The Difference Between Damask Rose and May Rose Essential Oil
What’s in a rose (name)? As it turns out, quite a bit! Many people are familiar with roses, both as a plant and as a scent. However, there are many different species, hybrids, and cultivars of rose (some of which do not have an aroma). Here’s a quick look at the differences and similarities between the two common types of rose essential oil: Damask rose and May rose.
Understanding the Distinction Between Damask Rose and May Rose Essential Oil
In the realm of aromatherapy and skincare, the use of essential oils has become increasingly popular. Among the diverse array of these oils, Damask Rose and May Rose essential oils stand out for their unique properties and profound benefits. However, differentiating between these two exquisite oils is essential to harness their specific advantages effectively.
Origins and Cultivation
Damask Rose Essential Oil
Damask Rose, scientifically known as Rosa damascena, boasts a rich history and a legacy spanning centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, believed to have originated in the Middle East. Renowned for its intensely fragrant blooms and unparalleled aroma, the Damask Rose is primarily cultivated in Bulgaria, Turkey, and some regions of India and Russia.
The extraction process of Damask Rose essential oil involves steam distillation of its petals, yielding an oil that is highly concentrated and prized for its robust, sweet, and floral scent. This oil contains numerous compounds known for their therapeutic benefits, such as citronellol, geraniol, and nerol, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
May Rose Essential Oil
In contrast, May Rose, scientifically termed Rosa centifolia, is celebrated for its distinctive floral fragrance and exquisite beauty. Often referred to as the Cabbage Rose or Provence Rose, this species originated in the Mediterranean region and is predominantly cultivated in France, particularly in Grasse.
May Rose essential oil is extracted through a meticulous process known as solvent extraction or enfleurage, preserving its delicate aroma and therapeutic properties. Its composition includes constituents like citronellol, geraniol, and farnesol, offering anti-aging, soothing, and rejuvenating qualities ideal for skincare routines.
Aroma and Therapeutic Benefits
Damask Rose Oil
The Damask Rose essential oil captivates with its rich, deep, and luxurious aroma. Its therapeutic benefits encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. This oil is frequently employed in aromatherapy, skincare formulations, and massage oils due to its calming effects and skin rejuvenation attributes.
May Rose Oil
Conversely, the May Rose essential oil enthralls with its lighter, sweeter, and more delicate fragrance. Its therapeutic advantages include potent anti-aging properties, aiding in the reduction of wrinkles, promoting skin elasticity, and providing a nurturing effect on sensitive or mature skin types. This oil is often integrated into high-end skincare products for its luxurious scent and skin-revitalizing qualities.
Applications and Usage
Damask Rose in Practice
Damask Rose oil finds its application in various domains, such as aromatherapy, skincare, and perfumery. Its calming and mood-enhancing properties make it an ideal ingredient in diffusers, bath oils, facial serums, and lotions. Its natural astringent qualities contribute to toning and balancing the skin, making it a valuable addition to skincare regimens.
May Rose in Everyday Life
May Rose oil, on the other hand, is often employed in luxury skincare formulations, perfumes, and cosmetics due to its exquisite scent and skin-rejuvenating attributes. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, aiding in the restoration of skin health and radiance.
Botanical Profile of Damask Rose
The Damask rose(Rosa x damascena)is actually a rose hybrid derived from the Gallic rose (Rosa gallica)and musk rose(Rosa moschata). Damask rose is a deciduous shrub with pinnate leaves and pink to light red fragrant flowers. It may flower from summer through Fall, depending upon the variety. The Damask rose is considered to be part of the old garden roses (pre-1867).
Damask Rose Essential oil
Damask rose essential oil is also called by the namerose ottobut check that Damask rose is the only rose contributing to this type of rose oil, as sometimes various species of roses are merged into one oil and called rose otto, as well. Damask rose essential oil is extracted from the rose petals by steam distillation. A minute quantity is produced so it literally takes thousands of rose petals to produce the aromatic deep, sweet, floral oil. Consequently, damask rose essential oil is very expensive.
Damask Rose Essential Oil is a blend of 100% pure Damask rose essential oil, distilled water, and fractionated coconut oil. It has a calming and soothing effect that helps to relieve stress and anxiety.
The Damask rose is a type of rose that originates from Damascus, Syria. The rose has been traditionally used in a variety of aromatherapy treatments. The Damask rose essential oil comes from the Damask area of Syria and was first used by the Knights Hospitallers in the 17th century.
Rose Absolute
May rose is usually used to produce an extract, absolute, or concrete. Its aroma is often described by people as the aroma they remember from their childhood (indicating it is the more common garden rose). Note, however, that Damask rose also produces an absolute, so make sure you know which product (and species) you are purchasing.
Rose absolutes and concretes are generally used in natural perfumery whereas rose essential oil can be used in both natural perfumery and therapeutic aromatherapy purposes. Absolutes and concretes use a solvent in the extraction process whereas essential oils are usually steam or water distilled.
Uses of Rose Essential Oil and Absolute
Rose essential oil is used in skincare, for stress, depression, insomnia, and for many women’s problems; the absolute is predominately used for scent purposes in natural perfumery.
May Roses oil is one of the best-selling oils in the market today. It is used for its versatility, which goes beyond just aromatherapy.
May roses have been used for over five millennia by different cultures around the world. They are also known to be a symbol of love and beauty, which makes them a popular choice among many women, especially for their beauty regime. The May roses oil is mostly used as an aromatherapy or beauty product but it can also be used as a massage oil or body lotion. Its versatility makes it ideal for everyday use.
The Differences between May Rose and Damask Roses
May Rose oil and Damask roses oil are two different types of oils that can be used to make a variety of diffusers. One of the differences between the two is that May Rose oil is made from edible may flowers while Damask roses oil is made from non-edible damasks.
Damask roses oil is made from damask roses which are very rare in comparison to the May rose. These roses have an intense smell that makes this oil hard to produce.
May rose oil is a type of oil that’s used to make perfumes, lotions, soaps, and candles. It is popular because it blends well with other oils. It has a sweet smell with notes of vanilla and musk.
Conclusion
In essence, while both Damask Rose and May Rose essential oils offer remarkable therapeutic properties and captivating fragrances, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding their origins, aromas, therapeutic benefits, and practical applications enables individuals to leverage these oils effectively in various facets of their lives.
Embracing the unique qualities of these exquisite essential oils opens up a realm of possibilities, whether it’s seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or indulging in the luxurious experience they offer.
