Rose essential oil—the product of one of the world’s most iconic flowers—has a history as rich as its intoxicating aroma. Known for centuries as the “queen of flowers,” the rose is deeply woven into culture, romance, beauty, and spirituality. Today, its essential oil remains one of the most precious and valuable in the world, offering emotional, spiritual, and even cognitive benefits.
Why Rose Oil Is So Precious
Distilled through a delicate steam process, rose essential oil captures the true essence of the bloom. But did you know it takes nearly 10 kilograms of rose petals to produce just one 5-ml bottle of oil? That’s why Rose is considered one of the most expensive and prized essential oils you can own.
Its aroma is more than just beautiful—it’s inspiring, uplifting, and deeply supportive of emotional balance. For thousands of years, people have also used rose oil topically in skincare rituals, a tradition that continues in modern beauty products today.
The Spiritual Significance of the Damask Rose
In addition to being classified as a Herb of Love and renowned as an aphrodisiac, the Damask Rose is also considered the “Holy Rose”—a symbol of God’s love for the world. That’s why it so often appears in sacred imagery, particularly in depictions of the Virgin Mary, such as her appearance to Saint Bernadette at Lourdes in France.
This sacred connection adds an extra layer of reverence to using Rose oil—not just as a fragrance, but as part of prayer, meditation, or spiritual rituals.
The Young Living Difference: Sourcing from Bulgaria
Young Living sources its rose oil from the Balkan Botanical Farm in Bulgaria, a region celebrated for its roses. Nestled in the famous “Valley of the Roses,” this farm grows Damask Rose (Rosa damascena)—the variety most highly prized for essential oil production.
While many companies use cheaper solvent-based methods to create “rose absolutes” from varieties like the French Rose (Rosa gallica) or the Cabbage Rose (Rosa centifolia), these can leave behind harmful residues. Young Living’s Bulgarian Damask Rose is distilled purely with steam, producing the purest and most therapeutic rose oil, often called Rose Otto.
What About 3% Dilution Rose Oils?
If you’ve ever shopped for essential oils in health food stores or online, you’ve probably seen bottles labeled “Rose Oil 3%”. These are not pure rose essential oils, but rather pre-diluted blends—usually 3% Rose oil mixed into a carrier oil like jojoba.
Why do companies sell Rose this way?
- Cost: Because pure rose essential oil is so rare and expensive, many retailers sell a diluted version to make it more affordable.
- Ease of use: Diluted rose oil can be applied directly to the skin as a perfume without worrying about irritation or the need to measure out drops.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- A 3% dilution is not ideal for diffusing—it’s designed more for topical use as a natural perfume.
- You’re getting far less of the therapeutic properties than you would with a pure bottle of Rose Otto.
- Quality varies widely—some brands mix their “rose oils” with synthetic fragrance, so always check that it’s a genuine essential oil dilution and not just a perfume oil.
That’s why having a pure bottle of Young Living Rose essential oil is such a treasure. It gives you flexibility—you can dilute it yourself for perfume rollers, add it to skincare, or diffuse it for its emotional and cognitive benefits.
A Bloom with History
Roses originated in Asia and have been cultivated for over 5,000 years. There are more than 250 species and over 10,000 hybrids of roses.
Of all these, only three are regularly distilled for fragrance and essential oil:
- Rosa gallica (French Rose)
- Rosa centifolia (Cabbage Rose)
- Rosa damascena (Damask Rose – the variety Young Living offers)
My First Experience with Rose Oil
When I first purchased a bottle of Young Living Rose essential oil, I was so excited to finally have my hands on this rare treasure. But when I inhaled it straight from the bottle—I thought it smelt terrible! The reason? Rose oil is so incredibly concentrated that the undiluted aroma can be overwhelming.
Now, I use it differently. Just one drop makes the most exquisite perfume. I also love blending a few drops into a carrier oil like sweet almond, jojoba, or Young Living’s V-6 carrier oil to make it easier to apply and enjoy.
Science Spotlight: Rose Oil and Learning
Beyond its beauty and spiritual symbolism, rose oil has also been studied for its effect on memory and learning.
In 2020, researchers at the University of Freiburg in Germany conducted a fascinating study with 6th-grade students learning English vocabulary. One group studied and slept in a rose-scented environment, while another group did not.
The results? The students exposed to rose aroma experienced a 30% increase in memory retention compared to the aroma-free group!
Dr. Jürgen Kornmeier, who led the study, concluded:
“Our study shows that we can make learning during sleep easier. And who would have thought that our nose could help considerably in this!”
This means diffusing rose oil during study time and while you sleep could give your brain a natural boost.
DIY Rose Perfume Roller Recipes
Rose oil blends beautifully with many other essential oils, making it perfect for creating your own natural perfume rollers. Here are a few blends to try:
🌹 Uplifting Rose Blend
- 3 drops Rose essential oil
- 4 drops Bergamot essential oil
- 3 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
- Fill with carrier oil
🌹 Romantic Rose Blend
- 4 drops Rose essential oil
- 3 drops Jasmine essential oil
- 3 drops Sandalwood essential oil
- Fill with carrier oil
🌹 Calming Rose Blend
- 3 drops Rose essential oil
- 4 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Frankincense essential oil
- Fill with carrier oil
🌹 Fresh & Feminine Blend
- 3 drops Rose essential oil
- 3 drops Geranium essential oil
- 2 drops Grapefruit essential oil
- 2 drops Vanilla essential oil (or Stress Away blend)
- Fill with carrier oil
Directions: Add essential oils to a 10-ml roller bottle, fill the rest with carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, or V-6), and roll onto pulse points as your personal natural fragrance.
If you want to learn how to create your own signature perfumes check out my Perfume and Potion Ebook.
Rose oil is also great for your skin – Radiance Serum Recipe
- 7 drops Frankincense
- 7 drops Geranium
- 5 drops Copaiba
- 5 drops Blue Tansy
- 2 drops Rose
For all serums, combine in a glass bottle (30ml or 60ml), above recipe is for 30ml, dropper or bottle treatment bottle, add essential oils and fill with carrier oil of choice – Rosehip Seed oil, Argan oil or Jojoba.
Use it 1x daily, but could be done 2x a day. Apply 4-5 drops or 1-2 pumps depending on bottle morning or night.
A Tip When Using Rose Oil
Pure Rose essential oil naturally solidifies at cooler temperatures (just like coconut oil). If your bottle seems “stuck,” simply warm it gently in your hands for a few minutes until it liquefies again.
The Queen of Oils
Rose essential oil isn’t just another fragrance—it’s a timeless symbol of love, beauty, and healing. Whether you’re seeking spiritual connection, emotional balance, or even sharper learning skills, Rose offers a rare combination of elegance and science-backed benefits.
With Young Living’s commitment to purity and sustainability, you can experience the true essence of Rose—straight from the Valley of the Roses to your home.
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