What to know about Rosa damascena (damask rose) before using it medicinally

Rosa damascena, commonly known as damask rose, is a fragrant and versatile herb that has been prized for centuries for its numerous health-promoting properties, which range from reducing stress and anxiety to aiding in the treatment of digestive issues and skin conditions.

As a popular ornamental and medicinal plant, Rosa damascena is cultivated for its flowers, which are used in perfumery and as a key ingredient in traditional medicine. From a botanical standpoint, the damask rose is a hybrid of Rosa centifolia and Rosa moschata, and its flowers contain a high concentration of essential oils, including geraniol and phenylethyl alcohol.

Historically, Rosa damascena has been revered in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Unani, where it has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and promote overall well-being.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Rosa damascena.

What are the medicinal properties of Rosa damascena?

Rosa damascena helps with anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues due to its sedative, antispasmodic, and carminative properties. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial effects.

The active constituents of Rosa damascena include volatile oils, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, which are responsible for its medicinal properties. The most significant components are geraniol, linalool, and β-damascenone, which exhibit sedative, antiseptic, and antifungal activities.

The most commonly used parts of the plant for medicinal purposes are the petals and essential oil. The petals are used for making infusions, teas, and tinctures, while the essential oil is used in aromatherapy and as a topical treatment.

Improper use of Rosa damascena can lead to side effects such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and interactions with medications. High concentrations of the essential oil can cause central nervous system depression and respiratory problems.

Precautions when using Rosa damascena medicinally include consulting a healthcare professional, using it in moderation, and avoiding use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also essential to ensure the quality and authenticity of the plant material and essential oil.

What are the horticulural aspects of Rosa damascena?

Rosa damascena grow in temperate climates with warm summers and cold winters. The ideal temperature range for growth is 10-25°C (50-77°F), and it requires full sun to partial shade. Soil pH should be between 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth.

Planting tips for Rosa damascena include choosing a well-drained soil with a mix of sand and clay. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, and plant at the same depth as the pot. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Space plants 3-4 meters apart.

Harvesting tips for Rosa damascena involve timing the picking of flowers for optimal oil content. Petals are picked in the morning, and the essential oil is extracted through steam distillation. Harvesting is typically done between June and August, depending on the climate and region.

Common pests and diseases affecting Rosa damascena include powdery mildew, black spot, and aphids. Regular pruning and maintenance can help control these issues. Fungal diseases can be managed with fungicides, and aphid infestations require systemic insecticides.

What are the botanical aspects of Rosa damascena?

Rosa damascena is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Rosaceae. It has a woody stem, thorny canes, and compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets. Flowers are solitary, fragrant, and double-petaled, with a diameter of 4-6 cm. The plant grows up to 1-2 meters tall.

Rosa damascena is classified within the species Rosaceae and further classified as follows: Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Magnoliophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Rosa, Species: R. damascena. The plant has been classified as Rosa centifolia and Rosa damascena var. damascena.

The variants of Rosa damascena include Damask rose, Bulgarian rose, and French rose. The plant is known to have several cultivars, including 'Autumn Damask' and 'Damask Perpetual'. Some sources also recognize Rosa centifolia and Rosa damascena var. damascena as synonyms.

Rosa damascena is native to Central Asia, specifically in present-day Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. The plant has been naturalized in the Middle East, Mediterranean region, and India. It is also cultivated in several countries, including Egypt, Bulgaria, and Turkey, where it is valued for its essential oil and fragrance.

The life cycle of Rosa damascena typically begins in spring, with new growth emerging from the woody stem. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, with the plant producing a single, fragrant flower per stem. The plant goes dormant in autumn, with the leaves and stems dying back to the ground. New growth begins again in spring, repeating the cycle.

What are the historical aspects of Rosa damascena?

Rosa damascena is an ancient plant with a rich history of use. In traditional medicine, its flowers have been used to treat various ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, and menstrual disorders. Its oil has been employed as a natural perfume and fragrance.

In mythology, the damask rose is associated with the goddess Aphrodite, who was said to have been born from the foam of the sea and had a garden of roses. The rose was also associated with the goddess of love, Eros, and was said to be the favorite flower of the ancient Greeks.

The damask rose has been imbued with a range of symbolic meanings across cultures. In ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, it represented love, beauty, and passion. In Persian and Arabic traditions, it symbolized secrecy and silence. In Christianity, it represents the Virgin Mary.

Historical texts document the use of damask rose in ancient times. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BCE) mentioned the use of rose oil for therapeutic purposes. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE) described the use of damask rose oil in perfumery. The Persian physician Avicenna (980-1037 CE) wrote about the medicinal properties of the damask rose.

Historical artifacts featuring the damask rose include ancient Greek and Roman pottery, coins, and mosaics. The damask rose is also depicted in Persian miniatures and Arabic illuminated manuscripts. In Islamic art, the rose is often combined with other motifs to create intricate floral designs.