There’s something about the Persian rose that goes far beyond beauty and fragrance. For me, it’s a deeply personal companion in my daily life – but also a plant with extraordinary therapeutic potential. As a doctor with a background in traditional knowledge, I’ve come to appreciate the Damask rose (Rosa damascena) as a gentle yet powerful remedy for both physical and emotional imbalances.
What makes the Persian rose so unique?
In traditional Persian medicine, the rose is considered cooling, balancing, and emotionally harmonising. It’s often used to calm excess heat in the body – be it in the digestive system, the skin, or the nervous system.
It’s also seen as a cardiotonic – a natural support for the heart. In modern terms, that means it may help lower stress-induced palpitations, ease mild hypertension, and create a sense of emotional relief. From a medical perspective, the subtle vasorelaxant and anxiolytic properties of rose extracts are consistent with what many people feel when they smell or drink it: a gentle calmness that starts from the heart.
Rose water – My daily ritual of softness
I use pure rose water (hydrosol) every day. It’s one of those rare products that support both inner and outer balance.
Internally, a few teaspoons in warm water help soothe my digestion, especially when stress or heat disrupt my system. It also gently calms the nerves and promotes emotional clarity.
Externally, rose water is a core part of my skincare routine:
- As a toner for sensitive or irritated skin
- To refresh the face during long days
- Or even on my pillow before sleep
Its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and mild antiseptic properties make it ideal for delicate skin – and the scent lifts my mood instantly.
Rose oil – A drop of botanical intelligence
When my skin feels dry or reactive, I add a few drops of rose essential oil (always properly diluted) to my night care. It helps soothe irritation, regenerate damaged skin, and reduce signs of fatigue or ageing.
But its benefits aren’t just cosmetic – rose oil contains compounds like citronellol and geraniol that have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. For me, this oil is like a highly concentrated version of everything the rose stands for: healing, softness, and subtle strength.
Rose tea – A quiet comfort
There are evenings when I instinctively reach for dried rose petal tea. It has a mild, floral flavour – but more importantly, it relaxes my chest, supports digestion, and gives me a sense of peace. From a medical view, this gentle herbal tea can support parasympathetic nervous activity – helping the body wind down, naturally.
The rose and the emotional heart
In both traditional and modern contexts, the rose is closely connected to the emotional heart. Its scent is known to activate limbic structures in the brain – the regions involved in memory, emotion and bonding. That’s why the smell of a rose can make us feel safe, loved, or nostalgic – often within seconds.
When I use rose water or oil, I don’t just treat my skin – I’m creating a space of emotional safety and connection, something we all need in our busy lives.
How to bring the rose into your daily life
If you’re drawn to the rose, I encourage you to experiment gently and mindfully:
- A warm cup of rose tea in the evening
- A facial mist with pure rose hydrosol
- A relaxing oil blend with a drop of rose before bed
- Or even a sprinkle of dried petals in your yogurt or porridge
Roses can be more than decoration. They can be medicine – for the body, for the skin, and for the heart.
