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Roses are perennial, woody, flowering plants belonging to the Rosa genus. They exist in cultivated and wild forms. The flowers have been cultivated for millions of years, mostly for ornamental and cultural purposes. But apart from their beauty, are rose flowers medicinal?
[Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]
History
Roses have been popular for so long that it is almost impossible to pinpoint the source of their popularity. However, a possible explanation is that roses represent all things to all people.
In relationships and romantic events, roses have been used to represent purity, romance, and passion. In ancient China and Rome, they were used for festive decorations, fragrance and for medicinal purposes while ancient Greece associated the flowers with the goddess Aphrodite. During the 17th century in Europe, rosewater and roses were considered so valuable that they were used as a form of currency.
Rose flower medicinal benefits include:
Skin care
Rose flowers contain anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties making them ideal ingredients in skincare products.
Rosewater, a popular cocktail made by crushing the flowers and simmering them over medium heat for about 20 minutes, has been used for generations as a home remedy and skin care product. When applied topically, it reduces skin irritation, cleanses, and tones the skin. In addition, it gets rid of acne.
Eye care
Rose flower extracts can be used as eye drops to treat cataracts, conjunctivitis, acute dacryocystitis, and dry eyes.
Anti-depressant
When inhaled, rose flower extracts have the ability to improve moods and calm anxious people. Studies have shown that rose flowers have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. These studies indicate that rose flowers act similarly to diazepam and can manage mental conditions such as grief, anxiety, depression, and stress.
Anti-spasmodic
Rose flowers have anti-spasmodic properties. When applied topically as a cream or lotion, they relieve muscle spasms. For internal uses, rose infusions are used to calm bronchial spasms and intestinal spasms.
Digestive tract
Rose flowers have beneficial effects on the digestive system. They are great for enhancing bile flow and alleviating common digestive tract problems such as stomach upsets and bloating. In addition, extracts from these flowers have laxative properties. They increase the amount of water, fecal matter and induce bowel movement to manage constipation.
Balancing hormones
Rose water and rose oil are two traditional remedies used for years to help women struggling with hormonal imbalance issues including irregular periods, PMS and menopausal symptoms. According to studies published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, women with PMS who received two rose oil treatments daily via aromatherapy for 5 days showed significant improvements in their PMS symptoms.
So, are rose flowers medicinal? Yes, they are. Evidence presented above shows that these flowers are not just great for aesthetic purposes but also good for your health.
