Rosa damascena
Etymology
The Damask rose, from Latin rosa damascena, is also known as the “Queen of Roses.” Originally from Syria, it takes its name from the capital, Damascus. The Damask rose is steeped in symbolism and legend. In Greek mythology, it is said to have been born from the tears of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, mixed with the blood of her lover Adonis – thus becoming a symbol of love and eternal beauty.
Habitat and Distribution
The rose is one of the oldest known flowers. One of its origins is Persia, where rose cultivation became a national emblem. The Persian Empire was even nicknamed the “Empire of Roses,” and the Persian physician Avicenna was the first to distill rose essential oil in the 11th century. The rose was brought to the West during the Crusades. Today it is cultivated in Morocco, Bulgaria (notably in the Valley of Roses), and Turkey. The Damask rose thrives in temperate climates and grows well in Europe in rich, well-drained soil and mild conditions.
Ecological Value
The shrub can reach 2 m in height and blooms once per year, from June to August, with a strong, sweet fragrance. The flowers are semi-double, slightly loose, 7 cm wide, pale to dark pink, and grouped in clusters. It requires fertile, fresh, deep soil and full sun. It is hardy but may suffer from frost damage during harsh winters. In September–October, it produces red, slightly hairy oval fruits called rose hips. The shrub provides shelter for wild bees and food for many caterpillar species. Birds such as starlings, thrushes, finches, and robins eat the seeds of the rose hips during winter.
Culinary and Medicinal Value
The scent of Damask rose contains more than 400 compounds. It is strong and pleasant, lingering even in dried petals. Petals can be used to make jam, syrup, or to decorate dishes and desserts. Rose water is also used in cooking. Rose hips can be eaten fresh or dried, made into tea, jams, marmalades, compotes, sweet-and-sour dishes, and more. Before eating them fresh or using in recipes, it is advisable to remove the seeds as they can cause irritation.
The petals have an astringent effect on mucous membranes and skin and reduce inflammation. Rose water is anti-inflammatory and used as a mouthwash or externally on facial skin. Sitz baths with rose infusion help with vaginal mucosal inflammation. In energetic aromatherapy, inhaling Damask rose essential oil is recommended for healing emotional wounds and regaining trust in life. In cosmetics, it boosts self-love and brings out individual beauty.
Rose hips are extremely rich in vitamin C – 100 g of fresh grapefruit contains 40 mg, while 100 g of rose hips provides 2000 mg! Even the seeds are useful: made into tea, they help with kidney or bladder stones, rheumatism, or dehydration.
Sources :
https://www.helsana.ch/fr/blog/nutrition/alimentation-curative/rose.html
https://www.fermedelours.fr/plante/rose-de-damas/
https://princesselia.com/blogs/le-blog-beaute/la-rose-de-damas-pourquoi-est-ce-la-reine-des-roses?/
https://www.promessedefleurs.com/rosiers/rosiers-anciens/rosier-de-damas-rosa-x-damascena.html
https://naturalsandco.ch/huile-essentielle-de-rose-bienfaits-et-proprietes/