Identity & origin
BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
The shared “rosae flos” monograph includes Rosa × damascena Mill. This entry is limited to the parts and preparations described in it.
Inclusion in a collective monograph does not prove that each species has been studied separately in humans. The form and pharmaceutical quality described remain decisive.
Also known as: Rosa damascena
A common name and photograph do not guarantee identification. Check the botanical name and part indicated on a traceable product.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
Uses & evidence
UNDERSTANDING THE USES
Properties & uses.
Minor irritation of the skin, mouth and throat
Traditional local use of a petal infusion, as a mouth rinse or skin application, for minor inflammation. Scented water, hydrosol and essential oil are not equivalent preparations.
Use considered plausible in a traditional-use monograph. That status alone does not demonstrate clinical efficacy.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
Precautions before use
BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications & precautions
- Source-listed contraindicationAllergy to the active substance.Source
Medicine interactions
- No interaction reported in the sourceNo interactions are reported in the monograph for the specified preparations; this does not establish compatibility with every medicine.Source
“Reported” does not prove causality; “possible” may reflect indirect evidence. “None reported” means none in the cited source, not that all combinations have been studied. Do not stop a prescribed treatment based on this profile.
Adverse effects
- Stop use if an unexpected reaction occurs; limited data do not mean absence of risk.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Medicinal use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended because adequate data are lacking; safety has not been established.
SourceChildren & adolescents
Medicinal use is not recommended below 12 years because adequate data are lacking; follow the preparation-specific leaflet.
SourceIf symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
Forms & how they are used
DOCUMENTED FORMS
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
Infusion for local applicationPetals · Route: topical
Mouth rinsePetals · Route: oromucosal
Preparation described in the shared monograph.
Please note: Local preparation: do not equate it with a beverage.
Read the sourceUnderstanding the plant’s actions
EXPLORE THE EVIDENCE
How does the plant act?
Damask rose has a small clinical trial of local use, which should be distinguished from the promises often associated with its fragrance. The preparation studied is an aqueous mouthwash, while the essential oil, hydrosol and petals for infusion are different products. The usual medicinal uses of the petals remain within a traditional framework shared with other roses.
Constituents to know.
Their presence and quantity depend on the plant part and preparation.
- Petal polyphenols
- The report describes quercetin and kaempferol derivatives and tannins. The essential oil's aroma does not summarize this aqueous profile.Read the reference
Mouth ulcers: local clinical signal
One study observes symptom improvement with a defined mouthwash. This suggests a possible local use without demonstrating lasting prevention of recurrence.
A human study may be positive, negative or inconclusive. Read the findings, preparation and limitations.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
Choose a product intended for the mouth if this route is contemplated. A cosmetic fragrance or decorative hydrosol does not reproduce the mouthwash used in the trial.
Studies, findings & limitations
THE RESEARCH
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
A mouthwash studied over two weeks
A human study may be positive, negative or inconclusive. Read the findings, preparation and limitations.
- Type of research
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 50 people
- Preparation concerned
- Aqueous preparation of R. damascena in people with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
- Observed results
- Improvement in pain and the number and size of lesions reported at certain assessments.
- Limitations to consider
- Small, short trial; no validation of all rose waters, no evidence transferable to R. gallica or R. centifolia.
What can we take from this?
These results do not demonstrate a general hormonal, anxiolytic or anti-infective action of the petals. Persistent or unusual oral lesions must be examined.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
Sources & last review
CHECKING REFERENCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — rosae flosAccessed on 09/10/2026
- Kew POWO — nomenclature of Rosa × damascenaAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — final assessment of rose petalsAccessed on 09/10/2026
- Hoseinpour et al. — Rosa damascena mouthwash for recurrent aphthous ulcers (2011)Accessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — document officiel relu : usages et sécurité, Rose de DamasAccessed on 09/10/2026
Image: Mostafameraji · CC BY-SA 4.0. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.
