Rose Essential Oil - The fragrance that may grow your brain.
Rosa damascena (Damask Rose) or Rosa centifolia (Cabbage Rose)
Family: Rosaceae
Extraction: Steam distillation or solvent extraction of rose petals
Aroma: Deeply floral, rich, sweet and intoxicating
A Fragrance that Nurtures the Mind and Soul
Wearing rose-scented essential oil daily may do far more than lift your spirits, it might actually change your brain.
In a remarkable new study from Kyoto University, Japan, researchers found that inhaling rose essential oil every day for one month increased grey matter volume (GMV) across the brain, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a region involved in memory, emotion and self-reflection.
Using MRI imaging, the team discovered measurable structural brain gains in women who wore rose oil daily, while a control group wearing unscented water showed no such change. Interestingly, areas such as the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex — regions commonly linked to our sense of smell — remained unchanged. This suggests that rose’s influence extends beyond scent alone, reaching deeper cognitive and emotional networks within the brain.
“These findings open new doors for non-invasive, scent-based approaches to brain health,” the authors noted, “potentially aiding in dementia prevention and healthy aging.”
The Heart’s Elixir - Rose in Aromatherapy
Long before science confirmed its neurological benefits, rose essential oil was cherished for its power to soothe the heart and restore emotional balance.
According to aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood, author of Aromatherapy for the Soul, rose is “the fragrance of divine love - the scent that opens the heart to compassion, forgiveness, and joy.” Its sweet, rich floral aroma has long been associated with emotional renewal, helping dissolve grief and uplift the weary spirit.
From a spiritual perspective, rose is believed to balance the heart chakra, bridging human vulnerability with divine grace. Its energy is soft yet powerful, grounding us in love while awakening higher consciousness.
The Science Behind Rose’s Calm
Modern evidence supports what traditional healers have always known - rose essential oil profoundly influences the nervous system and emotional regulation.
Citronellol and geraniol, two primary compounds in rose oil, exhibit mild sedative and anxiolytic effects, helping reduce stress and promote calm (Johnson, Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy, 2015).
Inhalation has been shown to lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol and enhance parasympathetic nervous activity, supporting rest and emotional balance.
As the Kyoto study now suggests, daily exposure may even support neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections.
Together, these findings paint rose not merely as a perfume of pleasure, but as a botanical ally for emotional and cognitive health.
A Scent for the Ages
The Kyoto study provides scientific affirmation for what perfumers, poets and healers have known for centuries, that the scent of rose touches both heart and mind.
From enhancing brain structure to nurturing the soul, rose reminds us that beauty, when experienced consciously, can heal. So, the next time you inhale its soft, velvety fragrance, remember, you might just be feeding your brain as much as your heart.
The Brain & Heart Harmony Blend
3 drops Rose essential oil (Rosa damascena)
2 drops Frankincense essential oil (for grounding and mental clarity)
2 drops Geranium essential oil (for emotional balance)
1 drop Sandalwood essential oil (for peace and focus)
Dilute in 10 ml jojoba oil. Apply over the heart, temples, or wrists while practising slow, mindful breathing.
References
Kyoto University (2025). Continuous inhalation of rose essential oil increases grey matter volume in healthy women. Brain Research Bulletin.
Worwood, V.A. (1999). Aromatherapy for the Soul. New World Library.
Johnson, S.A. (2015). Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy. Scott Johnson Professional Writing Services.
Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Elsevier.
