Rose Essence – Ruh Gulab

Ruh Gulab (also spelled Ruh-e-Gulab) is a pure, steam-distilled essential oil extracted from rose petals, specifically from the Damask rose (Rosa damascena) or desi gulab (Indian rose). The term “Ruh” means “soul” or “essence” in Persian and Urdu, so Ruh Gulab literally means “soul of the rose.” It is one of the most prized and luxurious traditional attars (natural perfumes), especially known in India’s perfume capital, Kannauj.

What is Rose Essence or Ruh Gulab?

Rose Essence or Ruh Gulab is a type of rose essential oil, however the procedure used in its distillation is traditional Deg & Bhapka Method. It requires about four tonnes of hand-picked roses to make just 1kg of rose essence.

Which Distillation Method is Used to Produce Rose Essence/Ruh Gulab?

The only difference in Ruh Gulab and Rose Essential Oil is the process used for distillation. Ruh Gulab is essence of fresh rose flower that is extracted in a traditional manner which is been used by perfumers in kannauj for hundreds of years.

The actual Rose distillation process begins even before sunrise, when the fresh flowers of the Damask rose are hand-picked by hand from thorny bushes, and they are brought to the distilleries for the rose attar making process that need to take place on same day.

Once the fresh plugged flowers are brought into distillery, they are tipped into big size copper pots, also known as Degs/Dhegs, with a small amount of cold water.

Under the degs or copper pots, a fire is made using wood or dung in most cased, and the water is boiled for the period of five to six hours.

The hot steam releases the essential oils of the flower, which further condense and flow down bamboo pipes (Chonga) to a Bhapka (receiver pot).

🌹 Key Features of Ruh Gulab:

• Extraction Method: Traditional hydro-distillation in copper stills (deg-bhapka method).

• Ingredients: Only fresh rose petals and water, no alcohol or synthetic additives.

• Fragrance Profile: Soft, floral, sweet, and romantic — the true, delicate scent of blooming roses.

• Color: Usually pale yellow to light golden.

• Concentration: Extremely concentrated — just a drop is highly fragrant.

🌸 Uses of Ruh Gulab:

• As Natural Attar (Roll on Perfume): Ruh Gulab can be used directly as roll on attar or perfume oil on skin and clothes. It’s high end luxury fragrance that is rare and special.

• Perfumery: As a base or heart note in luxury fragrances and attars.

• Aromatherapy: Known to uplift mood, calm stress, and open the heart chakra.

• Skincare: Mixed with carrier oils or creams for anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits.

• Spiritual/Ritual Use: Used in religious ceremonies and meditation for its purifying aroma.

🌿 Fun Fact:

To produce just 1 tola (around 12 ml) of pure Ruh Gulab, it can take up to 10,000 rose blossoms, which must be harvested early in the morning when the oil content is highest.

Can I Use Rose Essence/Ruh Gulab as Perfume?

Yes, Ruh Gulab or Essence of Roses is one of the best fragrances and the traditional manufacturing process makes it more special. Wearing Pure Rose Essence or Ruh Gulab is a must-have experience.