Rose Petals (Rosa centifolia) – Dried Herb

Rosa damascena, also known as the Damask Rose and Rose of Castile, is a Rose hybrid originating in the middle east (the name is based on Damascus, Syria), and is know cultivated all over the world.

Rose is a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa, in the family Rosaceae, which includes Strawberry, Raspberry and Hawthorn. Typically, Roses are climbing or bushy perennials with thorny stems, varying shapes and colours of flowers and a unique scent. The Rosa damascene flowers have been used for Rose oil in perfume and for Rosewater.

Cultivation of Roses began some 5,000 years ago, possibly in China. During the Roman period, Roses were grown extensively in the Middle East. Roses were grown in medieval gardens more for medicine and food than for beauty. Greek physician Dioscorides authored the first known record of Rose as a medicinal plant in the first century CE and mentioned both internal and external applications.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rose flowers are used as a qi or energy stimulant and blood tonic to relieve stagnant liver energies. The North American Indigenous people used wild Rose flowers for colds and the seeds for muscular pains. In Europe, Rose water was used as wash for skin conditions; the oil as an inhalation sleep aid; a Rose petal conserve was eaten for colds, coughs, lung complaints and for infection and pain in the urinary system. Traditionally, Rose was used to soothe the mind when associated with depression, grief, nervous tension and stress. Rose was traditionally sprayed or distributed at mourning ceremonies to calm and relax people.

Until the 1930s Roses were still considered an official medicine by doctors for both internal and topical treatments. Dried Rose Petals can also be used in botanical tea blends, culinary infusions, and topical creations such as body sprays and floral baths.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Rose are sweet, floral, sometimes slightly bitter, cooling and drying. Rose has an affinity to the kidneys, liver, spleen, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, brain, skin and uterus. For a uterine tea combine Rose with Motherwort, Lady’s Mantle or Raspberry Leaf. For the nervous system combine Rose with Lemon Balm, Holy Basil, Skullcap or Lemon Verbena.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Rose to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

For topical use cool the tea and use as a compress, spray for skin or make an infused oil to apply daily. 

Recipe for Rose Honey:

Fill any jar to the top with Rose Petals. Pour honey into the jar, stirring as needed to remove air bubbles, until the jar is full. Cap securely and label. Wait for at least a week before eating. The longer you wait, the more delicious the taste. 

Cautions & contraindications:

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.