Rosa Damascena, sometimes known as the Damask Rose, has a lengthy history dating back to ancient Persia. The most sought-after perfume in ancient times, rose oil, was once manufactured using a straightforward, single distillation procedure that yielded tiny amounts. In the 17th century, high-quality rose oil (or rose otto) was produced in the modern era utilizing a double distillation technique.
However, in the 18th & 19th centuries, various Western and Russian explorers and writers testify to significant cultivation and rose production in Bulgaria. Helmuth von Moltke even wrote "visiting the land of roses" in his itinerary; while traveling to Kazanlak, Bulgaria, in 1837.
The famous Rose Valley in Bulgaria
Because of the unique soil and climate in which it is grown, the Bulgarian Rose Oil has over 280 constituents, making it highly rare and prized by the most renowned perfume companies worldwide for its aroma, longevity, and complexity. Surrounded by mountains, every small field in the valley has a river or spring that supplies enough water for the growth of roses and a range of other herbs used in cosmetics and medicine.
Today 94 % of farmers in Rose Valley, Bulgaria, produce rose oil, making the country the number 1 exporter of the "liquid gold" worldwide.
Characteristics
A 7,3ft tall deciduous shrub, the Rosa Damascena plant is heavily equipped with sharp, curving prickles and stiff bristles.
There are several types of Oil-bearing Roses frequently cultivated in the Rose Valley: pink oil-bearing rose Rosa Damascena, Rosa Centifolia oil-bearing rose, and White oil-bearing rose Rosa Alba. The type of the rose determines how much rose oil is produced by the oil-bearing roses.
Rosa Damascena is considered the most vital type of all Roses.
Uses of the Rosa Damascena Oil
Rosa Damascena has long been revered as a representation of beauty and love. An ancient technique that dates back to biblical times in the Middle East and later to the Indian subcontinent has allowed the aroma of the rose to be collected and maintained in the form of rose water.
Rose water is frequently used as a toner for fair, dry skin or as an anti-aging ingredient in facial treatments because it is the mildest of all astringents. Rose Water is first aid for tired eyes.
Additionally, Damascus rose oil contains medicinal qualities that calm the mind and aid in treating stress, depression, and mental tension.