ROSE

ROSE

( Rosa spp.)                  Top Pick

Other Names

Description

Rose is a prickly shrub native to North America.   It is also widely cultivated around the world.   The stalk may be climbing or erect depending on the species.   The leafy stalk produces beautiful petal flowers that range from white to crimson red in color, followed by the seed pod known as the rosehip.   There are over 100 different Rose species. 

Classification

Cool

Taste

Sweet, Astringent.

Balance Yin/Yang

Either neutral or slightly cooler.

Humor

Fire  é  Water   é  Air   ê

Uses/Applications

Take Rose petals for headaches and dizziness.   Combine with honey as a nerve tonic or blood purifier.   Use to ease uterine cramps, mouth sores, tooth ache, and to relieve headache. 

Petals

Decoction

Use to ease uterine cramps, mouth sores, toothache, and to relieve headache.

Gargle

Use for sore throats.

Infusion

Take for headache or dizziness.   Mix with honey as a nerve tonic or blood purifies.

Tincture

Use for diarrhea or sluggish digestion.   It can also be used for irregular or heavy menstruation.

Rosehips

Decoction

Take with Dang Shen, Bal Zhu, and Shan Yao for chronic diarrhea with stomach weakness.

Infusion

Take to help the body fight infection and stop developing colds.   It is also excellent for fighting exhaustion.

Syrup

Use to flavor other medicines or add to cough mixtures.

Tincture

Take as an astringent for diarrhea, to relieve colic, or as a component in cough syrup.

Essential Oil

Bath

Use for depression, grief or insomnia.

Cream

Use for dry or inflamed skin.

Lotion

Use for vaginal itching, and as a cooling moisturizer for the skin.

Massage Oil

Use to relieve stress and exhaustion.

Combinations

For liver Qi dysfunction combine with Bai Shao Yao and Xiang Fu.   For irregular or heavy menstruation combine with Lady’s Mantle, White Nettle, or Shepherd’s Purse. 

For sore throat combine with Sage.   For chronic diarrhea combine with Dang Shen, Bal Zhu, and Shan Yao.

Constituents

Flowers   è Volatile Oil, Tannins.  There are over 300 chemicals in the Rose, of which only 100 have been identified.

Rosehips   è Tannins, Pectin, Carotene, Fruity Acids, Fatty Oil.

Action

Flowers   è  Aperient, Astringent, Stomachic.

Rosehips   è Nutrient, Mild Laxative, Mild Diuretic, Mild Astringent.

Food Values

Flowers   è  Vitamin C, B, E, & K.

Rosehips   è Vitamin C, D, Potassium.

Part Used

Flowers, Rosehips (Fruit).

Collection

Collect the petals and dry before the flowers unfolds.   Harvest the Rosehips in the fall.

Preparation

Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. herb.   Infuse 15 minutes. Take three times per day.

Massage Oil

Add 2 ml. rose oil to 20 ml. Almond oil.

Rose Honey

Blend clarified honey and fluid extract of roses.

Rose Vinegar

Steep rose petals in distilled vinegar.   Do not boil.

Rose Water

Boil fresh petals in water and condense the vapor to another vessel to get rose water.   Take 2 oz. three times per day.

Tincture

Take 3 - 4 ml. three times per day.

Growing Directions

Consult a nursery for the species best suited for your conditions and needs.

History

The Rose has a long history of medicinal use.   Legend says the Rose was a favorite of the ancient Egyptians who used the fragrant petals as air freshners, rose water, and perfume.   In Greece, Hippocrates recommended Rose flowers mixed with oil for diseases of the uterus.   Ajurvedic physicians considered rose to be cooling and astringent, making it a good poultice for wounds and inflammations.   In Roman times the Wild Rose was used for rabid dog bits.   Rose continued as an official medicine until the 1930’s.   Today it is highly prized.   The oil is extremely expensive and it is one of the most important oils in Aromatherapy.   Western herbalist’s have echoed Ayurvedic uses. 

Additional Information

1.   The most common species used medicinally are as follows:

Rosa  californica  è  Cold remedies.

Rosa  centifola  è  Skin conditions, hemorrhaging.

Rosa  centifolia  è  French Rose Oil.

Rosa  canina  è  Commercial products.

Rosa  damascena  è  Regulate menstrual cycle.

Rosa  eglanteria  è  For colic and diarrhea.

Rosa  gallica  è  Vaginal douche or eyewash.

Rosa  gamascena  è  Commercial perfumes  and Nervine.

Rosa  laevigata  è  For chronic diarrhea.

Rosa  rugusa  è  For digestive problems.

2.   Rosehips are still used in commercial teas, syrups and fruit drinks. 

3.   In China R. Laevigate species of Rosehips, known as Jin Ying Zi, is mainly used as a kidney Qi (energy) tonic. 

4.   The Cabbage Rose is used to produce French Rose Oil that differs significantly from Bulgarian Rose Oil, which is used in 96% of women’s perfumes. 

5.   Rosewater is a byproduct of the steam distillation of Bulgarian Rose Oil and it makes a good skin remedy.

6.   Some scientific studies show positive benefits from rose for treating colds and flu.

7.   The Canadian Medical Association Journal and the New England Journal of Medicine say to take 2000 mg. or more of Rose at the first sign of a cold.

Cautions

1.   Because of the high price of Rose Oil, adulteration is a common practice.   Medicinally, use only genuine oil.

2.   Rose Oil is non toxic and can be taken internally but it is best to seek professional advice if you are not familiar with the dosages.

3.   Use only species listed.   Do not use hybrids.

Magick Information

Gender:

  Feminine

Planet:

  Venus

Element:

  Water

Deity:

  Adonis, Aurora, Cupid, Demeter, Hathor, Harpocrates.

Powers:

  Healing, Divination, Love, Protection.

Magickal Uses:

  A Rose worn or a single Rose on an alter are powerful love magick aids.   Add Rose water to your bath to make you lucky in love.   String and wear Rosehips to attract love.   Rose is also used in healing spells and mixtures.   Carry it for personal protection and luck.