Rose Absolute Pure Essential Oil (2.5ml)

Name: Rose Absolute, Rosa centifolia

Manufacturer: Natural by Nature

Size: 2.5 ml

Concentration: Because rose essential oil is so costly in its pure form this oil has been diluted to 2.5% in pure cold pressed grapeseed oil (vitis vinvfera). This means it can still be used in oil burners, in the bath or for massage but it will go a lot further than otherwise, and will cost a lot less. The oil within the dilution is of the highest quality and when taking off the lid of the bottle you still get that gorgeous intoxicating scent that is rose, if maybe not quite a strong as on a 100% pure bottle.

Heaven-scent, this intoxicatingly beautiful, delicate yet powerful uplifting fragrance restores balance and harmony

About Rose Absolute Essential Oil: Considered by many the most precious of scents, rose oil has the ability to work on all levels, beginning its influence with the physical body, elevating the mind and penetrating to our innermost being. It is also beneficial for all skin types, and is a renowned aphrodisiac. 

A rose refreshes the soul, its fragrant poetry brings joy to the heart. 

Description of Aroma: Deep, sweet and floral, this exquisitely beautiful fragrance is characteristic of roses in bloom.

Ruling Planet: Venus

Sourced: Morocco 

Properties Beneficial To The Mind, Emotions And Spirit: Rose oil possesses the power to have deep and profound psychological effects. Working on all levels, its soothing sedative action brings balance to the emotions, while its stimulating qualities uplift the mind, creating a true sense of well-being. 

Rose has extraordinarily potent harmonizing properties. This is particularly balancing for problems of the heart, as it affects the heart chakra. It can open doors to love, friendship and empathy, encourages patience and compassion, and it may help a grieving heart deal with the loss of a loved one. 

Oil of rose dissolves blockages and feelings of disappointment. It also has a reputation for relieving mood swings during pregnancy, and for easing post-natal depression. This ultra-feminine oil gives a woman positive feelings about herself. A renowned aphrodisiac, this oil can also help with frigidity and impotence.

Rose oil releases nervous tension and stress, while helping heal the diseases resulting from this. It can ease depression, help with insomnia and release feelings of sorrow, disappointment, grief, fear, jealousy and resentment, while strengthening the inner being. 

Of Interest: The fragrance of Venus, the rose has long been considered a traditional symbol of purity and love. In mythology it is said that the rose sprung from the blood of Adonis, while the Turks believe it to come from that of Venus, and the Mohammedans from the sweat of Mohammed. Whatever its origins, roses have been used and revered for their therapeutic properties, scent and appearance since time immemorial.

According to legend, the Greek poet, Sapho, (610 - 580 BC) gave rose the name 'Queen of the Flowers. Achilles Tatios (139 BC) from Alexandria said, "If Zeus had wanted the flowers to have a queen, only the rose would have been considered worthy of this honour." The rose has been praised by poets, revered in sacred texts and offered to kings and gods. The tributes are endless.

Bunches of roses were found in the sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen, (circa 1330 BC) from Queen Ankhesenamun, as a token of her love for the young king. According to historians, during the most decadent era of Rome vast quantities of rose petals were heaped in bedrooms, on streets and in public festive arenas. The Romans valued rose as a perfume, used it to cure a hangover, added it to scented baths, made garlands from it and added it to confection. They also spread rose petals over the bridal beds of newlyweds. A happy marriage was ensured by the scattering of rose petals at weddings - a tradition now sadly degenerated into throwing paper confetti. 

Roses are believed to have originated in the Orient, possibly in Persia where warriors adorned their battle shields with red rose blooms. The oil itself was reputed to have been discovered by accident in Persia, at the wedding feast of Princess Nour Djihan and the emperor Djihanjuhr, where a canal surrounding the gardens was filled with rosewater. In the heat of the day people apparently noticed drops of oil floating on the surface. Hence the origins of the production of the famous Persian rose oil.

A similar story exists concerning the wedding of Shah Jahan, (1592 - 1666) (who built the Taj Mahal and Shalimar Gardens in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.) While arriving guests were carried by boat through fragrant water covered by rose petals, the sun began the natural distillation process. Supposedly India has used a form of steam distillation to produce rose oil ever since. 

Physicians in antiquity hailed the healing power of rose. It was even used by alchemists and added to base metals in the attempt to turn them into gold - producing rosewater and essential oil accidentally in the process. In fact rosewater was prepared during the 10th century in Persia by the Arab alchemist, Avicenna, (980 - 1037AD). It was quite possibly the first flower that oil was extracted from by distillation, although this is speculation. According to Ibn Kaldun, the province of Farnistan provided the Baghdad treasury with an annual tribute of 30,000 bottles of rosewater. 

There is a story about the Virgin Mary appearing to St. Dominus, (1170 - 1221) in a mystical vision, when he received the first ever rosary - each bead being scented with rose. Moslems, Buddhists and Catholics still use a form of rosary to this day. The rose has also been used as a companion for the dying, as it reduces fear and provides wisdom for people passing over. 

In the Middle ages the Apothecary's rose, or rosa gallica, was used in healing balms for asthma and other lung diseases. Rosa alba oil is obtained from a white rose descended from this species. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance period the rose was highly esteemed as a remedy for depression, and its ability to evoke love. It was a particular favourite in Elizabethan times, when scented food became all the rage. When vitamin C was in short supply during WW2, rosehips were substituted. 

The rose was introduced to Bulgaria in the 17th century by the conquering Turks, and nowadays Bulgaria has the largest plantation in the world, growing Rosa damascena, which looks like a dog rose with small pink flowers. It is said that the finest and most expensive oil, Rose Bulgar, comes from Bulgaria.

Rose Maroc, sometimes referred to as Rose de Mai, comes from Morocco and Turkey, and is often from Rosa centifolia, which grows in mountainous regions at around 1,300 feet above sea level. This species is also cultivated in the perfume region of Grasse, France, but produces only an absolute, not an otto. The last century witnessed a rapid gain in popularity for the French rose industry.

Rose oil has the highest vibrational frequency of any essential oil, at 320 megahertz, and is the most difficult oil to distill. It is also the most expensive, and is therefore frequently falsified and adulterated. Surprisingly only a few species of rose are cultivated on a large scale for essential oil production. It takes 30 roses to produce 1 drop, or about 60,000 blooms (approximately 180lb) to make one ounce. That is 5,000lb of fresh petals to produce 1lb of oil. A good collector can harvest about 10lb per day. The buds must be picked for a few hours only, just after the dew before the oil content diminishes, and distilled immediately to maximize oil yield. 

Rose petals and their preparations have similar properties. Rosewater has long been used as a mildly astringent skin tonic and lotion for sore eyes, and is still widely used in perfumery and cosmetics. Pure rose oil is used in very high grade perfumes, although many cheaper perfumes, soaps and toiletry products employ the delicious scent of rose, generally from synthetic substitutes. 

The rose is a favourite flower in countries all over the world. On one hand it possesses a fragrance of purity and innocence, and on the other it is an aphrodisiac, stimulating sensuality. Once you have experienced it however, you're sure to agree there's nothing quite like the real thing.

A Note About Terminology: Extraction, essential oils, hydrosols, otto, attar, and ruh, in relation to rose oil. 

The extraction of an essential oil, and its related products, must be considered a complex art form, rather than merely a chemical process. The following information is simplified. 

Rosewater is produced during the distillation process, and is also called a hysrosol - a volatile, water-soluble product.

The essential oil is the other product produced during distillation, also volatile, but non water-soluble.

Enfleurage is an ancient method of extraction, where plant material was immersed in a neutral fat or oil until the essential oil was absorbed. More recently pork fat was used, and alcohol then separated the essential oil from the fat. Nowadays this method is generally for demonstration purposes only, as the cost of oil extracted in this manner is extraordinarily high. 

Volatile solvent extraction is a modern form of chemical extraction, which produces a concentrated form called an absolute, the scent of which more closely resembles the original plant aroma than the essential oil. (This process also produces concretes and resinoids.)

Attar refers to the superior quality product produced by an ancient method of extracting rose oil, particular to the Indian culture, using co-distillation with sandalwood. This product is very expensive. Not to be confused with otto.

Otto is produced by a modern method of extraction, restricted to the production of rose oil. A very high quality product and very costly, but not as expensive as an attar or a ruh.

Ruh is the origin of modern day otto, and is produced in a similar way to an attar, but without the sandalwood. It is of a very high quality and is very costly to produce.

Properties Beneficial To The Physical Body: Rose is frequently the oil of choice for numerous women's issues, including reproductive, conception and menstrual concerns, PMT and menopause. It supports throughout childbirth and balances a woman's hormonal system, aiding recovery.

Not surprisingly rose is also a beneficial tonic for the heart, increasing the circulation. It balances and strengthens the stomach during emotional upsets and other digestive concerns, and is said to help a hangover, possibly due to its cleansing and purging effect on toxins. It is useful for respiratory disorders, including coughs and sore throats, also sprains, gum disease, headaches, migraines, fevers and shingles.

Its reputation as an aphrodisiac and remedy for sexual concerns may have some basis in fact. Rose not only sooths underlying tension, but helps the release of dopamine, the Happy Hormone!

Surprisingly rose is one of the most antiseptic oils, and is beneficial to any skin type, even a baby's sensitive skin. It is especially healing if you are suffering from eczema, inflammation, sensitivity, broken capillaries, ulcers or a wound. It is also applied to wrinkles, although prevention may be more hopeful than a cure. 

Rose Maroc Blending Suggestions: The inimitable scent of rose is a truly unique scent in its own right, however it blends superbly with many other oils, including neroli, lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, galbanum, geranium, orange, palmarosa and patchouli. 

Alternative Suggestions For Use: A massage oil made with rose is extremely effective for sensitive souls, and provides balance for those with psychological problems. In a diffuser it can positively change the atmosphere of a room. 

Essential Safety Precautions: Rose is the least toxic essential oil, and is considered baby-safe. However, always use oils diluted, unless under the advice of a qualified practitioner. Avoid during pregnancy as it can encourage menstruation. It is advisable to avoid this oil if you are prone to epilepsy. 

Do not use essential oils undiluted or take internally without the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The information contained here is for general interest and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

More About Natural by Nature
Natural by Nature Oils was established in 1974 and were one of the first companies to promote aromatherapy in the UK. Since then their reputation and expertise in producing high quality essential oils has grown and they are now recognised as one of the leading authorities in this field. Founder, Franzesca Watson is also an author and broadcaster and founded the International School of Aromatherapy in 1991.

They are against animal testing of any kind on all cosmetic products and their ingredients. They have never tested their products on animals, and do not use any animal derivatives or by-products. All their packaging is 100% recyclable or biodegradable where possible.