The flower rose, genus Rosa, belonging to family Rosaceae is known for its beauty, which has made it the symbol of love and peace all over the world. Roses are one of the oldest flowers known to man, which were cultivated for their medicinal, food value and beauty by ancient civilizations. Research has shown that the Chinese, Indians, Greeks, Romans and Persians used the flower for medicinal purposes. The beauty of the flower has led to cross breeding of the plant. The hybrid herb may have high aesthetic value but is not rich in medicinal properties.
Medicinal Benefits of Rose
In the medieval period, the plant was respected for its value as food and medicine more than for its beauty. In the first century, Pliny the Elder mentioned 32 different medicinal uses of herb rose. The petals of the flowers were rubbed on the skin to eliminate wrinkles. Research has proved that the beliefs of ancient civilization were not false as the herb is rich in essential oils with great health benefits, in addition to nutrients, vitamin C, potassium and iron.
A type of wild rose known as canina, was used by the ancient Romans in treatment of bites of rabid dogs. The aromatic scent of rose is effectively used to flavor and improve the healing properties of different medicines. Its astringent properties were used for glowing skin, whereas tea made from dried rose petals was used for quick relief from headaches. The whole rose plant has different medicinal values, including the roots, hips, petals and leaves.
Rose is used in treatment of:
- Cold
- Diarrhea
- Digestive disorders
- Constipation
- Scurvy
- Fever
- Influenza
- Headaches
- High cholesterol
- Skin ailments
- Menstrual problems
- Depression, stress and anxiety
- Sore throat
- Bronchitis
- Mouth sores
Rose is also an excellent detoxifying agent, in addition to being an excellent coolant, relieving the body of excessive heat.
Rose as Eardrop
Crush a few rose petals and mix it with few drops of wine. Strain the mixture, and use it as ear drops to get quick relief from various ear problems. Mix one portion of unripe grape extract with equal amount of rose oil. The mixture is known to increase hearing ability.
Rose Infusion
Pour a cup of cold water on ¾ cup of rose petals in a jar and seal it tightly for 2-3 days. Shake the jar occasionally. Strain the water and mix it a 1 tablespoon of vodka. The infusion is known to alleviate symptoms of cold, influenza, sore throat, runny nose and bronchitis.
Rose Tea
Dry rose petals that are not bitter in taste in a net bag. Boil 2 cups of water, add 1 tsp of dried rose petals, ½ tsp of green tea leaves and cook for few minutes. Strain and add sugar or honey for taste. Rose tea is known to help the digestive system, calm the central nervous system, providing relief from depression, anxiety and stress, insomnia, and in cleaning the toxins from kidneys and urinary tract.
Rose Powder
Dry rose petals and crush them into fine powder. Mix the powder with honey to form a smooth paste. The mixture is highly effective in treatment of inflammations in mouth or gums, and stomatitis. The powder can be mixed with regular powder for various skin benefits.
