yet it’s also one of the most cherished flowers among lovers. It vibrates at 320 Hz and is often considered deeply intelligent. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, rose is regarded as warming; in Ayurveda, it’s seen as cooling. Rose seems to respond to what each person needs, for some, its gentle warmth softens helping to ease pain and relax the muscles. For others, its cool touch soothes emotional heat, offering calm during times of stress and anxiety. Since roses have been cultivated for centuries, it has many uses and properties such as being an analgesic, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, restorative, reproductive tonic and vulnerary⁽¹⁾.
In this article, you will learn:
Pharmacology & Research Studies
Menstrual Pain
A randomized controlled trial involving 75 students explored the effects of rose essential oil on primary dysmenorrhea. Participants were divided into three groups: one performed self-massage with rose oil, another with unscented almond oil, and the third with no oil. All groups practiced the intervention on the first day of their menstrual cycles over two consecutive cycles. While no significant changes in pain were observed after the first cycle, the rose oil group showed a marked reduction in pain severity after the second cycle, suggesting rose essential oil may offer effective relief from menstrual cramps over time⁽²⁾.
A study published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine examined the effects of aromatherapy massage on menstrual pain and anxiety in 63 female nurses with moderate to severe symptoms. Participants were divided into three groups: one received a 10-minute self-massage with a 3% essential oil blend containing rose absolute (Rosa centifolia), rose otto (Rosa damascena), clary sage (Salvia sclarea), rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and ginger (Zingiber officinale); another used a placebo oil; and the third received no treatment. After accounting for dropouts, 25 remained in the aromatherapy group and 15 in each of the others. Pain and anxiety levels were assessed four times during menstruation. After 24 hours, the aromatherapy group experienced significantly greater relief from both pain and anxiety compared to the placebo and no-treatment groups ⁽²'³⁾.
A clinical trial published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine explored the effects of aromatherapy massage on menstrual pain and bleeding. 95 participants were divided into two groups and underwent two treatment phases, each lasting seven days before menstruation. One group received abdominal massages with a blend of essential oils including cinnamon, rose, and lavender, while the other used plain almond oil. The groups then switched treatments. Results showed that essential oil massage significantly reduced pain intensity, shortened the duration of pain, and decreased menstrual bleeding, suggesting it may be an effective natural approach for managing menstrual symptoms⁽³'⁴⁾.
Post Operative Pain
A clinical trial published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine investigated the impact of aromatherapy with lavender and Damask rose essential oils on anxiety and post-surgical pain in women undergoing cesarean sections. 90 participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: lavender, rose, and control and exposed to their assigned treatment through 30-minute inhalation sessions. Results showed that both essential oils significantly reduced anxiety and pain levels, with rose proving more effective than lavender, highlighting their calming and analgesic properties⁽³'⁵⁾.
A 2013 clinical trial investigated the effects of inhaling Rosa damascena essential oil on post-operative pain in children aged 3 to 6 years. 64 participants were randomly assigned to receive either rose oil or almond oil (placebo) in a double-blind design. Aromatherapy was administered at regular intervals following surgery, alongside standard pain medication. The results, measured using the Toddler-Preschooler Postoperative Pain Scale (TPPPS), showed that children who inhaled rose oil experienced significantly lower pain levels compared to the placebo group, suggesting that rose essential oil can effectively support pain management in pediatric patients⁽³'⁶⁾.
Renal colic
A study was conducted on eighty patients aged 19 to 64 who were diagnosed with renal colic in the emergency room. Half of the patients received conventional therapy plus a placebo, while the other half received aromatherapy with rose essential oil in addition to conventional treatment. Pain severity was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at the start of treatment, and again at 10 and 30 minutes after treatment began. Patients exposed to rose essential oil experienced a greater reduction in renal colic pain compared to those who received conventional therapy alone ⁽³'⁷⁾.
Postpartum
A small pilot study explored the effects of aromatherapy on postpartum anxiety and depression in 28 women considered high risk. Participants inhaled a 2% dilution of Lavandula angustifolia and rose otto essential oils twice weekly over a four-week period. The results showed a significant reduction in postnatal depression scores, suggesting that this blend may offer emotional support during the postpartum period⁽⁸⁾.
Post Operative Anxiety
A 2019 study explored the impact of rose essential oil on preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing rhinoplasty. Ninety-nine participants were divided into three groups: a control group with no treatment, a sham group that inhaled a mixture of distilled water and ethyl alcohol, and a test group that received the same mixture with the addition of 0.2 mL of Rosa damascena essential oil. The aromatherapy was delivered via an ultrasonic diffuser for 15 minutes before surgery. Results showed that patients who inhaled rose oil experienced reduced anxiety levels compared to the other groups, highlighting its potential as a calming preoperative intervention⁽⁹⁾.
A study using the microdilution method tested the antimicrobial effects of rose essential oil against several harmful bacteria, including both standard strains and clinical isolates of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, B. subtilis, S. aureus, and S. pneumoniae. Results showed that rose oil exhibited notable antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These findings suggest that rose essential oil may serve as a natural antimicrobial agent, with potential benefits for both human health and environmental applications⁽¹⁰⁾.
Endocrine
Sexual Dysfunction
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 2015 investigated the potential of rose essential oil to alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in men diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The study included 60 male participants and found that those who received rose oil reported significant improvements in both sexual function and depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group⁽¹¹⁾. In a related study involving 50 women, rose essential oil was also linked to enhanced sexual function, though the effects were less pronounced⁽¹²⁾.
Improves Skin Health
Acne
A 2010 in vitro study assessed the antibacterial properties of ten essential oils against Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium involved in acne development. Rose essential oil, along with thyme, lavender, and cinnamon, showed potent activity by eliminating the bacteria within five minutes at a 0.25% dilution, highlighting its promise as a natural antimicrobial agent⁽¹³⁾.
Ways to Use
Bath Salt Scrub
Rose essential oil makes a beautiful bath salt assisting with relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.
To make your own bath salt scrub, you need:
1 glass bowl
10 drops Rose (Menta x piperita) essential oil
5 drops Mandarin (Citrus riticulata) essential oil
8 oz Pink Himalayan Salt
4 fl oz Jojoba oil
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the jojoba oil, pink Himalayan salt, and essential oils. Mix thoroughly using a metal spoon.
Transfer the mixture into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Stir well before each use.
To use, gently massage a small amount onto damp skin in circular motions to exfoliate. Rinse thoroughly.
Note: Use caution when exiting the tub, as the oils may make the surface slippery.
Rose Facial Spray
Refreshing and moisturizing this facial spray is lightly floral, giving your face a beautiful glow!
To make the facial spray, you'll need:
1 100 ml glass spray bottle
100 ml rose hydrosol
2 tbsp vegetable glycerine
Directions:
In a clean 100 ml glass spray bottle, combine the rose hydrosol and vegetable glycerine.
Secure the cap and shake gently to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
After cleansing, spritz onto your face, neck, and décolletage for a refreshing and hydrating boost.
Lotion and/or Massage oil
Menstrual Cramp Relief
To make your own menstrual cramp lotion, you need:
1 1 oz glass container
1 fl oz lotion - unscented
1 drop Rose otto (Rosa damascena) essential oil
3 Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
3 Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
3 Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
To make your own menstrual cramp oil, you need:
1 1 oz glass dropper bottle
2/3 fl oz Almond oil
1/6 fl oz Jojoba oil
1/6 fl oz Evening primrose
1 drop Rose otto (Rosa damascena) essential oil
3 Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
3 Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
3 Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Directions:
Lotion
In a clean glass bowl, combine the unscented lotion base with all the essential oils.
Mix thoroughly until fully blended.
Transfer to a clean container with a tight-fitting lid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Apply to the abdomen as needed.
Oil
Pour the carrier oils into a clean glass dropper bottle.
Add the essential oils to the bottle.
Secure the dropper top and gently shake to mix.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Apply to the abdomen as needed.
Warnings & Contraindications
No known contraindications. Non-toxic and non-irritating⁽¹⁴⁾.
Hazards: May contain methyleugenol; to reduce the risk of skin irritation dilute it to a maximum of 0.6%⁽¹⁴⁾.
Risk for adulteration: Rose essential oil is often adulterated with substances such as ethanol, 2-phenylethanol, geranium oil, rhodinol, and other rose-scented alcohols to reduce costs⁽¹⁴⁾.
Conclusion
Rose has been cherished in traditional medicine for centuries as a powerful and intelligent healing plant. Today, modern research is beginning to validate what many cultures have long known, revealing the remarkable properties and therapeutic potential of this timeless botanical.
References:
1 Rose [Internet]. Herbal Academy - The Herbarium [cited 2025 May 19]. Available from:https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/rose/
2. Sadeghi Aval Shahr H, Saadat M, Kheirkhah M, Saadat E. The effect of self-aromatherapy massage of the abdomen on the primary dysmenorrhoea [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 May 19]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25254570/
3. Yoo-Jin Kim, Vakilian K, Han SH, Latthe PM, Berek JS, Chambers CT, et al. Self-aromatherapy massage of the abdomen for the reduction of menstrual pain and anxiety during menstruation in nurses: A placebo-controlled clinical trial [Internet]. Urban & Fischer; 2011 [cited 2025 May 19]. Available from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382011001363
4. Mohebitabar S, Shirazi M, Bioos S, Rahimi R, Malekshahi F, Nejatbakhsh F. Therapeutic efficacy of Rose Oil: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Evidence [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2017 [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5511972/
5. Marzouk TMF, El-Nemer AMR, Baraka HN. The effect of aromatherapy abdominal massage on alleviating menstrual pain in nursing students: A prospective randomized cross-over study [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2013 [cited 2025 May 24]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3638625/
6. Marofi, M., Sirousfard, M., Moeini, M., Ghanadi, A. Evaluation of the effect of aromatherapy with Rosa Damascena Mill. on postoperative pain intensity in hospitalized children in selected hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2013: A randomized clinical trial [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 May 21]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878704/
7. Ayan M., Tas U., Sogut E., Suren M., Gurbuzler L., Koyuncu F., Investigating the effect of aromatherapy in patients with renal colic [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 May 21]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23072267/
8. Conrad, P., Adams, C., The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman - a pilot study [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 May 22]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22789792/
9. Banchs RJ, Bailey L, Gursoy A, Ugras GA, Valiee S, Ali B, et al. The effects of aromatherapy using rose oil (Rosa Damascena Mill.) on preoperative anxiety: A prospective randomized clinical trial [Internet]. Urban & Fischer; 2019 [cited 2025 May 22]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382018309314
10. Demirel S., Medical evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of rose oil on some standard bacteria strains and clinical isolates [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 May 24]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34653022/
11. Farnia V., Shirzadifar M., Shakeri J., Rezaei M., Bajoghli H., Holsboer-Trachsler E., Brand S., Rosa Damascena oil improves SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from major depressive disorders: Results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 May 24]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25834441/
12. Farnia V., Shirzadifar M., Shakeri J., Rezaei M., Bajoghli H., Holsboer-Trachsler E., Brand S., Adjuvant Rosa Damascena has a small effect on SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in female patients suffering from MDD [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 May 24]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26098128/
13. Zu Y., Yu H,. Liang L., Fu Y., Efferth T., Liu X., Wu N., Activities of ten essential oils towards Propionibacterium acnes and PC-3, A-549 and MCF-7 cancer cells [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 May 24]. Available from:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20657472/
14. Tisserand R, Young R. Rose . In: Essential Oil Safety. 2nd ed. ChurchHill Livingstone Elsevier; 2014. p. 404–06.
