The Damask rose is the most important Rosa species cultivated for production of rose water and rose oil. With honey flavor and aroma, the rose, well known for its relaxing effects, stands out for its culinary and herb tea uses to combat anxiety, depression and stress-related conditions. This plant has been widely used in medicine for the treatment of abdominal and chest pain, digestive problems, menstrual bleeding, nervous stress, and skin problems.
Rosewater is flavor water achieved by distillation of rose flower and is widely produced in Middle East countries like Iran and Bulgaria to be used in food, medicinal and perfume industries. It is also for flavoring foods in Iran, Pakistan and India. In Iranian cultures, rose water is added to cold beverages as a refreshing agent. Rose water traditionally has been used as an antiseptic agent for eye washing and mouth disinfecting.
It is also used in religious ceremonies like washing the God House in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) and shrines in Pakistan and India.
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The Nature and Properties of Rose water
1. Hot temperament
2. Fragrant
3. Useful for skin care, particularly dry and sensitive skin
4. Skin moisturizer
5. Treatment of sore throat
6. Decrease of stress
7. Sedative effect
8. Useful for Alzheimer
9. Help digestive system
10. Laxative
11. Effective for removing pimple
12. Alleviating abdominal pains
13. Antispasmodic agent for bronchial and chest congestions
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Sources:
– Hanif, M.A (et. al.) “Damask Rose”, Chapter 17
– Yi, F. (et. al.) (2019), “Influence of molecular distillation on antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of rose essential oils”, LWT – Food Science and Technology
