The rose is a perennial shrub found worldwide; over 100 species of rose are known to exist. Most rose species are native to Asia, although some are native to North America, Europe and northwest Africa. The typical wild rose has five petals, while cultivated roses have multiple sets of petals.
The flowers are gathered between April and June, then baked before being incorporated into herbal formulas. Although in modern times, roses are admired for their beautiful, fragrant flowers, they have a variety of medicinal and culinary uses as well.
Roses have been used in cooking and healing for thousands of years. In ancient Rome, roses were often added to meals that celebrated a great event or victory. Candied rose petals were a popular type of candy in the United States in the late 19th century; some Middle Eastern cultures include rose petals in certain types of desserts. Medicinally, rose contains a well-known volatile oil, which consists of quercitrin, tannin, and some organic acids. Rose hips are a good source of vitamin C.
According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, rose has sweet, slightly bitter and warm properties, and is associated with the Liver and Spleen meridians. Its functions are to regulate qi and reduce stagnation, remove blood stagnation, nourish the skin, and improve digestion. Among the conditions rose treats are distended stomach, epigastric pain, pain caused by external injuries, and irregular menstruation.
The typical dose of rose is between 3 and 6 grams of dried rose hips, decocted in water for oral administration. As a food additive, rose petals can be immersed in water, dried, then added to salads or used as a garnish. Rose hips can also be added to teas.
Rose petals can be found primarily in flower shops and specialty stores; fresh blossoms with no signs of wilting or browning are preferred. They are usually stored in a loosely packed plastic or paper bag and kept in a refrigerator. Dried rose petals can be found at some Asian markets and herbal shops.
Although rose is considered relatively safe for long-term use (it has a class 1 rating from the American Herbal Products Association), rose petals have been shown to stimulate the female reproductive system. As such, rose should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with rose hips or petals. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking rose or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
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