[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Rosa damascena
Family: Rosaceae
Origin:
Rose is native to many parts in the Northern Hemisphere including Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
Botany
Flower, inner bark, leaves, fruit (hips) which form after the flower dies.
There are hundreds of rose species but here are the species mainly used for production:
R. damascena
R. centifolia
R. gallica
R. alba
R. rugosa
The Bulgarian rose oil is the most prized, and the industry is confined to one mountain district.
Due to hybridization, a wide variety of rose hues are grown, including: Red, white, pink, purple, and yellow.
Historical Uses:
Ancient cultures were well aware of the healing properties of the rose, being prized in India, Egypt, Assyria, China, Rome and Greece for its medicinal use. In ancient art and literature, as well as now, the rose symbolizes love, beauty, you, perfection, and immortality.
The main products that are created from roses:
Essential oil, rose otto is extracted through steam distillation. It is one of the most expensive essential oils on the market because of the sheer amount of rose buds it takes to produce an oil.
Absolute, which are extracted through solvent extraction and believed to lose some or most of their healing properties through this process.
Extract, in alcohol, glycerin, vinegar, or water.
Oil from the rose hip seed.
Dried rose petals.
Energetics: Warm
Category: Herbs that regulate Qi
Taste: Bitter and sweet
Organs and Meridians: Spleen and liver
Aromatherapy
Diffuse rose oil alone or in a blend with lavender and vetiver to invite peace and love into the home.
See Psychological and Metaphysical uses below
Vitamins and Minerals:
Vitamins A, B3, C, D and E. The hips contain more vitamin C than oranges!
Therapeutic Actions
Anti-depressive: elevates mood
Anti-septic: destroys and inhibits the growth of microbials
Astringent: tightens and minds connective tissues
Analgesic: relieves pain
Anti-anxiety: relieves anxiety
Nervine: calms the nerves
Aphrodisiac: stimulates sexual arousal
Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation
Anti-oxidant: neutralizes free radical ions
Aromatic: pleasant and distinct smell
Anti-spasmodic: relieves involuntary muscle spasms
Anti-viral: destroys and inhibits the spread of viruses
Anti-bacterial: destroys and inhibits growth of bacteria
Cicatrisant: stimulates new cell growth, aids in the healing of wounds
Depurative: purifying and detoxifying
Emmenagogue: stimulates the flow of menstruation
Hepatic: stimulates and aids in liver function
Laxative: loosen stools and stimulate bowel movement
Sedative: promotes calm and induces sleep
Uses
Lymphatic system/detoxification
Cleanses the gallbladder, liver, stomach, and blood by stimulating circulation.
Digestive system
Aids in digestion
Stimulates appetite
Soothes nausea and vomiting
Excretory system
Bladder infections
Laxative
Immune system
Antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties are beneficial for fighting off a cold or the flu
Nervous system
Sedative effects are calming to the nerves
Eases stress and anxiety
Relieves pain
Lifts depression
Soothes a headache
Induces sleep
Reproductive system
Rose is a tonic of the uterus and valuable for treatment of gynecological problems.
Stimulates and regulates the menstrual cycle
Eases cramps
Increases libido
Skin care
Beneficial in tissue regeneration for conditions such as burns, facial wrinkles, and scars.
Increases cell turnover
High in antioxidants which reduces redness and hyper pigmentation.
Rose is added to skin products increased the permeability of the compounds, resulting in a better absorbed product.
Soothes irritated skin
Heals acne and inhibits the growth of acne causing bacteria
Combats Rosacea
Reduces signs of aging and protects the skin against future damage
Corrects dry skin
Eye care
Rosewater can be used as an eyewash
Hair Care
Stimulates healthy hair growth
here’s where i source my rose
Psychological and Metaphysical Uses
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
The rose has long been used to symbolize and celebrate friendship and love. Rose is calming and elevates the mood, helping with anger and frustration. It encourages love for yourself and others.
Rose oil is said to hold the highest frequency of any herbal oil that we have on Earth. It allows one to reach heavenward and connect with Divine love. Rose teaches the need to soften into love to induce healing.
Emotions Addressed: Divine love, constricted feelings, closed or broken heart, lack of brotherly love.
Symbols and Powers: Love, psychic powers, healing, love divination, luck, protection.
Blossom symbolizes beauty, love, youth, perfection and immortality.
Used in symbolic rituals of manifestation to call forth love into your life. Do this by using any rose products, by placing rose in a vase on an alter, or worn around the neck with intention to attract the desired ability of the herb. A tea made of rosebuds was drank before bed to induce prophetic dreams.
Use the imagination and have fun with energy; a shaman know intention is everything.
Safety: Generally regarded as safe, and can be used externally and internally with children.
Drug Interactions: Due to high levels of vitamin C, rose may cause a moderate interactions with medications containing; aluminum like in anti-acids. Vitamin C may increase how quickly the body gets rid of the medications in the body, decreasing their effectiveness.
Applications
Tea, tincture, honey, syrup, glycerin, rose hip oil, essential oil.
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness