Rose Otto (Rosa Damascena)
Location: Rose otto and rose absolute have long been produced at the perfume centre in Graase in southern France. Other countries of production include Egypt, Morocco and Turkey. However the finest rose otto is produced in Bulgaria.
Extraction: The otto is distilled from the damask rose; the absolute is solvent extracted from the cabbage rose. Both the otto and the absolute are extremely expensive but very useful in aromatherapy.
Colour and Odour: The otto is pale yellow in colour and has a sweet, rich, deep floral-spicy aroma; the absolute is a dark amber colour with a sweet, tenacious floral scent.
Description: A small prickly shrub growing to about 90cm-1.8 metres high with flowers that have an exquisite fragrance. The flowers are picked very early in the morning for both distillation and solvent extraction.
Background: One of the oldest and best known of al perfumes. The rose is also the most loved, praised, sought after and written about of all flowers. The history of the rose otto is traditionally traced to the wedding of the Mogul Emperor Djihanguyr and Princess Nour Djihan in India. When the rose petals were placed on the water of the canals surrounding the palace, it was noticed that a thin film of oil was left floating on the surface of the water. On closer examination this substance was found to smell of roses. Distillation of rose otto apparently started shortly thereafter, both in India and also in neighbouring Persia. In modern times the Indian and Persian rose otto production has declined and the modern production of rose otto is found centred around the Mediterranean lands. The amount of oil in the rose is so small that it requires approx. 6000 roses to produce 30ml of otto. Rose oil is therefore one of the most expensive of all perfume ingredients.
Properties: Cleansing, tonic, soothing, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
Uses
Circulatory System- Can help tone the blood vessels, cleanses the blood, can promote circulation; can help regulate the action of the heart. Good for anaemia.
Reproductive System-Can help ease premenstrual tension and painful periods.
Nervous System-Rose's soothing action on the nerves can help promote good sleep.
Skin- Useful for all skin types but particularly so for mature, dry or sensitive skin with any redness or inflammation. Rose's tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries can help reduce thread veins. It also rejuvenates and regenerates the skin.
Emotion- Rose is luxurious and sensual; it provides emotional comfort in times of turbulence. It soothes and calms and instils a feeling of peace and happiness.
