ENGLISH NAME: Damask rose
LATIN NAME: Rosa damascena
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Růže damašská
Turkey: Isparta gülü / Damas gülü
Bulgaria: Дамасцена роза / Казанлъшка роза (Damastsena roza / Kazanlǎshka roza)
Georgia: დამასკის ვარდი (Damaskis vardi)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia (cultivated)
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Kazanlak Rose Valley (Bulgaria), Isparta province (Turkey), Kakheti (Georgia), South Moravia (Czechia – cultivated in gardens)
Elevation: 300–1300 meters
Terrain: Cultivated fields in well-drained, sunny areas; gentle hills and valleys with moderate moisture
DESCRIPTION:
A fragrant, deciduous shrub growing 1–2 meters tall with thorny stems and pinnate leaves. The large, highly aromatic flowers range in color from light pink to deep rose and bloom heavily in late spring. Rosa damascena is a hybrid rose species primarily grown for its essential oil, rose water, and medicinal uses.
USABLE PARTS: Petals (fresh and dried), rose hips (occasionally), essential oil (from steam distillation)
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
The petals are known for their soothing, cooling, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and mildly laxative effects. Used traditionally for digestive issues, emotional balance, menstrual discomfort, and skin conditions. Rose essential oil is prized for mood support, anxiety relief, and antibacterial properties.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Very safe when used as tea or water. Rose essential oil should be used diluted and with care, especially on sensitive skin. Overconsumption of rose petal preparations may cause mild digestive discomfort.
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
Combines beautifully with lemon balm, linden, or chamomile for calming teas; with hibiscus or elderflower in skin-cleansing formulas; and with cardamom or cinnamon in traditional heart and mood tonics.
PREPARATION:
Fresh or dried petals are used in infusions, syrups, rose water, and ointments. Essential oil (rose otto) is obtained by steam distillation of fresh petals and is used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and skincare. Rose water is widely used internally and externally.
HARVEST TIME:
Petals: Late spring to early summer (May–June)
Hips: Autumn (September–October)
HARVEST METHOD:
Pick petals early in the morning when oils are most concentrated. Handle gently to preserve aroma. For oil production, thousands of petals are needed and must be distilled the same day.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Dry petals carefully in the shade to preserve color and scent. Store in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Rose oil and rose water should be stored in dark glass in a cool place.
✅ Note: Rosa damascena is Bulgaria’s national herbal treasure, central to the identity of the Kazanlak Rose Valley, and widely used in medicine, cosmetics, and culinary arts across the Middle East and Europe.