Using Roses as Herbs · Garden Apothecary Academy

Using Roses as Herbs

Many people don't know how beneficial roses can be. Even if you do not grow roses, rose petals, essential oil, and rose hips are all available at your favorite source- online or health food store.

It's not every day that something beautiful and fragrant is so good for you!

Let's take a closer look at the Rose as an herb:

Botanical Name

Rosa spp. (various species, especially Rosa damascene, Rosa gallica, Rosa rugosa, Rosa canina, and Rosa centifolia)

Common Names

Rose, Damask rose, Apothecary rose, Wild rose, Dog rose, Cabbage rose

Family

Rosaceae

Description

Roses are perennial, woody shrubs with thorny stems, pinnate leaves, and showy, fragrant flowers ranging in color from white to deep crimson. The hips (seed pods) are small, usually red or orange, and develop after flowering. In herbalism, the petals and hips are the most valued parts.

History & Folklore

Ancient Civilizations:

Egypt: Cleopatra famously scattered rose petals in her chambers to seduce Mark Antony.
Persia: The birthplace of distilled rosewater (~10th century CE), used for medicine and cuisine.
Rome: Petals were strewn at feasts and steeped in wine; rose garlands symbolized secrecy ("sub rosa")

Parts Used

Petals – fresh or dried for teas, syrups, glycerites, infused honey, vinegars, skin care.
Hips – fresh or dried for teas, jams, jellies, syrups; prized for vitamin C content.
Essential oil & hydrosol – distilled from petals for perfumery, aromatherapy, and skin care.

Constituents

Petals: volatile oils (including geraniol, nerol, citronellol), flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds.
Hips: ascorbic acid (vitamin C), flavonoids, carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene), pectins, organic acids.

Medicinal Actions

Petals: fresh or dried for teas, syrups, glycerites, infused honey, vinegars, skin care
Hips: fresh or dried for teas, jams, jellies, syrups; prized for vitamin C content.

Modern Research

Rose extracts show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Aromatherapy with rose essential oil has been linked to reduced anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced sexual function.
Rose hip powder has demonstrated benefit in reducing pain and improving mobility in osteoarthritis.

Preparations & Dosage

Tea (Petals): 1–2 tsp dried petals per cup of hot water; steep 10–15 min.
Tea (Hips): 1 tbsp crushed hips per cup of water; simmer 10 min.
Syrup: Simmer hips in water, strain, add honey; 1–2 tsp as needed.
Rosewater: Distill or steep petals in water; store refrigerated.
Infused oil: Cover petals in carrier oil; steep in sun or warm place 2–4 weeks.

Safety

Generally safe; avoid high doses of essential oil internally.
Mild laxative effect from hips if consumed in large quantities.
Avoid hips with hairy seeds if not strained thoroughly, as they can irritate the throat.

In the Garden