The large, fragrant Damask rose (Rosa damascena) has a long tradition as a symbol of love and beauty, as well as politics.
Damask roses are often given as tokens of affection to loved ones, prized for their fragrance as a perfume, have inspired songs (most notably French singer, Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose), and were the symbols during the War of the Roses for the two warring houses of York and Lancaster, who were fighting for the English throne during the Middle Ages. Adventurous cooks and foodies also know that Damask roses have a long culinary history in any number of dishes originating from the Middle East, North Africa, and northern India, including puddings, ice creams, stews, and salads.1
Your patients may also be familiar with the Damask rose for its health benefits as either an essential oil or a tonic spray for the face.2 Such benefits include as a hypnotic, antidepressant, or analgesic.2-4 However, the latest trend for Damask rose is as an additive to water or tea for health benefits.5
Rosy research
Although some of this research has been done on animal models, there is nevertheless some intriguing data for treatment of a variety of conditions by ingesting oral preparations including R. damascena.
Longevity: A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food looked at the lifespan of fruit flies (Drosophila) given an oral R. damascena compound.6 The researchers found that the compound increased the flies’ mean and maximum life span by 10 percent.6,7
Osteoarthritis: A study in the journal Phytotherapeutic Research examined the possible benefits of rose hips (the portion of the plant just below the petals), which are commonly dried and used as a herbal tea preparation.8 It suggested a moderate benefit of rose hip preparations in treating osteoarthritis.
Menstrual cramps: An interesting article in the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health looked at the effect of rose petal tea for treating a group of 130 adolescent girls suffering from dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual cramps).9 Seventy patients were given the rose tea, while 60 served as controls. Measurements were taken at the end of one, three, and six months. The patients given the rose petal tea reported lower levels of pain, distress, and anxiety at each measurement time period.
Vitamin C benefits: Both rose petals and rose hips are very high in vitamin C.2 This makes them an excellent way to boost the immune system, particularly as an herbal tea preparation. Furthermore, such a preparation can also serve as an excellent antioxidant.
Getting a dozen roses or a nice bottle of rose perfume for Valentine’s Day can certainly boost your patients’ spirits. However, they may also be able to boost their health by using rose petals or rose hips in drinkable herbal preparations.
- Willoughby, J. Rose water adds a subtle kick. New York Times, Aug. 31, 2010.
- Boskabady, M. H., Shafei, M. N., Saberi, Z., & Amini, S. (2011). Pharmacological effects of Rosa damascena. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 14(4), 295-307.
- Rakhshandah H., Hosseini M., & Dolati, K. (2004). Hypnotic effect of Rosa damascena in mice. Iranian Journal of Pharmacologic Res, 3, 181-185.
- Rakhshandah H., Dolati K., & Hosseini M. (2008). Antinoceptive effect of Rosa damascena in mice. Journal of Biological Sciences, 8, 176-180.
- Benefits of rosewater Accessed 2/24/2016.
- Jafari M., Zarban A., Pham S., & Wang T (2008). Rosa damascena decreased mortality in adult Drosophila. Journal of Medicinal Food, 11(1), 9-13.
- Rose essential oil.com. Accessed 2/24/2016.
- Chrubasik, C., Duke, R. K., & Chrubasik, S. (2006). The evidence for clinical efficacy of rose hip and seed: A systematic review. Phytotherapeutic Research, 20(1), 1-3.
- Tseng, Y. F, Chen, C. H., & Yang, Y. H. (2005). Rose tea for relief of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial in Taiwan. Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, 50(5), e51-7.
