Rose, Otto (Rosa damascena) France

Otto of Rose, also known as Attar of Rose is made from the Damask Rose best grown in the Kanzanlak valley of Bulgaria. This oil is processed using steam distillation.

The rose is highly valued in all cultures and in all religions. It is associated with the mother goddess or Aphrodite in pagan religions and just as strongly associated with the Virgin Mary in Christianity. Some species of rose grows in almost every climate in every country around the world. According to archeologists, it has been around since the Tertiary era.

The high price on Otto of Rose comes from the fact that it takes 2,000 pounds of rose petals to make only one ounce of essential oil. That translates to 400,000 flowers, or approximately 67 flowers per drop of the oil. Two and a half acres of cultivated Rosa damascena produces approximately one kilogram of the essential oil. This specific type of rose is generally not found growing wild. The flowers are harvested early in the morning and taken to large distilleries located close to the fields where they are processed the same day to ensure freshness.

Essential oil of Otto of Rose contains the chemicals citronellal, geraniol, nerol, linalool, phenyl ethyl alcohol, farnesol, stearoptene, a-pinene, b-pinene,a-terpinene,limonene, p-cymene, camphene, b-carophyllene, neral, citronellyl acetate, and eugenol,among others, but it is the very small percentage of beta-damascenone, beta-damascone, beta-ionone, and rose oxide which gives rose its unique scent. It solidifies between 51 and 61 degrees Fahrenheit. This solidification is one of the tests of the oil’s purity and quality.

It is often used for skin problems such as dry skin, sensitive skin, wrinkles, and broken capillaries. A drop or two of Otto of Rose is an excellent addition to a daily facial oil.

Rose also stimulates both the circulation and the female endocrine system, making it useful for menstrual cramps, irregular menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. It is a tonic to the uterus and legend has it that it even aids in conception. On an emotional level, it can also ease postpartum depression.

Emotional issues are an area where Otto of Rose really earns its nickname as Queen of Flowers. It has been associated with love for centuries and is considered an aphrodisiac; eliminating impotence, frigidity, and inability to love. The flower itself is a symbol of completeness: the ability to love ourselves and be in harmony with the universe. Rose allows us to laugh at ourselves, forgive ourselves, and admit our mistakes without guilt. It is associated with all the issues of the Heart Chakra and also with Netzach on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.

Otto of Rose can help deal with abuse and the restoration of trust. It represents unconditional love and often creates a sense of euphoria in those who smell it for the first time. In Kamala’s experience, she has seen it heal depression, especially when associated with heartbreak, grief, and loss. It is a sedative to the nervous system and can stop the insomnia and tension of a fearful state of mind, as well as treat shock. Because it can ease fear and soothe nerves, it has sometimes been used as a companion to the dying as well.

At Kamala’s Own, you will find pure Otto of Rose in our Potion of Luuv, Heart Chakra, Opening, and Aphrodite blends, among others.

Always dilute your essential oils in an unscented carrier oil like Sesame or Jojoba. Do not take essential oils internally. Always store essential oils out of heat and sunlight. Keep essential oils away from children and pregnant women.

All information in this description is copyright Kamala’s Own LLC. Please ask for permission to reprint it. This description is not medical advice and the information herein comes from personal experience, research, and folklore. If you believe you are ill, consult an M.D. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any medical condition. Nothing here has been evaluated by the FDA.