ROSE
Rosa spp.
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Common Names: Rose, Rosebud, Rose Hips, Hip Berries, Roseberries, Queen of Flowers Family: Rosaceae Part/s Used: Petals, buds, fruit Energetics: Cooling (warming in some herbal traditions), tonifying, drying Taste: Sweet, sour Actions: Nutritive, antiscorbutic, antioxidant, astringent, anti inflammatory, refrigerant, astringent, mild laxative, mild diuretic, demulcent, antihistamine, immunomodulating, cardio tonic Constituents: Vitamin C, vitamin A, citric acid, quercetin, rutin, hesperidin, pectin, sugar, tannins, carotenoids, polyphenols, riboflavin, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chromium, niacin, selenium, sodium, thiamine, phosphorus, zinc, flavonoids, tannins Organ system affinity: Female reproductive, circulatory, digestive Tissue State: Heat/excitation, damp/relaxation Element: Water Planet: Venus |
Medicinal Preparations:Tincture (ratio & % alcohol): Fresh: 1:2 or 1:3 70-95% Dry:1:5 50-50% Ounces: 8-12 Times a day: 3-4x Note: To obtain the nutrient content, cold infusions are ideal; however, a decoction extracts the most mucilage |
Habitat and Botanical Description:Plants in the Rosa genus are native primarily to the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Rose grows in shady, moist areas in mixed evergreen forests and canyons and is part of a large genus of woodsy shrubs and vines usually bearing thorns. Roses have a simple elegance bearing a five-petal layer. If roses are left unpicked, the rosehips will develop shortly after the petals fall away and will send up a fresh shoot called a "surculi" for next year’s growth. |
Medicinal Uses:Rose has been used throughout many cultures as an herbal ally to heal the heart physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Both the blossoms and hips are beneficial in herbal preparations.
Rose is a gentle nervine and can be safely used by people of all ages. It is sweet, bitter, pungent, astringent and cooling and has a balancing effect on all three doshas. Rose has an affinity for the reproductive system and acts as a restorative for impotence, infertility, lack of libido from hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities. The fruit of the Rose called Rose hips has also been used as for herbal medicine in many traditions. Particularly valued for boosting the immune system. Rose hips are found to be one of the richest herbal sources of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium. Their anti-inflammatory flavonoids synergize with the effects of vitamin C. Rose hips have a sweet, tart taste that can be used as a flavoring agent in many foods and drinks. A sweet addition to nutritive teas. A decoction will provide mucilage that will coat, cool and soothe mucous membranes, a beneficial demulcent for treating a sore throat and inflamed tissues in the digestive tract. Favorable to conditions such as the stomach flu, diarrhea, dysentery, giardia and post antibiotic use. Rose hips are an herbal ally for the cardiovascular system with its high vitamin C content and bioflavonoids. The flavonoid rich plants cool and calm excess heat and irritation in the tissues and strengthen the vasculature. Bioflavonoids reduce redness in the skin and broken capillaries, broken blood vessels and bruises. The astringency of the hips helps to tighten and tone overly lax and loose tissues. When there is too much heat and its breaking things down. Rose can help calm heat and make the capillary beds less fragile. A great cooling remedy for heat excitation tissue states. Use for conditions such as rosacea, red cheeks, broken capillary beds and damage due to heat. Capillary fragility is an indication of the rose family and pairs nicely with hawthorn. The seeds of Rosehips are used in oil for their high antioxidant content. Rose hip seed oil is a well-known anti aging skin care remedy. Pressed oil from the fruit of the rose, is high in vitamins and minerals and incredibly hydrating, soothing, and healing. It can be used topically for eczema, ulcers, rashes, and other types of skin irritations as well as for acne scarring. It’s one of the main ingredients in Witch in the Woods Facial Serum Rose has been a longtime symbol of love and beauty and carries an affinity for the heart. Ruled by the planet Venus, Rose is a remedy for heart chakra, working energetically on broken hearts, grief, vulnerability, lack of self-love and depression through its aromatics. Energetically, Rose is said to have the highest vibrational frequency among the botanical kingdom, raising one’s consciousness to an awakened state. Rose can help us balance our masculine and feminine energies. In witchcraft, roses have a long history of being used in spells, rituals, and potions. They are associated with various magickal properties, including love, healing, protection, and divination. During Taurus season, witches may harness the energy of the blooming roses to enhance their spell work and rituals related to matters of the heart, self-love, abundance, and connecting with the sensual pleasures of life. |
Harvesting:Harvest Rose petals immediately after blooming when the petals are not yet all the way open. Preferably on dry morning during Taurus season. Remember not to deadhead all the blossoms if you are hoping to harvest Rosehips the Fall. Harvest the Rosehips in late Autumn or early Winter, after the first frost when the fruit has softened and the color is deep orange or red. This is when they are said to be the sweetest! You will want to wear gloves and protective wear because the thorns you may touch or rub up against you. Once gathered, wash and trim off the stem and blossom ends. Halve and scrape out the seeds and the hairs if using the hips for food-based preparations. If using for tea or tincture, you do not have to remove the inner hairs and seeds, just strain well. Rosehips are a food source for wildlife, be conscious to leave enough for them. |
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Sources:
- Chevallier, A. (1996). The encyclopedia of medicinal plants. London, UK: Dorling Kindersley.
- Easley, T., & Horne, S. (2016). The modern herbal dispensatory: A medicine-making guide. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
- Groves, M.N. (2016). Body into balance: An herbal guide to holistic self-care. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
- Holmes, P. (2007). The energetics of Western herbs: A materia medica integrating Western and Chinese herbal therapeutics (Vol. 1). Cotati, CA: Snow Lotus Press.
- Elizabeth, C. (n.d.). Rose monograph. Herb Rally. Retrieved from https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/rose
- Pojar J, MacKinnon A. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Vancouver, BC: Lone Pine Publishing; 1994: 74.
- Skenderi G. Herbal Vade Mecum. Rutherford, NJ: Herbacy Press; 2003:321.
- Willard T. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rocky Mountains and Neighboring Territories. Calgary, AB: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing; 1992:293.
- Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise herbal: A complete guide to Old World medicinal plants. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
- Wood, M. (2009). The Earthwise herbal: A complete guide to New World medicinal plants. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
- *Additional information collected from various sources including personal experience and class notes
Disclosure: This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.