Rosa Damascena – The Heart of the Rose
History, Healing & Ritual Uses of the Apothecary Rose
At Nornir Apothecary, we’ve jarred up one of the oldest and most beloved flowers in the world: the soft, fragrant petals and buds of Rosa damascena- also known as the Damask rose, apothecary rose, or simply, the rose of devotion.
These petals are more than beautiful. They are medicine, myth, and memory- a bridge between the sensual and the sacred.
A Rose Through Time: History & Lineage
The story of Rosa damascena stretches across continents and empires. Believed to have originated in the Middle East, this ancient rose traveled the Silk Road and took root in Persian gardens, Roman bathhouses, Greek temples, and medieval European apothecaries.
By the 10th century, the Damask rose had become a fixture in Islamic medicine and alchemical distillation. Avicenna himself perfected the method of rosewater extraction, and rose petals became a staple in traditional remedies for the heart, skin, digestion, and spirit.
The name damascena points to its strong historical ties to Damascus, Syria—where its cultivation was elevated to art.
Healing Qualities
In folk and traditional herbalism, Rosa damascena is revered for its:
🌹 Cooling and anti-inflammatory properties
🌹 Astringent action—tightening and toning tissues, especially the skin and digestive tract
🌹 Nervine qualities—calming the nervous system and emotional heart
🌹 Carminative effects—soothing the gut and relieving tension in the belly
🌹 Antidepressant & uplifting energy—lifting the mood with its fragrance and energetics
🌹 Antimicrobial & skin-supportive properties—used in washes, oils, and steams
Energetics & Spirit of the Rose
Rosa damascena is ruled by the planet Venus, and its energy is soft, feminine, and fiercely loving. It opens the heart but also sets boundaries- teaching us that gentleness is not weakness.
It holds within it:
The sweetness of devotion
The strength of healthy self-worth
The courage to feel and to heal
The power of beauty as medicine
In many traditions, roses are used in protection, love magic, grief rituals, and as offerings to the divine feminine. The scent of rose is said to draw angels, soothe spirits, and mend broken hearts.
Suggested Uses
Internal Use:
Add a pinch of petals or a few buds to your favorite herbal tea
Blend with tulsi, lavender, or chamomile for emotional support
Stir into honey or infuse into simple syrup for a heart medicine elixir
Topical Use:
Add to bathwater for beauty, self-love, and purification rituals
Use in facial steams or infuse into oils for skin healing and gentle toning
Mix with clay and rosewater for a soothing face mask
Spiritual & Ritual Use:
Use in spellwork for love, grief, or heart-opening
Scatter on your altar or include in sachets, incense, or offerings
Burn gently with frankincense or myrrh for sacred cleansing
A Note on Quality
Our petals and buds are organically grown and carefully dried to retain their color, fragrance, and vibrational quality. Each jar is a vessel of softness and strength- ready to be brewed, bathed in, or scattered like blessings.
Affirmation
I open to love, gently and without fear. My heart is a sanctuary.
Now Available at Nornir Apothecary
Loose Rosa damascena petals & whole rosebuds- jarred by hand, in small, love-filled batches.
Available Jar Sizes:
Petals: Available in 1.25 oz glass jars
Buds: Available in 0.5 oz glass jars
FDA Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.