The Pharmacy of Flowers
Rose
Rosa sp.
Roses have a long history of use in perfumery, cosmetics, and medicine. They are one of the most important commodities of the floral industry. Of all the flowers, rose is probably the most universal botanical symbol of spirituality in religious culture.
There are more than 5,000 varieties of roses, yet only a few give the fragrance sought by perfumeries. The most popular is the pink to light red Damascus rose (Rosa damascena forma triginipetala). This variety, along with the white rose, (Rosa damascena var. alba), are the two crops grown in the Valley of Roses in Bulgaria, one of the world's oldest and most famous rose producing areas. The Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia and Rosa bourbonia are older varieties of roses which play an important role in India's rose industry.
Roses are an example of how organic farming sustains and protects ecosystems and provides local plant-based economies. Sustainable rose cultivation methods have been practiced in some places for hundreds of years; the Damascus rose was brought to the Valley of the Roses from Tunisia in 1420. Roses had been well established throughout this area of the Turkish Empire for several centuries before that time.
The production of high quality rose oil is labor intensive. Unlike plants which produce high concentrations of essential oils, such as lavender or rosemary, rose petals secrete only minute amounts. It takes 3,500 kilos of flowers to produce one kilo of oil; this is 1,400,000 handpicked blossoms to produce thirty-five ounces of oil, 40,000 blossoms for one ounce of oil, and sixty-seven blossoms to make one drop of oil. The petals must be harvested in the early morning hours, before the heat of the sun evaporates the oil.
Roses play an important economic role in all the regions where they are cultivated. In parts of India, Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, and other places, they are a major item of commerce, providing perfume oil, fresh flowers for garlands and the flower industry, medicines, food flavorings, and other items.
The fragrance of rose oil produces a gentle but potent antidepressant effect. It brings joy to the heart, promotes feelings of love, reduces fear, drives away melancholy, and helps recovery from sadness and grief. Rose oil relaxes the nervous system, restores adrenal function, and is very helpful for balancing female hormones. As a perfume, rose fragrance represents the essence of purity and innocence, yet is also a sensuality-enhancing aphrodisiac.
Rose petals are valued in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as a sweet, cooling, and astringent anti-inflammatory. Gulkand, an Ayurvedic jam made primarily of rose petals and rejuvenating herbs, is used as a cooling tonic to combat fatigue and heat-related conditions; it is also naturally rich in calcium and has antioxidant properties. Rose petals are used as an adjunct in laxative and digestive formulas, and as an infusion for internal inflammations. Rosewater is good compress for conjunctivitis, infected wounds, fevers, and in various inflammations.
In cosmetics, rose is unsurpassed as a beauty oil. It benefits every skin type, especially infected, dry, and sensitive skin. Rosewater is an excellent skin lotion.
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