ROSE HERBAL MONOGRAPH
Family: Rosaceae
Sub-family: Rosa spp.
Description: A woody, perennial flowering plant with prickly stems, which can be a bush or a trailing climber. Glossy green, toothed alternate leaves. Large showy flowers with many colour varieties, some which are fragrant .Berry-like fruits called hips, which also vary in colour. There are over 300 species with thousands of cultivars.
Origin: Primarily Asia, and also Europe, North America and northwest Africa.
Energetics: Neutral, slightly cooling.
Taste: Sweet.
Parts used: Flowers, hips, seeds.
Actions: Astringent, antidepressant, anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac, calminative, nervine, sedative, digestive stimulant, expectorant, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitussive, anti-diabetic, anti-obesogenic (countering the onset of obesity).
Constituents: Tannins, saponins, glycosides, sorbitol, rubixanthin, organic acids (malic acid, tartaric acid), carboxylic acid., carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, beta–carotene, zeaxanthin), cyanin, anthocyanins, resin, volatile oils (citronellol, geraniol, eugenol, myrcene)) waxes, terpenes, phenolic compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, flavonoids), beta-sitosterol, polysaccharides.
The hips are rich in nutrients including amino acids, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, hesperidin, kaempferol), pectins, sugars, tannins, beta-sitosterol, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, galactolipids (GOPO), Vitamins A, B3 (niacin), C, D, E (tocopherol), and folate, and minerals including magnesium and copper.
Folklore & Traditions: Rose has the highest vibration of all flowers and is symbolic of love & luck. As early as the 1st century, Pliny the Elder documented numerous medicinal uses for Rose. In Greek mythology, Rose is associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love, beauty, desire and passion. According to the mythology, roses grew wherever she walked because of her beauty.
With a long history of use in both aromatherapy and herbalism, roses have been revered for centuries for their ability to balance the heart, mind & emotions, alleviate anxiety and uplift the mood. Rose is strengthening for both the physical and energetic heart. Rose can help ease sorrow, grief and heartache. . Rose is known as a cardiovascular system tonic, used to treat asthma and other respiratory issues, and ralso to reduce inflammation in the body. Rosehips are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, and are a classic source of vitamin C. Used traditionally in rituals associated with matters of the heart, grief and healing.
Medicinal uses: Nervous system tonic. Rose petals are a calming nervine with anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties which gently calm the spirit, nourish the nervous system and soothe emotional distress. Rose can be used long-term to manage depression and anxiety.
Female reproductive system tonic. Rose petals are toning to the reproductive system, and are a beneficial herb for moving stagnation. Helps to regulate hormones, assisting with period pain & cramping, menstrual irregularities, blood stagnation and excessive menstruation. Balancing for mood swings during the menstrual cycle. Rose petals can be used as a vaginal douche or steam.
Aphrodisiac. Rose is considered an aphrodisiac, increasing sexual desire, arousal, and receptiveness to pleasure. In both Chinese medicine & Ayurveda, Rose is used to increase semen production, libido and fertility.
Cardiotonic. Rose is known to support the cardiovascular system and reduce inflammation in the body. Rose is strengthening for both the physical and energetic heart. Rose can help ease sorrow, grief and heartache. Nourishes & opens the energetic heart.
Respiratory system. Roses are a gentle cold and flu remedy which dries mucus, relieves runny nose and brings down fevers. Rosehips support immune system health due to their high Vitamin C content. A traditional herbal remedy for asthma and bronchial infections - The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies suggests the Hips and Petals infused as a tea to reduce fever, remove bronchial spasms of coughs and asthma, and for respiratory congestion.
Gastrointestinal health. Rose is highly astringent, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. Useful for treating diarrhea, constipation and inflammation in the digestive tract, IBS and leaky gut. Used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory mouthwash and gargle for sore throats.
Skin health. Red Rose petals are rich in skin nourishing Vitamins A,C & E, promoting collagen production, evening skin tone and smoothing & brightening the skin. The natural oils moisturise the skin. Rose petals are naturally astringent, tightening pores and reducing redness.Rose petals and rosewater can be used for topically healing wounds. Rose petals are anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Eye health. Rose has been used historically across cultures for eye problems, both physical & energetic. In Ayurveda Rose water is used for inflamed, itchy, and red eyes. It is spritzed on the eyes to cool and refresh them. Rose water can be used as gentle eye drops to treat conjunctivitis, conjunctival xerosis (dry eye) and itching eyes from allergies, smoke and pollutants.
Astrological correspondence: Venus
Chakra: Heart
Cautions & Contraindications: Rose is generally considered safe. Due to its tannin content, rose petals may reduce the intestinal absorption of iron and medicines containing alkaloids.
LOVE HEART TEA WITH RED ROSE PETALS AVAILABLE HERE.
HIBISCUS, MANGOSTEEN & ROSE BOTANICAL FACE MASK HERE.
SANDALWOOD & ROSE INCENSE AVAILABLE HERE.
Rose - The Herbal Astrology Oracle by Adriana Ayales, Artwork by Josephine Clerks, 2022.
References: Apelian, N. & Davis, C. The Lost Book Of Herbal Remedies, 2019.
Ayales, Adriana. The Herbal Astrology Oracle. Hay House, 2022.
Gladstar, Rosemary. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing, 2012.
Hardin, J & Rose, K. Materia Medica : Profiles & Uses of Herbs, 2016.
https://www.britannica.com/plant/rose-plant
https://theherbalacademy.com/rose-monograph
https://www.moonchildwellbeing.com/blog/rose-monograph
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements made regarding this plant have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The efficacy of this plant may or may not have been confirmed by TGA approved research. This blog post is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse reactions.