Effects of aromatherapy with damask rose on pain and anxiety in parturient women during the first stage of labor

Scientists published a study in 2018 titled “Effects of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena on pain and anxiety during labor,” in which they examined the potential of rose damask rose to reduce pain and anxiety in women during labor. This study focused on one of the most intense physical and emotional situations a woman experiences — and sought to assess whether aromatherapy with rose oil could be a safe and effective support during this time.

The study involved women in active labor who were randomly assigned to groups. One group received aromatherapy with rose damask rose oil — either directly inhaled or used as drops on a pillow or oil lamp — while the other group served as a control. The researchers measured both subjective feelings of pain and anxiety, as well as objective safety indicators — such as the newborn’s condition immediately after birth on the Apgar system and the type of delivery (vaginal birth or operative).

The results showed that women who used aromatherapy with damask rose reported lower levels of pain and anxiety compared to those in the control group. At the same time, there were no negative effects on the babies — Apgar scores were similar between the two groups, and there were no statistically significant differences in whether the birth was vaginal or cesarean. Apgar is a method of assessing the condition of a newborn immediately after birth — looking at heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, irritability, and skin color. A high score means that the baby is adapting well to life outside the womb. This suggests that rose oil therapy can be a safe aid without exposing the baby or the mother to additional risk.

This study does not claim that rose is a panacea, but it does support the idea that during a sensitive and stressful time like childbirth, gentle aromatherapy can alleviate suffering. It is important to note, however, that this effect is observed within specific conditions and with careful monitoring. The scientists themselves warn that this is not a substitute for medical methods of pain relief and that aromatherapy should be used as an additional support — not as a primary method.

From an everyday perspective, this information could be useful for many women — because, if proven in more research, damask rose could be part of a natural and safe approach to dealing with anxiety and pain, not only in the delivery room, but also in situations that strain the body and mind.

Source: Hamdamian S. Effects of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena on pain and anxiety during labor. 2018.