Rose petals – more than a nice smell
Most modern home herbals ignore rose petals (Rosa damascena) as a liquid herb, which is a pity as it is a very useful herb with a long and distinguished history. Used by the Romans to cure rabies, it was extensively researched by the great mediaeval alchemists/herbalists of Persia. By 1800 it was used in an enormous range of foods and body care products – of which Turkish delight and rose water are probably the best known today.
As with almost all herbs, rose has a long list of uses; conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, mastitis, frequency of urination and sore throats are just a few. But for all these conditions I think other herbs would be more effective.
For me, rose has three main, interlinked, uses – female reproductive, emotional and liver issues.
Female reproductive issues
Rose is an excellent regulator and restorative. Very good for menstrual problems; excessive bleeding, irregular or painful periods. It is also helpful for vaginal dryness, some types of PMT and fibroids, being almost a specific for the latter.
Rose can be used for cases of low sperm count, or where sperm quality is an issue.
Depression and anxiety
Rose gently lifts the spirits, helping with anxiety and mild to medium depression. It is especially useful for menopausal linked emotional problems.
Liver tonic
Rose eases liver congestion and improves bile flow. As the liver is the site of so much hormone metabolism, the link with reproductive issues is plain.
Fashion has moved to other herbs for these problems. Agnus castus and black cohosh for reproduction, St John’s wort for emotional issues and milk thistle for the liver. These are all excellent herbs, but none provide the gentle, positive combination of rose.
I’ve never prescribed rose for a man, don’t know if this says something about rose, or something about me. I use it in almost all cases of fibroids. I also use it if I think a lady needs a “hug”; most do.
