Healing Botanicals: Rose
Rose (Rosa spp.)
In Ayurveda, rose (gulab in Hindi and taruni in Sanskrit) is considered to be a divine healer that harmonizes physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It has an affinity for the heart and a special ability to cool, soothe, and open it.
Ayurvedic Profile
Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Quality): Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous)
Virya (Potency): Sheeta (Cooling)
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect): Madhura (Sweet)
Dosha Effects: Pacifies Pitta and balances Kapha; may slightly increase Vata in excess.
Key Benefits and Functions
Emotional Well-Being: Rose is renowned for its ability to soothe emotional imbalances, especially those related to grief, irritability, and agitation. It enhances feelings of love, compassion, and peace. Studies using rose oil in aromatherapy has been shown to lower cortisol levels.
Skin Health: The cooling and astringent qualities of rose help reduce inflammation and redness in the skin. It’s often used to improve complexion and tone.
Digestive Support: Rose aids in reducing hyperacidity and soothing heat-related digestive discomfort by pacifying Pitta. It can be helpful for conditions like acid reflux and gastritis.
Women’s Health: Supports women’s health, particularly for calming excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) or irregular cycles. Acts as an aphrodisiac, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, and a uterine tonic.
Cardiovascular Health: Supports heart health both physically and emotionally due to its antioxidant properties. Rose is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which protect the cardiovascular system from oxidative damage, a major factor in atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Eye Health: Rose water is traditionally used as a soothing eyewash to reduce redness and irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Special Considerations
Choose roses that are cultivated organically, free from pesticides and herbicides, especially if using rose infused body products.
Renee's Favorite Uses
Rose & Tulsi Tea: You can make this yourself or find it on the shelves of your nearest grocery store or online.
1/2 tsp dried rose petals
1/2 tsp dried tulsi leaves
Heat 1 cup of water below a boiling temp. Steep for 3-5 minutes and enjoy.
Aromatherapy: Fresh cut flowers are one way to enjoy this sweet flower’s essence. Another is to add essential oil blends to a diffuser. I really love doing this before bed, when I’m feeling frazzled, or my emotions are heated to cool down.
Precautions & Contraindications
Roses are as safe as they are sweet. Allergies do exist, but are extremely rare.