Rose has a long history of use across many cultures. Ancient civilizations used roses for rosewater, perfumed oils, bathing, fragrance, and medicinal preparations. Historically, rose also symbolized love, secrecy, beauty, and healing. In
herbal medicine, both rose petals and rose hips have been used in different ways. Rose petals are commonly used in teas, oils, salves, soaps, vinegar, potpourri, and bath products. Rose hips, which are the fruit of the rose plant, are often used in teas, powders, capsules, syrups, and immune-support formulas. This shows that rose is not just decorative; it has practical uses in wellness and herbal care.
Rose contains several important natural compounds that help explain its traditional medicinal use. These include flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, volatile oils, organic acids, and vitamins. The volatile oils contribute to rose’s scent, while compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids are connected to antioxidant activity. Traditionally, rose has been described as astringent, antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, digestive-supporting, and skin-supporting. Rose petals are often used for calming, skin care, and mild digestive support, while rose hips are especially valued for nutritional and immune support.
One of the most important parts of rose in herbal preparations is the rose hip. Rose hips are especially
known for their vitamin C content. Vitamin C is important because it supports immune function, collagen production, wound healing, blood vessel strength, iron absorption, and antioxidant protection. This makes rose hips valuable for overall wellness, especially during times when the body needs extra immune or tissue support. Historically, rose hips were even made into syrups during World War II because they were a useful vitamin C source. Since vitamin C is sensitive to heat, rose hips should
not be overheated when preparing teas or foods.
The main safety concern with rose is contamination. Rose petals or rose hips should not be harvested from areas exposed to pesticides, chemical sprays, traffic pollution, or unknown contaminants. For safe use, it is best to gather roses from clean areas or use trusted herbal sources. Rose can
be prepared as tea, powder, capsules, salve, oil, vinegar, rose water, or bath products. Another important guideline is to avoid using excessive amounts of vitamin C. Very high intake may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or rarely kidney stones. Overall, rose is a versatile herbal option, but like any herbal preparation, it should be used thoughtfully and safely.
Rosehips is the one herbs that I have used the most out of all the herbs. If I am coming down with a cold I will use it every couple of hours to help clean out whatever my body is fighting. This has helped me get over things more quickly.
I also have seen great results with pain in my legs from varicosities. Having children put a lot of pressure on my right
leg and with each child it would get worse. After taking rosehips daily, the pain is no longer present. I attribute rosehips to my last pregnancy and delivery being the easiest out of all the others when it came to varicosities.
I have also inherited cholesterol issues and since starting the rosehips powder those numbers have been in the normal
range as well. I tell people in my practice, almost daily, that have issues with anemia, sickness, high cholesterol or who easily bruise to use rosehip powder.
“It is an easy and cheap option to use something that helps with so many health issues with healing and preventing.”
Lisa O’Donnal, MH is a recent graduate of the School of Natural Healing.
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