Rose
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Rosa spp.
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Rosaceae, Rose family
PLANT PART
Flowers, flower buds, and leaves; rosehips
PREPARATIONS
Infusion (flower petals, buds, and leaves), decoction (rosehips), tincture, poultice, oil, salve, honey, syrup, elixir, vinegar, flower essence, butter, hydrosol, compress, poultice, and soak
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Flowers and buds: Nervine, astringent, anti-inflammatory, cardio-tonic, antimicrobial, diuretic, anticatarrhal, antianxiety, and aphrodisiac;
Leaves: Astringent, diuretic, and antimicrobial
Rosehips: Astringent, antimicrobial, blood tonic, and nutritive
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Cooling and drying; uplifting, grounding, and calming; promotes nurturing feelings and spiritual healing
ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PRACTICES
Rose has been used as medicine and perfume by the ancient Chinese, Persian, Egyptian, Greek, Indian, Roman, and Native American civilizations and was already cultivated 5,000 years ago. The word Rose comes from the Greek word "rodon" (red) and the rose of the ancients was indeed a deep crimson color, which would also explain the Greek fable of its springing from the blood of Adonis. In Homer's Iliad, Hector's body was anointed with roses before burial, while according to Islam, when Mohammad went to heaven some of his sweat fell to the ground from which a rose grew. Cleopatra was said to have the floors of her palace carpeted with rose petals and Nero used to have guests at his banquets spritzed with rose water in between dinner courses. In Islamic countries, rose water was added to the mortar used to build temples. Rose cleanses inflammation, acts as a liver and gastrointestinal tonic. Infusions bolster the body’s resistance against respiratory infections and support the immune system. A simple poultice of the petals or leaves reduces the pain and inflammation associated with bites, stings, scrapes, wounds, body piercings, rashes, and sunburns. Rose also helps with female reproductive issues, including heavy menstrual bleeding and cramps. Topically, rose is an ancient herb for beauty. The essential oil (Rose Otto or Absolute) is used in serums, masks, and creams to smooth wrinkles and soften the skin.
SAFETY
The strong aroma may irritate; it can also aggravate cold and dry constitutions if taken regularly
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.