In the Name of the Rose
In honor of my favorite Hallmark holiday, Valentine’s Day, which is right around the corner, I chose to crack open the herbal and revisit my old friend, the rose, who really is so much more than just a great way to say “I love you” to your sweetie.
If you remember, roses are perennials of the genus, Rosa and are actually native to 4 different continents. Of course, roses have been used for centuries to make perfumes, rose water, jams, jellies and rose syrup—yum! Rose hips (aka, fruits of different species of the rose plant), are very rich in vitamin C (rose hips are collected from the variety of rose plant called the dog rose or Rosa canina) and actually have properties that help prevent and heal scurvy.
Rose hips also have a gentle laxative effect and act as a diuretic which help move the bowels and increase urine outflow from the body; their pectin content and blend of malic and citric acids contribute to these properties too. Did you know that rose petal tea is also great for lowering body temperature during high fevers and for cleansing toxins and heat from the body, such as rashes on the skin and inflammation? Research has shown that the rose possesses properties that increase the body’s immunity and help prevent worsening of all kinds of infections.
Some herbalists also recommend using rose petals to treat heavy or irregular menstrual periods, infertility and to even serve as a female libido enhancer —so you may even want to make up your own brew on the 14th! Or wait until after the holiday and harvest your petals you’re your bouquet…
Here’s how:
Rose Petal Tea
1-1/2 cups rose petals
3 cups water
Honey or sugar, to taste
Collect your fresh rose petals from your bouquet (pick off gently), wash under running water. Then place the rose petals into a pot or saucepan. Cover the petals with the water and boil for 5 minutes, or until the petals become discolored. Strain into teacups and add honey or sugar. Delicious served alone or with a bit of organic milk.
Tags: cleansing, diuretic, infertility, inflammation, Rose, roses, Tea, toxins, urine