The Rosa Damascena plant was most likely brought to the Bulgarian lands from the Middle East. The best home for it in Bulgaria was found in the valleys around the towns of Kazanlak, Karlovo and Kalofer along the southern slopes of the majestic Balkan range and Sredna Gora mountain. There is something about the air, soil and climate of that area that stimulates the natural synthesis and accumulation in its blossoms of rose oil of outstanding aroma.
Rose essential oil is one of the most sought after, highly potent essential oils, that is used in perfumery, cosmetics, as well as the food and pharmaceutical industry. Here are a few of the potential benefits of Rose Essential Oil:
- Skin health
- Acne
- Astringent
- Depression/anxiety
- Hormone health - increases libido
- Helps control a fever
People who are new to Essential Oils can get confused with the different types of Essential Oils that are out there... below are some details on the individual types of Rose oil (roughly in order of price, from lower to higher):
Rose absolute (Rosa damascena): This has a deep, rich colour and a scent to match. Not especially sweet, nor indeed anything like the rose aroma that is associated with many rose-scented toiletry products. Rounded and persistent, a little goes a long way. The lowest price of all the rose oils due to the higher production yield. Great if you need a strong rose aroma for a blend, however the use of a solvent to extract the oil brings its own dilemmas when it comes to using on the skin.
Persian Rose essential oil (Rosa damascena): Solid at room temperature this oil has a high level of plant waxes which slow its movement down a little in comparison to the other distilled rose oils.The Persian Rose has a slightly drier scent than the classic Bulgarian Rose, if anything more like the Rosa Alba (White Rose). At just over half the price of the Bulgarian Rose this oil makes a good introduction to the distilled rose oils. If you struggle to persuade it out of the bottle just pop it in a warm place for a little while.
Turkish Rose essential oil (Rosa damascena): Very similar to the Bulgarian Rose in terms of scent but costs a little less. It isn't Bulgarian but it is still very beautiful!
White Rose essential oil (Rosa alba): Not a Rosa damascena but a Rosa alba. A dusky and mysterious fragrance; a favourite with men.
Bulgarian Rose essential oil (Rosa damascena): The classic rose, deep, rich and inviting. There are two varieties, the organic oil and the traditionally farmed oil. They share the same base scent however the organic version is a little deeper and more complex (and also costs more due to the increased costs associated with organic farming).