Rose (Rosa x damascena) Essential Oil Monograph

Common Name

Rose, Damask Rose, Rose Otto ⁽¹⁾

Botanical Name

Rosa x damascena Mill ⁽²⁾

Rosa gallica f. trigintipetala Dieck ⁽²⁾

Extraction Method

Steam Distillation ⁽¹⁾

Parts Distilled

Flowers, Petals ⁽¹⁾

Physical Properties & Energetics

• Appearance:

  • Rose Absolute: Deep Red or Reddish Brown ⁽¹⁾

  • Rose Otto: Yellow-Green or Golden to Amber ⁽¹⁾

• Viscosity: Medium ⁽¹⁾

• Aroma: Floral, Sweet, Strong, Warming, Spicy

• Note: Middle - Base

• Energetics: Cooling, Warming, Moistening ⁽¹⁾

Chemical Constituents

Bulgarian

Citronellol, Geraniol, Alkenes & alanes, Nerol, Methyleugenol, Linalool, Citronellyl acetate, Ethanol, 2-Phenylethanol, Farnesol, Beta-caryophyllene, Eugenol, Geranyl acetate, Linalool, Ethanol ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾

One of the most complex essential oils rose contains more than 300 chemical compounds ⁽¹⁾

Therapeutic properties

Analgesic ⁽³⁾ Anti-depressant ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾ Anti-inflammatory ⁽³⁾ Antiphlogistic ⁽¹⁾ Antiseptic ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾ Antispasmodic ⁽¹⁾ Antiviral ⁽¹⁾ Aphrodisiac ⁽¹⁾ Astringent ⁽¹⁾ Anxiolytic ⁽³⁾ Bactericidal ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

Choleretic ⁽¹⁾ Cicatrisant ⁽¹⁾ Depurative ⁽¹⁾ Emollient ⁽³⁾ Emmenagogue ⁽¹⁾ Haemostatic ⁽¹⁾ Hepatic ⁽¹⁾ Laxative ⁽¹⁾ Sedative ⁽¹⁾ Stomachic ⁽¹⁾ Tonic (Heart, Liver, Stomach) ⁽¹⁾

Rose Indications

Digestive System

• Alleviates hepatic stagnation. ⁽³⁾

Emotional & Psychological

• Anxiety ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Depression  ⁽³⁾

• Insomnia ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Irritability ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Sedative  ⁽³⁾

• Heart Palpitations ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Anger ⁽¹⁾

• Fear

• Despair ⁽¹⁾

• Frustration ⁽¹⁾

• Grief ⁽³⁾

• Loss ⁽³⁾

  
  

Nervous System

• Calms the nervous system ⁽¹⁾

  
  

Reproductive Health

• Uterine tonic  ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Regulates Menstruation  ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Dysmenorrhea  ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Menorrhagia  ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Infertility ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

Skin Health

• Mature, dry, sensitive skin  ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Broken capillaries  ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Redness ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Inflammation  ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

• Softening and hydrating ⁽¹⁾ ⁽³⁾

Dilution Recommendations

• Maximum dermal use: 0.6% based on 3.3% methyleugenol content ⁽²⁾

  • See Safety & Contraindications for more information

Application Methods

• Bath Salts & Bombs

• Compresses

• Diffuser Blend

• Foot Soak

• Lotions & Creams

• Massage Oil

• Personal Inhaler

• Roller Ball

• Room & Linen Spray

• Salves & Balms

• Salt & Sugar Scrubs

• Reflexology

Blends & Synergy

Combines well with all citrusts, Anise, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Chamomile, Clary Sage, (Roman), Fennel, Geranium, Ginger, Immortelle, Jasmine, Neroli, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Sandalwood , Vetiver, Ylang ylang ⁽⁴⁾

Pharmacology & Research Studies

Analgesic

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⁽⁵⁾.

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 ⁽⁵⁾ ⁽⁶⁾.

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⁽⁶⁾ ⁽⁷⁾.

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⁽⁶⁾ ⁽⁸⁾.

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⁽⁶⁾ ⁽⁹⁾.

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 ⁽⁶⁾ ⁽¹⁰⁾.

Antidepressant & Anxiolytic

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 ⁽¹¹⁾.

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 ⁽¹²⁾.

Anti-microbial 

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 ⁽¹³⁾.

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 ⁽¹⁵⁾.

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 ⁽¹⁶⁾.

Shelf Life & Storage

• Shelf life: 5 Years

• Store in a cool, dry location away from sunlight

Safety & contraindications

• General Precautions: For external use only. Keep all essential oils away from eyes, children, and pets.

• Contraindications: None known.

• Hazards: May contain methyleugenol ⁽²⁾

• Adulteration Risk: High ⁽²⁾

  • Adulteration of this oil may involve the addition of ethanol, 2-phenylethanol, rhodinol, or fractions of geranium oil. In some cases, entirely synthetic formulations composed of damascones, beta-ionone, alkenes, alkanes, citronellol, and similar rose-derived alcohols are used as substitutes and misrepresented as authentic rose oil. ⁽²⁾

• Phototoxicity: None.

• Drug Interactions: None.

• Age Restrictions: Generally considered safe for children 2 Years and Older

• Pregnancy: Do not use if pregnant

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Disclaimer:

This monograph is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herb, essential oil, supplement, or topical product, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have a medical condition.

References:

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2. Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil profiles. In Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed., pp. 242-243). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

   
   

3. Watson, J., & Fisher, J. (n.d.). Contraindications and special safety considerations. In Aromatherapy correspondence module 1: Essential oils (pp. 11-11). Joyessence Aromatherapy Centre Inc.

   
   

4. Petersen D. 3 romantic recipes with Rose Essential Oil [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2026 May 18]. Available from: https://achs.edu/blog/3-romantic-recipes-with-rose-essential-oil/

   
   

5. 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/

   
   

6. 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

   
   

7. 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/

   
   

8. 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/

   
   

9. 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/

   
   

10. 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/

    
    

11. 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/

    
    

12. 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

    
    

13. 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/

    
    

14. 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/

    
    

15. 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/

    
    

16. 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/