Rosa Damascena is a hybrid species of oil-bearing rose derived from the crossing of the Musk Rose and the Gallic Rose (R. moschata x R. gallica). It is known for its subtle fragrance and the oil it produces. Damascena rose, also called Damascena rose, is also a medicinal and culinary plant, its petals being used for these purposes.

It is a deciduous rose bush of indeterminate shape that grows up to 2.2 m tall. The colour of the Damascena rose ranges from light pink to light red, and the flowers are relatively small and grow in clusters.

History of the Damascena rose

There is written evidence of the cultivation of oil-bearing roses in the Kazanlak region since 1652. The origin of roses in these lands is believed to be from Damascus, Syria. According to historians, oil-bearing roses were imported to grow in the gardens of an Ottoman judge, and in 1593 Sultan Murad the Third ordered the judge to start growing roses for the needs of the Sultan's palace.

Nowadays, Rosa Damascena is a symbol of Bulgaria and the Kazanlak Valley. The climate in the Valley of Roses is extremely favourable for growing the world's highest quality oil-bearing rose. It is used to extract essential oil, produce rose water and rose blossom for the perfume, cosmetics and food industries.

Medicinal properties of Damascena rose

Rose Damascena petals are used for medicinal purposes - fresh or dried. Rose tea made from them aids digestion, eliminates constipation and flatulence, increases bile juice production, helps break down fats, boosts metabolism. It also acts invigorating, removes overwork and anxiety, boosts tone and clarifies the mind. This tea is also recommended for PMS, affecting most physical and emotional symptoms, including menstrual pain. Last but not least, Rosa Damascena tea is recommended for boosting the immune system.

Rose water, on the other hand, also has beneficial effects on the skin and hair. It helps with redness and inflammation, acne, herpes, eczema, broken capillaries, hydrates and soothes. It also helps to restore dry and damaged hair, making it shiny and beautiful.