The rose is an integral part of our apothecary, a plant we work with deeply. In particular, rose otto, true rose essential oil distilled from fresh petals, holds a special place within our formulations. As a herbalist, I find it difficult to praise this remarkable flower enough, with its rich, mystical history and healing bounty dating back to ancient times. Out of all scents, the rose is not only one of the oldest, but also the most widely revered. Poets, artists, herbalists and sages have all been enchanted by the rose, and for good reason. Astonishingly, one of the earliest mentions is in the Ayurveda, which is said to be some 7000 years old! Even in the Iliad, Homer describes how Aphrodite anoints the body of Hector with a "rosy immortal oil" to preserve it, keeping it pristine despite Achilles’ attempts to defile it. Even the title ‘Queen of Flowers’ was bestowed upon the rose over 2500 years ago by the Greek poetess Sappho.
”Red rose, proud rose, and rose of all my days,
Come near me while I sing why ancient ways...”Yeats, The Rose upon the Rood of Time
The rose has long been a symbol of divinity and the transcendental nature of the soul, its presence woven through myth, ritual and medicine across cultures. The rose is known as the flower of love, and love is the bridge between sexuality and the soul. Within the rose’s mystic centre, sacred and divine love is said to be inscribed. In one of the oldest Roman stories, Flora finds the body of a Dryad’s daughter, a beautiful nymph, and transforms her into the first rose, with the assistance of Venus and the Graces. Apollo blesses the flower, Bacchus offers nectar, Vertumnus gives perfume, Pomona grants fruit, and Flora herself bestows beauty.
It is believed that Arab physicians were among the first to produce rose oil using the distillation process we still use today. Once perfected, rose oil, particularly rose otto, the most refined and traditional expression of the plant, was used to treat an extensive range of complaints, from migraines and heat stroke to digestive disturbances and fatigue. Yet it was never only the oil that was valued. In his Natural History, Pliny the Elder wrote that various preparations of rose could address 32 conditions, including inflammation of the eyes, ears and mouth, stomach pain, toothache, insomnia, wound healing, and purification of the mind. He also noted how wealthy Romans filled their baths with rose petals to maintain youthful, radiant skin!
Healing
The medicinal application of rose otto oil has been the subject of research by Bulgarian scientists over recent decades, with findings that support the plant’s longstanding reputation for healing.
Studies suggest that rose otto may help reduce high blood pressure and arrhythmia, protect against gastrointestinal ulceration, and act as an antispasmodic and antibacterial agent, while also offering support in conditions such as bronchial asthma.
In separate studies, rosewater has demonstrated similar properties to rose oil, particularly when taken internally, supporting digestive health and liver function. It is also highly valued in skincare for its softening, hydrating and gently astringent qualities, making it a staple in traditional and modern formulations alike. When paired with true rose otto, these effects are often experienced more profoundly, particularly in high-quality, carefully formulated products.
Professor Dietrich Wabner has extensively researched the therapeutic properties of rose oil, focusing particularly on Bulgarian and Turkish varieties, regions still renowned for producing the finest rose otto in the world. His work explored its application in the treatment of migraines, skin conditions and the common cold, revealing notable benefits not only for the body, but also for the mind and emotions. Rose appears to gently stimulate the brain, uplift the spirits and soothe the nervous system.
In her book The Secret of Life and Youth, Madame Maury describes rose oil as having a primarily regulating effect:
“A well known aphrodisiac, it is used in the Hindu pharmacopoeia reinforced with sandalwood. Our own experiences have taught us that the rose has a considerable influence on the female sexual organs. Not by stimulus, but on the contrary, by cleansing and regulating their function.”
She also recommended rose oil for cosmetic preparations, particularly for mature or ageing skin, noting:
“But the rose procures us one thing above all: a feeling of well-being, even of happiness, and the individual under its influence will develop an amiable tolerance.”
In modern aromatherapy, rose is regarded as a gentle yet effective support for emotional wellbeing. It is often used in times of emotional shock, bereavement, grief and melancholy. According to aromatherapist Patricia Davis, it is especially valuable for women who feel disconnected from or lack confidence in their own sensuality. This subtle yet powerful emotional action is one of the reasons we choose to work with rose otto so intentionally within our blends.
Process
Why is rose otto so precious?
The value of rose otto lies in both its rarity and the care required to produce it. The harvest lasts for only around 40 days each year, and the flowers bloom just once per season. During this brief window, petals are hand-picked before dawn, when their aromatic compounds are at their peak. Even a few hours’ delay can reduce the oil content significantly. Because the petals are so delicate, distillation must take place within hours of harvesting.
Most modern production still follows the traditional steam distillation process, combining approximately half a tonne of freshly picked flowers with around 1.5 tonnes of water in a still. It takes over two tonnes of rose petals to produce just one kilogram of essential oil, a reflection of why true rose otto is considered one of the most precious substances in natural perfumery and skincare.
The rose’s ancient association with love, sexuality and the feminine aligns closely with its traditional use in supporting women’s health. It has long been used in herbal practice for menstruation, PMT, menopause, and both emotional and physical aspects of intimacy. In this way, rose otto bridges the physical and the emotional, working on both levels simultaneously.
The rose exerts a gentle yet profound effect across the vascular, nervous and digestive systems, making it particularly valuable in addressing stress-related conditions...something increasingly relevant in modern life!
On an emotional level, rose is deeply restorative to the heart. As a heart-opening herb, it supports the full spectrum of feeling, especially in times of loss, grief, jealousy and low mood, helping to soften, steady and reconnect. To work with rose otto is, in many ways, to invite a quiet return to oneself, something we consider essential in every formulation we create.
Explore our artisanal rose range here.
