ISHS Acta Horticulturae 790: VIII International People-Plant Symposium on Exploring Therapeutic Powers of Flowers, Greenery and Nature
A STUDY ON THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN IRANIAN PEOPLE AND DAMASK ROSE (ROSA DAMASCENA) AND ITS THERAPEUTIC AND HEALING PROPERTIES |
| Authors: | A. Nikbakht, M. Kafi |
| Keywords: | people-plant relationships, rose oil, rose water, traditional herbal plant, aromatherapy |
| Abstract:
The origin of Damask rose is the Middle East and it is the national flower of Iran. Rose oil usage dates back to ancient civilization of Persia. Avicenna, the 10th century Persian physician, distilled its petals for medical purposes and commercial distillery existed in 1612 in Shiraz, Persia. This plant is called "Flower of Prophet Mohammad" in Iran because people believe it is a holy and therapeutic plant. The major products of petals steam distillation in Iran are rose water and rose oil subsequently. It takes 2000 petals to yield one drop of rose oil. There are a lot of therapeutic and healing properties for rose water and rose oil which makes it a favorable and popular plant in Iran. It soothes mind and heals depression, grief, nervous tension and stress, so it is sprayed or distributed at mourning ceremonies to calm and relax people. It helps in problems with digestive system so many Iranians add the powder of dried petals to yogurt and use it with their meal. There are also some other healing properties for rose oil and rose water, such as in problems about respiratory system (asthma, coughs and hay fever), special complaints of women, wound healing and skin health. The hips (the flower base which is swollen to seed) are excellent sources of vitamins A, B3, C, D and E and its extract is eaten with bread in some parts of Iran. More recent studies show that its oil has anti HIV activity and it can stop and kill some strains of Xanthomonas. | |
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