There is a reason rose has been treasured across cultures for centuries.
Beyond its beautiful scent, Rosa damascena, commonly known as Damask rose, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, food and personal care. In Iran, where the plant has been cultivated for centuries, rose water has been particularly valued and remains closely connected to cultural and traditional practices.
Today, researchers are beginning to investigate some of the properties that have made Damask rose so interesting for generations.
More than a beautiful flower
A 2011 scientific review published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences examined the pharmacological research surrounding Rosa damascena. The review brought together studies investigating different parts and preparations of the plant, including rose water, essential oil and extracts.
Researchers have identified a range of naturally occurring compounds in Damask rose, including terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and other plant constituents.
These compounds are one reason researchers are interested in the potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and nervous-system effects of the plant.
Antioxidant activity
One of the areas that has attracted scientific interest is the antioxidant activity of Rosa damascena.
Laboratory research has found antioxidant activity in several rose preparations. Antioxidants are compounds that can help neutralise free radicals in laboratory models, which is one reason antioxidant-rich plants continue to be studied in relation to overall health.
The research does not mean that drinking or applying rose water automatically produces a measurable antioxidant effect in humans. Much of the evidence reviewed was experimental, so more human research is needed.
Traditionally associated with calm
Rose has also traditionally been used for its calming and relaxing qualities.
The review discusses studies investigating the effects of Rosa damascena extracts and essential oil on the nervous system. Some animal studies found effects associated with relaxation and sleep.
This is an interesting area of research, but it is important to distinguish traditional use and early experimental findings from established clinical effects in humans.
Why rose water is so interesting
Rose water is one of the oldest and most familiar preparations of Damask rose.
The review describes rose water as an important traditional product of Rosa damascena, particularly in Iran, where it has long been used in food, cultural practices and traditional wellness.
Rose water is also chemically different from concentrated rose essential oil. The preparation, concentration and extraction method can change which compounds are present, meaning research on an essential oil or concentrated extract cannot automatically be applied to every rose water product.
That distinction matters.
The research is promising, but there is still more to learn
The scientific interest in Rosa damascena is real, but the evidence is not a reason to make sweeping health claims.
The 2011 review brings together research suggesting antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, nervous-system and other biological activity. However, the authors also highlight areas where mechanisms are not fully understood and further research is needed.
For us, that is what makes the rose so fascinating.
There is a long history of traditional use, alongside a growing body of scientific research investigating what this remarkable flower contains and how its compounds interact with the body.
At vagigi, we love that intersection between traditional botanical knowledge and modern research.
Our Rose Intimate Wash uses Rosa damascena flower water as part of a gentle, daily formula designed for intimate and body care.
A beautiful ingredient does not need exaggerated promises.
Sometimes the most interesting story is simply understanding the plant itself.
Research source
Boskabady MH, Shafei MN, Saberi Z, Amini S. Pharmacological Effects of Rosa damascena. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2011;14(4):295–307. Available through PubMed Central, the US National Library of Medicine's full-text biomedical literature archive.