Meet Rose

BOTANICAL NAMES: Rosa spp. (centifolia, gallica, and damascena are the most common varieties), Provence Rose, French Rose, Cabbage Rose, Red Rose, and Pink Rose… the list goes on

Rose is a member of the Rosaceae family with more than 10,000 known in cultivation.
Energetics of Rose are cooling to slightly warming (in Western herbalism & Ayurveda, Rose is cooling. In TCM, Rose is slightly warming), with some astringency but also moistening properties. The taste is bitter, floral, and sweet.
Actions and properties of Rose petals : antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, mild cardiotonic, demulcent, and nervine

Rose petals, particularly those that are fragrant, are a nervine and remedy to work with for depression. Depression that is stagnant that feels stuck in the Heart space: grief, broken heart, sadness, emotional trauma, potentially PTSD.
Rosewater, a hydrosol made from the distillation of rose, is very soothing to red, inflamed tissues of skin, and also makes a wonderful eyewash for conjunctivitis. Wonderful for minor rashes with heat, or for minor cuts for soothing and preparing them to dry before bandaging.

On a more energetic level, I work with Rose to open our hearts without losing our boundaries. Rose is especially supportive for navigating grief, heartbreak, betrayal, or trauma, and helping to rebuild trust and invite love into our Heart space. She’s also an important ally for womb care and healing. Her dispersive, aromatic qualities help ease uterine stagnation, heavy or painful periods, and emotional tension that can come with PMS.

Rose essential oil is incredibly expensive and rightfully so -  you need a very large amount of rose petals to yield the oil. The essential oil is worked with in aroma therapy to relieve stagnant depression and anxiety and PMS symptoms. (1) Rose oil has also been shown to relieve pain (topically and via aroma), and have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. (2)

Rose petals pair beautifully with Lemon Balm, Linden, Chamomile, Tulsi, and Damiana.
I have Rose petals in a few of my blends, including : Devotion, Vita Min Tonic, Heart Zen, and Pillow Potion.

(1) Hongratanaworakit, T., Relaxing Effects of Rose Oil on Humans, Nat Pro Commun, 2009;4(2):291-6
(2) Mohebitar, S., Shirazi, M. et al, Therapeutic Efficacy of Rose Oil : A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Evidence, Avicenna J Phytomed, 2017;7(3):206-13