I recently posted an article on my Facebook page about the nutritional benefits of roses, and it stimulated my interest into further researching the health benefits of roses.
(BTW, if you aren’t on my Facebook list, join us – I post a variety of articles just about everyday.)
Eat Your Roses
Roses are a medicinal flower that have been used since ancient times for their nutritional and healing benefits. They still play an important role in the East.
Rose petals are rich in vitamins C, A, D, E & B-complex, and minerals such as zinc, iron, and selenium. Roses have been used for digestive and menstrual problems, headaches, nervous tension, liver congestion, poor circulation, fever, plague, eye infections, and skin irritation.
Rose petals contain sedative, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and mood enhancing properties. They are anti-hemorrhagic, anti-infectious, and used as an aphrodisiac.
In essence, roses are packed with a long list of health benefits.
Rose Tea
Fresh organic rose petals (never sprayed with pesticides*) are a wonderful addition to fruit salads, green salads, deserts, and a variety of healthy meals. Rose petal tea is also a soothing and relaxing way to enjoy its benefits.
Rose tea:
- 1 teaspoon dried rose petals to 1 cup hot water
- steep for at least 10 minutes
- sweeten with raw honey, or stevia, if desired
Rose water:
- place 2-4 cups of rose petals in a pot
- pour just enough water to cover
- simmer on low for about 45 minutes
- cool
Strain and store the rose water in the fridge, and it will keep for 7-10 days.
Rose water works as an astringent and an anti-aging/beautifying tonic for the face and skin. Rose petals are also an excellent addition to your bath, and can provide relief for dry, itchy skin, bug bites, sunburn, acne, and eczema.
*Make sure to always use organic and unsprayed roses since conventionally grown rose petals often contain harmful pesticides. Fresh and dried organic rose petals can be found online and at your local health food store.
List Of Health Benefits
Throughout history, roses have been known to soothe:
- sore throats
- nervous tension
- anxiety
- headaches
- peptic ulcers
- hypertension
- fluid retention
- bronchitis
- urinary tract infections
- heart disease
- flatulence, constipation, and diarrhea
Rose Oil
I recommend keeping a quality rose oil in your pantry, too. Shop for the best prices because good rose oil can get pricy. This is the product brand that I use: doTerra food grade essential oils: http://alternativehealthoils.com, or you can call the HullisticMarket 469-222-9555 ext 239 for questions.
This rose oil is produced from the flowers using a two-part distilled steam process. It can be used internally or externally. I have had good luck using it on poison ivy.
Ah, roses are red, violets are blue, and roses are a healing food, too …
