The rose has a long, romantic history. But while this flower is mostly known in the arena of love, it also has some notable entries in the book of medicine.
History suggests that Greek colonists first introduced the rose to southern Italy. The Romans crowned newlyweds with crowns of the fragrant flowers. Rose water — bruised petals boiled in water — was used as early as the tenth century. Rose attar (also known as otto) appeared in the sixteenth century.
Native Americans used rose petals (mixed with grease or dried and powdered) to treat sores and blisters. Petals soaked in rainwater were used to treat eye problems.
Modern medicine has demonstrated the value of the rose.
- Rosehips — the fruit of the plant — are loaded with vitamin C. They’re also full of vitamins A, B, E, and K. Rosehips can be used to make tea, jellies and jams, syrups, pies, and more!
- Rose petals are astringent, making them a great skin cleanser. They’re also full of vivid natural coloring agents. Modern healers have used rose petals to treat mouth and throat problems. They are also used in salads and as colorful garnishes — yes, rose petals are edible.
- Rose roots are also astringent.
Roses are everywhere in beauty care. Rose essential oil is one of the most expensive kinds out there — it takes something like sixty thousand roses to get one ounce of essential oil. You’ll save your wallet by choosing rose essential oil diluted with a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) or rosewood essential oil, which has a rosy scent at a far lower cost.
If you have a rose garden and want to do something with the blooms, here are a few ideas:
- Dry the petals for potpourri. Hang bunches of flowers upside down and let them dry.
- Make rose water. Bruise petals, then heat them in water for a few minutes. Let the infusion sit for a few hours before bottling.
- Make rose-scented oil. Soak petals in vegetable oil.
- Dry rosehips for tea.