A doctor of pharmacy and a specialist in aromatherapy and herbal medicine for over 20 years, Françoise Couic-Marinier (au bonheur d’essences) has devoted her life to medicinal plants, especially the essential oils they contain. For this renowned expert, Damask rose remains the queen of all oils.
“Since Antiquity, Damask rose has been considered the queen of flowers,” begins Françoise Couic-Marinier, pharmacist, lecturer, aromatherapist and author of many books on essential oils. It is said to be the first plant ever distilled, at the end of the 10th century, by Avicenna, the great Persian physician. Hydrosols flourished until the late Middle Ages. With new distillation techniques and the rise of perfumery, essential oils gradually replaced floral waters. “Damask rose is also one of the most aromatic flowers. It is the most complex and the most universally appreciated, with over 230 molecules. A record! Almost all of us love its scent,” she continues. Widely used in perfumery, it is captivating and embodies the ultimate fragrance, a true “scent of love.” Rare (4,000 kg of flowers for just 1 liter of essential oil), timeless and unlike any other, it is part of many iconic creations from major French perfume houses. Because of its many olfactory facets, Damask rose gives perfumers infinite freedom for harmonious blends (petaled, velvety, sweet, spicy, herbal…).
Flower of love, love of the flower
In aromatherapy too, the hydrosols and essential oils of this medicinal plant are highly valued. They are used in diffusers in palliative care units to soothe patients and their families. “It eases heartache, lifts sadness, and its citronellol and geraniol reduce stress and anxiety. Known for many benefits (anti-aging, hydrating, soothing, relaxing, healing, brightening…), it is also making a strong comeback in natural skincare as floral waters and essential oils.” “Damask rose is an excellent skin regenerator with a calming effect. It boosts elastin and collagen production. And its scent is almost as important as the oil itself. When you breathe it in, your features soften, fine lines relax, and the whole body enters a state of well-being. You feel beautiful.” Mythical and legendary, Damask rose continues to cross centuries without ever losing its magic.
Some reference works written by Françoise
- My essential oils workbook, solar editions, May 2023
- Aromaenfants, terre vivante editions, October 2023
- Healing with hydrosols, Terre Vivante Editions, September 2022
- Aromathérapsy, Terre Vivante Editions, September 2021
- Athletes – The Complete Guide to Natural Care, Terre Vivante Editions, September 2020
- The Terre Vivante Essential Oils Guide, Terre Vivante Editions, 2019
- Healing with Essential Oils, Solar Editions, September 2018