Oh life can be rosey!

“Of all flowers methinks a rose is best” (Two Noble Kinsmen, Act II, Scene II)

Shakespeare clearly had an affinity for the Rose, a beautiful, elegant and gorgeously fragrant flower.  Since ancient times Rose has symbolised love, purity, faith and beauty, and was associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and linked to fertility and spring.   There are many different medicinal uses for plants within the Rose family, for example, dog rose (Rosa canina), hawthorn and cherry.  Rosa canina is high in Vitamin C and quercetin, and has benefits for inflammation, diabetes, depression and stress.   My favourite, the Damask rose, is used to make a range of medicinal products such as rose water, rose oil, and dried flowers.   Traditionally Rose was considered strengthening, astringent and cleansing.  More recent research has shown Rose to have anti-inflammatory properties and to be effective as a calming nervine and heart tonic.  Physically, Rose can alleviate stress on the heart and reduce palpitations;  emotionally it can help heal a broken heart and induce calm after trauma and emotional upheaval.  It assists in relieving tension and releasing negativity, despair and anguish.  It is an excellent herb for treating female complaints including menstrual cramps, PMS and hot flushes.  My favourite way to take Rose is as a tea with dried petals, usually mixed with chamomile flowers.  Rose can have a pretty strong taste on its own!  However, if herbal teas are not your thing, then don’t worry you could take it as a tincture, glycerite or syrup, or use an aromatic water, oil or cream.  You could even add rose petals to your bath, or use essential oils in a burner or added to a massage oil.  This time of year, Rose syrup is great for coughs and sore throats.

Nb: as always please consult a qualified medical practitioner before commencing any herbal regime and use Rose with caution during pregnancy.