Scents & Sensibility - Scents of Amour

Scents & Sensibility Newsletter - Volume II - Issue 3- January 27, 2001

Scents of Amour - Rose (rosa damascena)

In keeping with the current theme of romance, this issue continues on with those scents most associated with love. Rose oil, legends say, was worn by Cleopatra to entice and seduce Mark Antony at their first meeting and is regarded by many cultures as the flower of courtship, marriage and passion
.
Rose the Aphrodisiac

We all know the scent of roses and the use of this scent in perfumes to act as a sexual attractant. The essential oil of rose contains components which mimic female hormones and are a libido enhancing menstrual regulator. Rose has a tonic and mood elevating effect, leaving one feeling positive and uplifted. As a tonic for the womb, rose can alleviate premenstrual syndrome and regulate menses as well as sooth the anxiety which may cause frigidity or impotence. The Sufi tradition holds the rose as a symbol of transcendent desire.

Oils suitable for blending with Rose include geranium, jasmine, lavender, tangerine, neroli, sandalwood and ylang ylang.

Cultivated in Bulgaria's Valley of the Roses as well as in Turkey, the damask rose was first introduced to Europe by the Crusaders returning home. The variety of rose used for making oil is pink.

It requires 4,000 pounds of flowers to produce one pound of essential oil explaining its expense. Because rose oils and absolutes are so expensive many synthetic scents are manufactured which are more affordable. These synthetic scents, however, are no comparison to the true scent nor do the synthetics have the added psychological, physiological and emotional benefits. If you have ever gotten an instant headache sniffing the scents at the typical store counter, you will fully appreciate the real thing.

Rose is used as a base and middle note with a rich, flowery and very lasting aroma and blends with geranium, jasmine, lavender, tangerine, neroli, sandalwood and ylang ylang.

Rose the Healer

Rose, like lavender, has so many positive uses, it would be hard to name them all in one brief newsletter, consequently having rose oil as a part of your basic essential oil kit, is well worth consideration. The psychological effects of rose include its ability to help sufferers bear grief, as well as, anger, jealousy and depression. Rose is a mild sedative and antidepressant and eases nervous tension and stress.

Rose balances and strengthens digestive systems, tones capillaries and stimulates circulation. It has a purging action on wastes and toxins, soothes sore throats and can help to relieve nausea. Rose is effective as an antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, diuretic, laxative and tonic amongst many other things.