To the editor:

My family in Great Bend and elsewhere in Barton County love roses. I know I do. One variety that is difficult to grow here (but can be done) is the ‘Rosa Damascena’ or ‘Damask Rose.’ Damascena Rosa is mainly cultivated in Iran, Bulgaria, Turkey and Morocco.

On a lark, I wrote to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, located in Isfahan, Iran, and got information back. It was my first (probably my only time) to get literature out of Iran.

The ‘Damask Rose’ uses include: luxury perfumes; in Medicine: everything ranging from Rose Hips with high concentration of Vitamin C to anti-cancer and anti-HIV properties; in aromatherapy and incense. Damask Roses scattered at weddings ensured a happy marriage and were symbols of love and purity.

As a medical treatment, Rose Damask is used as an ingredient in chemotherapy and autoimmune diseases (such as AIDS and other maladies). It is said to be cooling, decrease tension, irritability, headache and reduce inflammation.

Strikingly, in Iran and India, Damask Rose Oil is prepared in copper alembic stills. The rose petals are dried, then steamed.

The monk, Rosenkreutz, observed this circa 1478. Merchants actually traded Rose Oil for equal weight in gold. Their techniques of production have been handed down – totally unchanged from ancient times, literally moistened flour-dough is used as a makeshift sealant on ‘stills’ to prevent leakage or explosions.

Indeed, I love the beauty of all types of roses, no matter whether they are deep red roses or yellow roses or others. However, the medium red or pink Damask Roses have diverse usages, increasing their value as well as their beauty.

James A. Marples

Esbon