“Attar of Rose” is the sobriquet given to an extremely fragrant essential oil known as Rose oil. This oil is extracted from the petals of a flower belonging to the “Rosa” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, the oil derived from the “Rosa ottos” flower species involves the process of “steam distillation”. While the oil obtained from the “Rosa absolutes” flower species requires a process known as “solvent extraction or supercritical carbon dioxide extraction”. In addition, this oil is regularly used in the manufacturing of perfumes due to its pleasant fragrance.
A. Chemical constituents of Rose Oil:
This oil is extracted from the petals of a flower belonging to the “Rosa” species in the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil consists of organic compounds such as Citronellol, Citral, Carvone, Citronellyl Acetate, Eugenol, Ethanol, Farnesol, Stearpoten, Methyl Eugenol, Nerol, nonanol, Nonanal, Phenyl Acetaldehyde, Phenylmethyl Acetate and Phenyl Geraniol.
B. The uses and benefits of Rose Oil:
There are a number of benefits that an individual can attain by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antiseptic:
This oil when used helps in treatment of wounds by enabling the destruction of disease causing microbes, and thereby serving as an antiseptic.
2. Antispasmodic:
By inhibiting the formation of spasms within the body when used this oil serves as an antispasmodic.
3. Antidepressant:
This oil also comprises of an “antidepressant” property and thereby acts by suppressing depression in an individual.
4. Antiviral:
This oil when used helps in inhibiting the growth of a virus, and thereby helps in preventing viral infections.
5. Aphrodisiac:
This oil when used is also capable of stimulating sexual desire in an individual, and thereby serves as an aphrodisiac.
C. The adverse effects of Rose Oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that may occur on using this oil. They are as follows:
- The excessive use of this oil could lead to a severe headache, and hence must be used carefully.
- The use of this oil can severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
