Medicinal Herb Post #13 written June 14, 2018
Rose – Rosaceae species
This group is very large. The plants all have similar medicinal qualities. It includes stone fruits like, nectarine, peach, plum, almond and cherry. And other shrubs and trees like cotoneaster, quince, mountain ash, apple, pear, serviceberry, agrimony, any of the brambles, cinquefoil (potentilla), mountain mahogany and spirea… and the list continues. In fact there are over 2,500 species in this large family. Their flowers all have something in common; they all have 5 petals. Although some don’t always read the book
The main medicinal quality with any rose is that they are great astringents reducing inflammation. They contain tannins that help to pucker and dry up swollen tissues like sore throats, diarrhea, ulcers and kidney/bladder infections. It has also been known as a heart protector similar to hawthorn berries, especially concerning loss or a traumatic event.
Rose can help alleviate hot flashes, irritability and pain caused by fibroids and endometriosis. Rose hips are high in vitamin C to help the body rid toxins and cold and flu symptoms. They should be harvested after the first frost. Rose petals have a calming effect on the nervous system especially for anxiety, PTSD and trauma, including heartache especially used with hawthorn flower and berry. Rose is great for the skin as a toner to help bring pH balance back after washing, lessening redness, inflammation and over production of oils which can result in clogged pores.
I use rose water every morning and night as a skin toner on my face. Make your own by infusing the petals in purified water overnight. Add a few drops of rose or helichrysum essential oil. Spray on skin daily.
It is wonderful in a salt scrub. Mix together 1/2 cup calendula flowers, 1 T rose petals, 2 T lavender buds, 1/2 cup chamomile flowers, 1 cup fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil, 1 cup sea salt, 1 cup Epsom salts. Place in Mason jar and use within 6 months.
You can use rose petals in a tea for the bath or used internally at the end of a stressful day. Use 2 parts spearmint leaf, 1 part chamomile flower, 1 part lemon balm leaf, 1/2 part rose petals. Sweeten with honey or stevia if drinking. Boil water, turn off heat, steep herbs for 20 minutes and enjoy.