The rose is a woody plant belonging to the genus Rosa in the family Rosaceae. The rose is known for its fragrance and beauty. Besides being very decorative, it is also widely used for medicinal purposes. The petals, stems, leaves, and roots of a rose plant contain various nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. Extracts from the rose plant have also been reported to show significant anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity. The petals have a high antioxidant property that helps in curing many health ailments. It is used in a number of cosmetic and skincare products. It has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It is known for its aphrodisiac, sedative, and antidepressant qualities.
Health benefits and Medicinal uses of Rose
- Rose tea helps to fight against infection in the digestive tracts and intestines.
- The rose petals release fluid retention and hasten the elimination of wastes through the kidneys.
- A decoction prepared by boiling rose petals in water is effective home remedy against sore throat.
- Rose oil is also used in a room diffuser and for aromatherapy. It is helpful for stress related conditions like insomnia and nervous tension, due to its soothing properties.
- A decoction prepared from rose petals is an effective natural remedy and treatment for bladder infection.
- Rose petals help to cleanse the liver and gall bladder and promote bile flow.
- Make an infusion of crushed rose petals by adding it to a cup of boiling water. Strain and drink it twice a day for diarrhoea.
- For chapped lips and dry skin, equal portions of glycerine, rose water and fresh lime juice mixed together and applied on the body helps.
- Rose petal tea is a very good remedy for irregular periods.
- Rose water makes a good eye wash for sore or inflamed eyes.
What is rosewater
Roses can be used in the form of rosewater or rose hydrosol. Rosewater is a liquid made from infusing water with the essential oils of roses. Rose hydrosol on the other hand is what remains after the steam distillation of roses to make rose essential oil.
Health benefits of rosewater for the skin
- Helps soothe the skin and reduces skin redness due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Rose water is asstringent and hence helps to tighten pores and tone the skin.
- The antioxidant properties of rose helps to reduce wrinkles and promotes a flawless and glowing complexion.
- Rosewater is a natural cleanser.
- Rose can combat bacterial conditions like acne and rosacea as it is antibacterial in nature.
- Rosewater hydrates the skin, making it soft and super smooth.
How to Make Rose Hydrosol?
Pure rose water is the distilled form of roses.
Ingredients
Rose
petals 2 cups
Water (about twice the amount of rose petals)
Ice cubes or crushed ice.
Method
Take a stainless steel pot with a rounded lid that can be inverted. Place a brick or a steel stand to hold a bowl in the centre of the pot. Put the rose petals around the brick. Pour in water in the pot to cover the rose petals. Place the bowl on the brick. Place the lid upside down on the pot and turn on the stove. When the water boils, place the ice cubes on top of the lid, and lower the heat to simmer. As the water boils, steam rises, condenses, and collects in the bowl. Leave it on for 30 mins and check if the petals have lost their colour. Do not boil for too long. Put off the stove, let it cool completely before you lift the lid. Pour the rosewater collected in the bowl into a bottle for use.
Health benefits of Rose Hips
Rose hips are the small round portion of the rose flower below the petals. They contain the seeds of the rose plant. They are normally orange or red in colour.
Fresh rose hips contain vitamin C, but it is said that processing the plant or drying it, destroys most of the vitamin C. Some species like the Dog rose and (Rosa canina) Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa), are very rich in vitamin C, amongst the richest in plant sources.
Health benefits of rose hip tea
- Taken in the form of tea they are good for infections, particularly bladder infections.
- Rosehip tea is also used in the treatment of diarrhea.
- It helps to fight off colds and flu germs and viruses.
- The presence of organic acids in rosehip tea helps to strengthen the digestive tract and the stomach lining as well as eliminate toxic wastes in the intestines.
- Rose hip has been found to contain high levels of polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins C and E, all of which are very powerful antioxidants.
- The high level of vitamin C in it make it a good candidate to boost our immunity.
- Consuming rose hip tea may lead to weight loss. Research shows taking 100 mg of rosehip extract daily significantly decreased body weight and stomach fat.
- Rosehip tea contains the carotenoid astaxanthin, which may have anti-aging effects, as it helps prevent the breakdown of collagen.
Rose hip health benefits for the skin
Rosehip is very high in Vitamin C which promotes collagen synthesis and protects skin cells against sun damage, which helps keep your skin looking tight and young.
Rosehip tea contains the carotenoid astaxanthin which may have anti-aging effects, as it helps prevent the breakdown of collagen. Also, other carotenoids in rosehip like vitamin A and lycopene protect the skin from sun damage.
An 8-week study in 34 people showed that those who consumed 3 grams of rosehip powder per day experienced fewer crow’s feet wrinkles, as well as improved skin moisture and elasticity. Results also suggested that intake of the standardized rose hip powder improves aging-induced skin conditions.
Health benefits of rosehip oil
Rosehip oil brightens the skin and evens it out. It also regenerates and heals, helping with anti-aging, elasticity, and collagen production. This oil is beneficial for all skin types. Rosehip oil is a very effective emollient and moisturizer. With high levels of essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 and omega-6, rosehip seed oil can soften skin and is very good for blemished skin, as linoleic acid is known to treat hyperpigmentation. Rosehip oil can be found in many skincare products, but it can be best used directly on to your face around twice a day to get the maximum benefits.
How to make Rose tea
Tea can be made from rosebuds, rose petals, and rose hips. Rosebud and rose petal tea have been used in Chinese medicine for more than 4000 years. Rose tea can be made by simply steeping rose petals in boiling water for three to five minutes. To make tea from rose hips, chop the rose hips and boil them in water for about half an hour. Strain and drink. You can add honey if you want to.
A study in Taiwan, found that rose tea reduced period cramps and also helped reduce depression and anxiety.
Health benefits of Rose essential oil
Rose essential oil is very popular in skincare and cosmetic formulations.
- Its antioxidant properties help combat the signs of aging by fighting the free radicals that cause fine lines and wrinkles. It also protects against UV damage.
- It is both cooling and anti-inflammatory.
- The fragrance of rose essential oil is very calming and helps to beat stress, anxiety and depression.
- It promotes emotional balance by reducing moodswings, and relaxing the body and mind.
- The rose essential oil reduces the severity of menstrual cramps. Massage your abdomen with rose essential oil mixed with any carrier oil a week before your period. This reduces the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps substantially.
- Rose essential oil also helps women going through menopause, by reducing moodswings and hot flashes.
- Creams prepared from rose essential oil are beneficial for dry and inflammed skin, as it is a very good moisturiser.
Precautions
Do not take rose tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is not recommended if you are suffering from diabetes or anemia.
If you are taking any medications, please consult your doctor for any interactions with
the medicines.