Rose + (skin). Rosa spp

Family:

Rosaceae

Part Used:

Flowers

Energetics & Taste:

Astringent, drying, and floral.

Habitat:

Most roses are native to Asia, with some species in North America, Europe, and Africa.

Key Benefits:

Rose is a cooling and astringent herb, widely celebrated in beauty and skincare for its ability to tighten, tone, and clear the complexion. These properties make rose especially effective in treating excess heat in the body, which can manifest as rashes, boils, sores, eczema, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, and other hot, inflammatory skin conditions. A bath infused with rose petals or a rose tea compress can soothe and heal affected areas. The same compress or chilled tea can also be used as an eye wash to relieve red, inflamed, and watery eyes during seasonal allergies.

Rose's astringent tannins work wonders on mucous membranes, making it an excellent gargle for sore throats or a mouthwash for mouth sores and gum inflammation. For the reproductive system, rose is beneficial in managing excessive menstruation (menorrhagia), boosting libido as an aphrodisiac, and serving as a postpartum sitz bath or uterine tonic, particularly in cases of uterine prolapse.

Rose helps address conditions characterized by relaxation, inflammation, and excess heat in the digestive system, such as diarrhea, IBS, and stomach ulcers. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, rose is used to alleviate liver congestion.

Beyond its physical benefits, rose is deeply supportive of emotional health. It is beneficial for mood disorders, especially those involving feelings of depression, heartache, unworthiness, betrayal, and old emotional wounds. As a nervine tonic, rose eases irritability, fear, depression, and anxiety, offering an uplifting and rejuvenating effect on the nervous system, gently soothing and opening the heart.