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Rose
Botanical Name:
- Rosa centifolia; - Rosa damascena
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| Origins |
The rose
has been loved for its fragrance at least since Roman times, when it
was used in garlands, scented baths and perfumes, often in
ostentatious public displays. But the rose has its private uses too:
Cleopatra reputedly carpeted her bedroom in rose petals to aid her
seduction of Mark Antony. |
| Description |
The
Damascena rose is cultivated in Bulgaria. The flowers are picked at
dawn and the yellow-brown oil is extracted within 24 hours. It takes
approximately five tons of blossoms to produce just 2 lb. (1 kg) of
oil-not surprisingly one of the most expensive in the world.
Centifolia roses, also yielding a richly fragrant oil, are
cultivated in France, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt. |
| Therapeutic effects |
An
aphrodisiac and mood enhancer, rose is a general tonic and
fortifier, useful for circulatory problems, constipation, headaches
and mental fatigue, menstrual and menopausal problems, and skin
disorders. |
| Uses |
Baths
and massage. One of the least toxic of all essences, it is
particularly good for older, drier, skins, and is useful for pot
pourri or to perfume bed linens and underwear (add a few drops to
the final rinse). |
| Blending
note |
Blends
well with benzoin, bergamot, chamomile, fennel, frankincense,
geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, marjoram, myrrh, neroli,
parsley, patchouli, sage, sandalwood, ylang ylang. |
| Cautionary
note |
- Not
suitable to use during the first three mounts of
pregnancy. |
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| * This image is 'eye candy' it does not represent the actual plant. |