Damask rose

Botanical

What is it

Damask rose (Rosa damascena) is a fragrant rose species cultivated for its essential oil and edible petals. It is used in Persian and Ayurvedic traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and as a flavoring ingredient.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Acute anxiety (aromatherapy)

Limited Evidence

Small trials in clinical settings (e.g., before dental procedures, in ICU patients) show modest short-term anxiety reduction from inhaled damask rose essential oil.

How it works

The petals and essential oil contain a complex mix of phenolics (including kaempferol and quercetin glycosides), terpenes (citronellol, geraniol, nerol), and anthocyanins. These compounds contribute antioxidant and aromatic effects. Human trials of damask rose have explored anxiety, mood, sleep, and dysmenorrhea. Reported effects are typically modest. Aromatherapy use is supported by short-term trials showing reductions in anxiety in clinical settings such as ICUs and dental offices.

Dosage

There is no established daily intake recommendation. Aromatherapy uses dilute essential oil. Oral supplement doses for petal extracts vary widely; many products provide 100 to 500 mg per day.

When and how to take it

Aromatherapy is used as needed for relaxation. Oral supplements have no critical timing requirement.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Damask rose essential oil

Steam-distilled essential oil from the petals.

Inhaled or applied topically (diluted); not intended for ingestion.

Rose petal extract

Used in herbal tea blends and oral supplements.

Hydroalcoholic extracts deliver flavonoids and anthocyanins.

Safety

Damask rose is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects are rare and mild. Essential oil should never be ingested undiluted and should be used cautiously on skin.

Who should be cautious

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should use caution with concentrated essential oils. Some essential oil constituents (e.g., citronellol) may sensitize skin.

Interactions

No significant medication interactions reported.

Food sources

Edible rose petals

Amount
1 tbsp
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Does damask rose help anxiety?⌄

Aromatherapy with rose essential oil has small evidence for short-term anxiety reduction in clinical settings. Effects are modest.

Can I drink damask rose tea daily?⌄

Yes, rose petal tea is widely consumed and generally well tolerated. Avoid concentrated essential oils internally.

References

Damask rose on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Damask rose on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Damask rose (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.