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Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil is one of the most sought after oils for its scent, purity, and array of healing benefits. This true Bulgarian Rose Otto is extremely rare, as it is only grown in Bulgaria and Turkey, due to necessary growing conditions. The Valley of Roses in Kazanlak, Bulgaria, is where the bulk of Bulgaria's rose plants naturally thrive.
The preciousness of this oil cannot be overstated: it takes approximately 60-80 roses — or roughly 2,000-4,000 hand-picked petals — to produce a single drop of pure rose otto. This extraordinary ratio explains both the oil's high value and its concentrated potency. Each bottle represents thousands of blossoms, harvested at dawn when their aromatic compounds are at peak concentration.
Bulgarian Rose Otto's plethora of healing benefits begins with its amazingly high vibrational frequency of 320Hz, while most essential oils average 52Hz. Research has shown that essential oils vibrate on the highest frequency known, Rose Otto being the highest, and can create an environment where disease, bacteria, and viruses cease to exist.
Bulgarian Rose Otto has been used since the 17th century for its medicinal and heart healing properties. The potency and benefits of this healing oil can be largely credited to the methods of cultivation and extraction.
The Valley of Roses, located in Kazanlak, Bulgaria, has the most ideal climate for growing the most fragrant roses with the largest abundance of therapeutic ingredients. Bulgarian Rose Otto contains more than 300 chemical compounds and is one of the most complex natural substances on Earth.
The Sacred Rose: Mythology, Mysticism & Ancient Wisdom
Goddess Associations & Archetypal Symbolism
The rose has been revered as a sacred flower across virtually every culture and spiritual tradition throughout human history. In Greek and Roman mythology, the rose was intrinsically linked to Aphrodite (Venus), the goddess of love, beauty, and divine feminine power. Legend tells that roses sprang from the sea foam alongside Aphrodite's birth, and her tears mixed with the blood of her lover Adonis to create the first red roses — forever binding the flower to themes of love, passion, sacrifice, and resurrection.
In ancient Egypt, roses were sacred to Isis, the great mother goddess of magic, healing, and protection. Cleopatra famously filled her chambers knee-deep in rose petals to seduce Mark Antony, understanding the flower's power to open the heart and awaken desire.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
In Mexico, the rose holds profound sacred significance through the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her appearance to the indigenous man Juan Diego in 1531. The miraculous encounter took place on Tepeyac Hill — a site that had been sacred to the Aztec mother goddess Tonantzin for centuries before the Spanish conquest.
According to tradition, when Juan Diego encountered the vision on the hill, she asked him to gather roses as proof of her appearance for the skeptical bishop. This request was itself miraculous — Castilian roses did not grow wild in Mexico, and certainly not in December on a barren hillside. Yet when Juan Diego climbed the hill, he found fragrant roses in full bloom. He gathered them in his tilma (cloak), and when he opened it before the bishop, not only did the roses spill out, but the image of Our Lady was miraculously imprinted on the fabric.
The roses became a symbol of continuity for indigenous spiritual practices under colonial pressure. The Tepeyac site had been sacred to Tonantzin, the Aztec mother goddess, long before the Spanish arrived — and roses remained central to devotion at that location regardless of which name was used. The story speaks to rose's power as a messenger between worlds, and how indigenous people found ways to preserve their relationship with the sacred feminine despite colonial attempts to suppress and erase their traditions.
Islamic Sacred Tradition
In Islamic mysticism, the rose holds profound spiritual significance. It is said that when the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj), drops of his sweat fell to earth and became roses. Sufi poets like Rumi wrote extensively about the rose as a symbol of the Beloved — the divine presence that calls the soul home. The rose garden in Persian poetry represents paradise itself, a place where the heart opens to unity with the Divine.
Esoteric & Alchemical Symbolism
In Western esoteric traditions, the rose appears as one of the most potent symbols of spiritual transformation. The Rosicrucians (Order of the Rose Cross) chose the rose as their central emblem, representing the blooming of divine consciousness within the human heart. In alchemical texts, the rose symbolizes the Magnum Opus — the great work of transforming base consciousness into spiritual gold.
The rose's spiral petal formation mirrors the sacred geometry found throughout nature and the cosmos. Its fivefold symmetry connects to the pentagram and the golden ratio, marking it as a flower of divine proportion and harmony. Alchemists understood that just as the rose unfolds from bud to full bloom, so too does the human soul unfold through stages of spiritual development.
Indigenous & Traditional Uses
While the Damask rose is native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, indigenous peoples across these lands have used roses for millennia in ceremony, medicine, and spiritual practice.
Persian medicine (Unani-Tibb) has employed rose water and rose oil for over 2,000 years to treat heart conditions, calm the mind, and balance the body's humors. Rose was considered cooling, moistening, and heart-opening — a remedy for both physical and emotional ailments.
Native to Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), the Damask rose was cultivated by ancient healers who understood its power to mend a broken heart, ease grief, and restore vitality to the blood and womb. Rose petals were scattered in sacred spaces, burned as incense, and infused into oils for anointing rituals.
In Ayurvedic tradition, roses are associated with the heart chakra (Anahata) and used to pacify excess Pitta (fire element). Rose is considered sattvic — promoting purity, love, and spiritual clarity. It's used in ceremonies to invoke the blessings of Lakshmi, goddess of beauty, abundance, and grace.
The Rose in Mystical Christianity & Kabbalah
Christian mystics saw the rose as the symbol of divine love and spiritual awakening, with the five petals representing sacred transformation. The Gothic rose windows in European cathedrals were designed as mandalas for meditation, drawing the eye upward toward divine light.
In Kabbalistic tradition, the rose represents Tiphareth on the Tree of Life — the sphere of beauty, harmony, and the awakened heart. The rose is the bridge between heaven and earth, the place where divine love enters human consciousness.
Metaphysical Properties & Vibrational Healing
Rose Otto's extraordinary frequency of 320Hz places it in a class entirely its own. In metaphysical terms, this high vibration allows rose to:
- Repair the auric field and seal energetic leaks caused by trauma or heartbreak
- Activate the higher heart chakra (thymus), connecting personal love to universal compassion
- Transmute lower vibrational emotions like fear, shame, and resentment into forgiveness and grace
- Amplify intention in manifestation work, particularly around love, beauty, and abundance
- Facilitate soul retrieval by calling fragmented parts of the self back to wholeness
Working with Rose Otto is not simply aromatherapy — it is soul work. The oil acts as a spiritual catalyst, accelerating one's journey toward self-love, divine union, and heart-centered consciousness.
The Science of Rose Otto: Chemistry Meets Alchemy
Botanical Profile & Cultivation Science
Rosa damascena (Damask Rose) is a natural hybrid between Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata, originating in the Middle East and brought to Bulgaria in the 17th century by Ottoman Turks. The specific terroir of the Kazanlak Valley — with its elevation (200-400 meters), soil composition rich in minerals, temperate continental climate, and morning mist — creates the ideal conditions for producing roses with the highest concentration of therapeutic volatiles.
Harvest occurs for only 3-4 weeks per year (late May to early June) and must happen between 4-10 AM before the sun's heat causes the delicate aromatic molecules to evaporate. This narrow harvest window and dawn picking are non-negotiable for true rose otto quality.
Complex Chemical Constituents
While most essential oils contain 20-60 chemical compounds, Our Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil contains over 300 identified constituents, with many trace compounds still unidentified. This extraordinary complexity is what gives rose its multidimensional therapeutic profile that cannot be replicated synthetically.
Primary Constituents (by percentage):
- Citronellol (20-40%) - Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, calming to nervous system
- Geraniol (15-22%) - Antioxidant, anticancer properties, neuroprotective
- Nerol (5-12%) - Sedative, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial
- Linalool (1-3%) - Anxiolytic, analgesic, modulates GABA receptors
- Phenyl ethyl alcohol (1.5-3%) - The "rose note," antidepressant, found only in rose
- Farnesol (0.2-2%) - Antibacterial, prevents biofilm formation
- Eugenol (trace) - Analgesic, anti-inflammatory
- Rose oxide (trace) - The compound that gives rose its characteristic scent
Trace compounds include methyl eugenol, benzyl alcohol, citral, carvone, and damascenone — the latter being detectable by the human nose at concentrations as low as 0.009 parts per billion, making it one of the most powerful odorants known.
Otto vs. Absolute: Understanding the Difference
Rose Otto (steam distilled):
- Contains primarily volatile, water-soluble compounds
- Congeals below 75°F due to high stearoptene (paraffin wax) content — a sign of purity
- Lighter scent profile, more "green" and fresh
- Therapeutic grade for internal and topical use
- Yield: 1kg of oil from 3,000-5,000kg of petals
Rose Absolute (solvent extracted):
- Contains heavier molecular weight compounds including waxes
- Remains liquid at all temperatures
- Richer, deeper, more "jammy" scent
- Used primarily in perfumery
- Not recommended for internal use due to solvent residue
- Higher yield but lower purity
Both have value, but rose otto is considered superior for therapeutic applications due to its purity and complete absence of chemical solvents.
Pharmacological Actions: What Science Shows
Nervous System Effects:Studies have demonstrated that rose otto inhalation increases parasympathetic nervous system activity (measured by increased heart rate variability and decreased cortisol levels). A 2009 study published in Natural Product Communications found that transdermal absorption of rose oil significantly decreased breathing rate, blood oxygen saturation, and systolic blood pressure — indicating deep relaxation response.
The presence of geraniol and citronellol has been shown to modulate GABA-A receptors in the brain, producing anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines but without sedation or dependency. This makes rose otto valuable for anxiety, insomnia, and stress-related conditions.
Antimicrobial Properties:Research published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2011) demonstrated that rose otto exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria responsible for acne), Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The synergistic action of multiple phenolic compounds creates broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects that bacteria cannot easily develop resistance to.
Skin Regeneration:Rose otto has been shown to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and increase collagen synthesis in vitro. The presence of vitamin C precursors, tocopherols (vitamin E), and carotenoids provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced damage. Geraniol specifically inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) — enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, thereby slowing visible signs of aging.
Hormonal Balance:Rose otto contains compounds that act as gentle phytoestrogens, helping to modulate estrogen receptor activity without being hormone-disruptive. Studies on women with dysmenorrhea showed that abdominal massage with rose oil significantly reduced menstrual pain, likely through a combination of antispasmodic action (relaxing uterine smooth muscle) and modulation of prostaglandin synthesis.
Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms:Geraniol and citronellol have been shown to inhibit COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes — the same pathways targeted by NSAIDs, but without gastric side effects. This makes rose otto valuable for inflammatory skin conditions (rosacea, eczema, dermatitis) and systemic inflammation.
Extraction Method: Why Steam Distillation Matters
True rose otto oil is produced through hydrodistillation — a specific type of steam distillation where rose petals are placed directly in water that is then heated. The process occurs in traditional copper alembic stills, as copper acts as a catalyst that enhances certain beneficial chemical reactions and helps preserve delicate compounds.
The "cohobation" process (redistilling the hydrosol) is what distinguishes high-quality Bulgarian rose otto. This captures water-soluble aromatic compounds that would otherwise be lost, resulting in a more complete chemical profile.
Why Bulgarian Rose Otto Is Chemically Superior
Comparative studies using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have shown that Bulgarian rose otto from Kazanlak contains:
- Higher concentrations of citronellol and geraniol (the primary therapeutic compounds)
- More complex trace compound profiles
- Lower levels of undesirable compounds like rose oxide isomers that can cause sensitization
- Optimal balance of monoterpene alcohols to hydrocarbons
This chemical superiority is attributed to:
- Specific Rosa damascena cultivar grown for generations in Bulgaria
- Volcanic mineral-rich soil providing trace elements
- Temperature fluctuations between day and night that stress the plant beneficially
- Traditional cultivation without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
- Expertise passed down through generations of Bulgarian distillers
Synergy: Why Whole Plant Medicine Works
The concept of synergy is critical to understanding rose otto's effectiveness. While individual compounds like geraniol can be isolated and studied, research consistently shows that the whole essential oil produces effects greater than the sum of its parts.
A 2013 study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies demonstrated that whole rose oil was significantly more effective at reducing anxiety than synthetic blends of its major constituents. This is because:
- Trace compounds modulate the activity of major compounds
- Some compounds enhance skin penetration of others
- Multiple compounds working on different receptor sites create broader effects
- Natural ratios create biological compatibility
This is why synthetic rose fragrance, despite smelling similar, has no therapeutic value — it lacks the chemical complexity and synergistic relationships of the whole plant.
The Essence of Love: Rose as Universal Healer
"Rose vibrates with the energy of universal love, operating in the light of unconditional love and giving. The rose offers itself in service for the love of the human race, and the planet. Rose is the quintessential fragrance of love, the love that touches our very soul, and it is for the awakening of love in us that it offers itself."
— Valerie Ann Worwood, Aromatherapy for the Spirit
The rose has been associated with love and romance dating all the way back to ancient times. The rose has captivated the spirit of artists, poets, lovers, dreamers, and people of all kinds throughout the centuries. There is something about the beauty and the smell of the rose that touches us to the core in pure delight. Rose opens our hearts and activates our senses.
Our Bulgarian Rose Otto is one of the most treasured essential oils we offer — perfect for celebrating the love we all are.
Rose (Bulgarian) Essential Oil - Rose Otto (Rosa Damascena)
$79.97
Botanical Name: Rosa Damascena Plant Part: Bulgarian Rose Blossoms Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled Country of Origin: Kazanlak Bulgaria (Valley of Roses) Color/Consistency: Pale Straw Color with Thin Consistency Aroma: Fresh, Floral, Deep, Sweet, and Mildly Spicy Perfumery Note: Middle Main Chemical Components: Citronellol… read more
Indications:
Emotional: Rose Otto has been used throughout aromatherapy to cool and calm the mind, relieving one of depression, sadness, and anxiety. The oil effectively balances the emotions, allowing release of unpleasant feelings and self-defeating thoughts. Rose Otto is also a very powerful aphrodisiac and will instill undoubtable feelings of gratitude, unconditional love, and compassion.
Physical: Bulgarian Rose Otto increases circulation and promotes the removal of toxins, thus toning and balancing the digestive and vascular systems. The oil is also prized as the ultimate feminine oil, assisting with all menstrual and menopausal issues. Rose Otto also attains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antispasmodic, antiseptic, diuretic, and sedative properties.
Spiritual: As Bulgarian Rose Otto vibrates at an astoundingly high frequency, the oil's spiritual benefits can be perceived as beyond elevating. The oil has the greatest effect on the heart chakra, as the oil raises one's frequency to the high notes of unconditional love and divine abundance.
Skincare: Bulgarian Rose Otto is indicated for all skin types, as the oil soothes, moisturizes, and nourishes the skin. The oil is proven to fight free radicals, stimulate collagen production, and having a toning and astringent effect on the capillaries, thus slowing down and reversing the skin's aging process. When used in daily skincare, Rose Otto will provide the proper nourishment and nutrients necessary for optimal skin health and rejuvenation.
Chakras Affected:
Second Chakra, Sacral: The Sacral Chakra is the center where creativity and sexual energy are cultivated. Bulgarian Rose Otto, used as a powerful aphrodisiac, will assist with impotence and restore sexual drive. It awakens sensuality and the creative life force, inviting pleasure and passion back into the body.
Fourth Chakra, Heart: Bulgarian Rose Otto is the ultimate essential oil for the heart chakra. The oil will balance one's love of self and others, ease emotional heartache, calm the circulatory system, and aid the respiratory system with shortness of breath or feelings of tightness. Rose opens the gateway to unconditional love, compassion, and divine connection.
Fifth Chakra, Throat: Our centers of communication becomes blocked through lack of self-confidence and inability to express our Inner Truth. Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil instills inner strength and fortitude, encouraging feelings of self-love, self-confidence, self-respect, and sincerity. It helps us speak from the heart with authenticity and grace.
Usage Instructions:
Massage Oil: Dilute 2.5-5% Rose Otto in a high quality carrier oil such as Argan or Foraha, and massage over any area where you would like healing to occur.
Facial Beauty Oil: Use 2.5% Rose Otto in good quality carrier oil. We recommend Argan as the carrier oil because of its skin healing and beautifying properties.
Diffusor: Follow diffusor manufacturer's instructions. Since this is such an expensive oil, it might be useful to dilute it in something cost efficient like Frankincense, Clary Sage or Bergamot before diffusing. Never put a fatty or carrier oil in the diffusor.
Aromatherapy Mist: Add 1-5 drops per 2oz distilled water and spray as desired. Shake before each use.
Reiki or other Healing Work: Rose Otto can open the heart and seal auric holes. Drop oil in the palm of hands, rub together gently and let the healing energy flow.
Working with Rose Otto: A Practice in Sacred Devotion
To work with Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil is to enter into relationship with one of Earth's most ancient and revered plant allies. This is not an oil for casual use — it is a sacrament, a prayer, a doorway to the Divine Feminine within.
Before anointing with rose, take a moment to honor the thousands of petals that were harvested at dawn, the hands that tended them, and the alchemical process that captured their essence. Consider that the single drop you hold contains the essence of 60-80 roses — thousands of petals transformed through steam and devotion into liquid gold. When you open the bottle, you are opening your heart to millennia of wisdom, devotion, and love.
Rose Otto asks us to soften, to surrender, to remember that we are worthy of beauty, pleasure, and unconditional love. In a world that often demands hardness and protection, rose whispers: it is safe to open. It is safe to feel. It is safe to love.
May the rose bless your journey home to your own heart. 🌹✨
