Wild Rose
Latin: Rosa
Family: Roseaceae
Family: Roseaceae
Rose roots deeply into Earth, anchored to and woven through her heart.
Blood courses through her veins, winding into light. Spring blossoms from the vine.
Rose fruits fairy-like charms for Fall. Summer surrenders.
Winter's silence deepens and the rose hip fruit, juicy and sweet, freezes on the vine.
Staying perfectly still, steadfast and unwavering, resolute for spring.
Blood courses through her veins, winding into light. Spring blossoms from the vine.
Rose fruits fairy-like charms for Fall. Summer surrenders.
Winter's silence deepens and the rose hip fruit, juicy and sweet, freezes on the vine.
Staying perfectly still, steadfast and unwavering, resolute for spring.
Wild Rose
A description of the Wild Rose seems almost superfluous. All of our wild species have a single row of petals, usually five, with many typical yellow stamens, and are distinctly smaller than cultivated hybrids. Like all basic roses, they are pink. The stems are variously thorny and slightly waxy-sticky, the leaves rose - pinate with five to nine leaflets. Variations of leaf numbers, petal numbers, and color, and even the presence or absence of thorniness, is common within the same species. The flowers mature into hips, the little fruit that turns from green yellow to opaque orange and finally (with a good Frost) to translucent dark red. Roses are found at all altitudes in our area, but most frequently are in mountainous areas, from foothills stream sides to moist Meadows above 10,000 feet. They may form thickets of two- and three-foot tall plants or clusters of large bushes, depending on the species an growing conditions. Cultivated Roses may be used in the same manner, although the hips are mealy and rather useless unless grown in a climate that has a distinct winter season. (Michael Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West)
Properties & Actions
Relaxant nervine, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Aphrodisiac, Demulcent, Nervine tonic, Nervine antidepressant, Nervine analgesic, Cardiotonic, Neuroprotective, Reproductive tonic, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, and Astringent
Uses & Indications
(From Kiva Rose) Its rich nutrition makes the Rose, and especially the hip, a fine blood tonic for those experiencing fatigue, anxiety, vertigo, pallor, dry skin and hair and other signs of blood deficiency. If the individual is also experiencing feelings of coldness, I recommend adding warming blood tonics such as blackstrap molasses or Dang Gui.
The entire plant is incredibly anti-inflammatory, Scandinavian studies show that Rose hips and seeds significantly reduced the need for painkillers in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. I have found all parts of the rose to be strongly anti-inflammatory, and have used a liniment of rose petals for traumatic injuries, sore muscles and chronic muscoskeletal pain in individuals that fit the Pitta type profile Rose is most useful for. I’ve had remarkable success treating dislocated discs with accompanying swelling, stiffness and pain with topical applications of Rose petal liniment and infusion. Just this liniment, with no other treatment, recently resolved a dislocated disc with severe pain, swelling, tension and loss of movement. It’s also been effective in less serious cases typified by inflammation and pain. The flower has also been long recognized as a primary medicine in Ayurveda and Unani Tibb, and has been found to significantly contribute the “good” bacteria in our bellies.
A wonderful relaxant to the liver, Rose excels at moving stuck energy and relieving tension in the liver/gallbladder area. I use it frequently when treating cases of acute hepatitis or chronic/viral hepatitis where there’s signs of inflammation. And of course, it makes a wonderful heart-settling nervine suitable for nearly anyone, and gentle enough for a baby. In fact, the smell of Roses significantly decreases overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system while also reducing adrenalin output in the body. Likewise, several different major systems of traditional medicine also consider the hips and flowers both a tonic for weak kidneys and adrenals. I frequently include some part of the plant in formulas for clients with adrenal fatigue with symptoms of heat, nervous exhaustion and internal dryness.
Rose can effectively balance hyperimmune disorders where the body overreacts to every perceived threat. It also generally enhances immune function through its cooling, cleansing effect. I use Rose as a standard remedy for any cold or flu type illness, the hip is traditional for this but I often use both hip and petal in my preparations. Many Native tribes were known to use the root or bark in the treatment of cold and flu, and while I haven’t yet tried this, I imagine it will be at least as effective as the petal or hip. I make Rose petal pastilles with honey for sore or inflamed throats. Rose infused honey can be used as a syrup for the same symptoms. And an infusion of petal and leaf will also help symptomatically with sinus congestion, runny nose or damp heat in the lungs.
The underlying property of Rose is one of fluids/energy/blood movement and regulation, which explains many of seemingly disparate effects on the different organs and tissues of the body. It has an innate intelligence that gives it the ability to adjust the flow of the body’s varying energies and substances. It can calm heart palpitations, eliminate liver pains, reduce nervous tension or lessen menstrual cramps all depending on what the body needs. Traditional Western Herbalism and Ayurveda generally see the Rose as cooling while TCM usually describes it as warming, and I think this has much to do with what properties the varying traditions ascribe to hot or cold. The reduction in inflammation is certainly part of the reason is is thought of as cooling, and the moving properties have to do with the warming aspect.
I’ve found it to be very useful in treating general pelvic congestion resulting in scanty menses, cramps, water retention, cysts and mood swings. Rich in the building blocks of hormones, Rose helps nourish the endocrine system through its provision of these basic hormonal elements. An age old aphrodisiac, stirring up both blood and libido as well as opening up the heart, it has a history of treating sexual dysfunction such as impotence and frigidity.
Partially due to these same blood moving decongestant properties, Rose is also strengthening and healing to the heart and circulatory system. It is especially indicated in high blood pressure and/or poor circulation in individuals with Pitta symptoms such as inflammation, constipation, headaches, feverishness, red face, heart palpitations and hot flashes. Note that several of these symptoms can also be caused by a congested or inflamed liver, which Rose also serves to relax and cool.
That same uptight, overworked and congested liver can also cause any number of digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, gastric inflammation, IBS, hyperacidity and conversely, food fermenting in the stomach from sluggish digestion (usually rooted in stagnant liver Qi). Rose can help these symptoms through addressing the liver problem at the root, as well as cooling, healing and protecting the gut lining, assisting the digestive process to help things move a bit better and by generally nourishing the mucosa as well as the intestinal bacteria. I have personally found Rose petal infusions to be a very effective long term treatment for IBS with signs of internal heat and inflammation (diarrhea, food allergies, nausea, burning/churning stomach, red, cracked tongue with anxiety and restlessness).
Traditionally considered one of the finest wound medicines in North America, Rose is no longer a common remedy for wounds and injuries. In modern use, it often seems to be relegated to the ranks of simple astringents. It certainly does make a fine smelling astringent, but has a plethora of other properties adding to its wonderful wound healing abilities. The whole plant, but especially the root, has pain relieving properties when used externally, and is also a very good antibacterial agent for treating nearly any kind of infection, inside or out, including UTIs, yeast and vaginal infections. Indigenous peoples use the hips for severe infections externally, making a mash of the hips and using as a poultice. An acquaintance from Alaska recently told me a story of her mother using rose hips alone to successfully treat a severe wound on a dog. I’ve since used rose hip poultices on several infected wounds with great results.
Rose oil can be used externally for menstrual cramps and Canadian herbalist Terry Willard recommends Rose petal infused wine for uterine cramps and labor pains. I find that Rose works best internally for cramps when both hip and petal are used and are appropriately combined other herbs such as Mugwort or Peony root. (Kiva Rose)
The entire plant is incredibly anti-inflammatory, Scandinavian studies show that Rose hips and seeds significantly reduced the need for painkillers in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. I have found all parts of the rose to be strongly anti-inflammatory, and have used a liniment of rose petals for traumatic injuries, sore muscles and chronic muscoskeletal pain in individuals that fit the Pitta type profile Rose is most useful for. I’ve had remarkable success treating dislocated discs with accompanying swelling, stiffness and pain with topical applications of Rose petal liniment and infusion. Just this liniment, with no other treatment, recently resolved a dislocated disc with severe pain, swelling, tension and loss of movement. It’s also been effective in less serious cases typified by inflammation and pain. The flower has also been long recognized as a primary medicine in Ayurveda and Unani Tibb, and has been found to significantly contribute the “good” bacteria in our bellies.
A wonderful relaxant to the liver, Rose excels at moving stuck energy and relieving tension in the liver/gallbladder area. I use it frequently when treating cases of acute hepatitis or chronic/viral hepatitis where there’s signs of inflammation. And of course, it makes a wonderful heart-settling nervine suitable for nearly anyone, and gentle enough for a baby. In fact, the smell of Roses significantly decreases overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system while also reducing adrenalin output in the body. Likewise, several different major systems of traditional medicine also consider the hips and flowers both a tonic for weak kidneys and adrenals. I frequently include some part of the plant in formulas for clients with adrenal fatigue with symptoms of heat, nervous exhaustion and internal dryness.
Rose can effectively balance hyperimmune disorders where the body overreacts to every perceived threat. It also generally enhances immune function through its cooling, cleansing effect. I use Rose as a standard remedy for any cold or flu type illness, the hip is traditional for this but I often use both hip and petal in my preparations. Many Native tribes were known to use the root or bark in the treatment of cold and flu, and while I haven’t yet tried this, I imagine it will be at least as effective as the petal or hip. I make Rose petal pastilles with honey for sore or inflamed throats. Rose infused honey can be used as a syrup for the same symptoms. And an infusion of petal and leaf will also help symptomatically with sinus congestion, runny nose or damp heat in the lungs.
The underlying property of Rose is one of fluids/energy/blood movement and regulation, which explains many of seemingly disparate effects on the different organs and tissues of the body. It has an innate intelligence that gives it the ability to adjust the flow of the body’s varying energies and substances. It can calm heart palpitations, eliminate liver pains, reduce nervous tension or lessen menstrual cramps all depending on what the body needs. Traditional Western Herbalism and Ayurveda generally see the Rose as cooling while TCM usually describes it as warming, and I think this has much to do with what properties the varying traditions ascribe to hot or cold. The reduction in inflammation is certainly part of the reason is is thought of as cooling, and the moving properties have to do with the warming aspect.
I’ve found it to be very useful in treating general pelvic congestion resulting in scanty menses, cramps, water retention, cysts and mood swings. Rich in the building blocks of hormones, Rose helps nourish the endocrine system through its provision of these basic hormonal elements. An age old aphrodisiac, stirring up both blood and libido as well as opening up the heart, it has a history of treating sexual dysfunction such as impotence and frigidity.
Partially due to these same blood moving decongestant properties, Rose is also strengthening and healing to the heart and circulatory system. It is especially indicated in high blood pressure and/or poor circulation in individuals with Pitta symptoms such as inflammation, constipation, headaches, feverishness, red face, heart palpitations and hot flashes. Note that several of these symptoms can also be caused by a congested or inflamed liver, which Rose also serves to relax and cool.
That same uptight, overworked and congested liver can also cause any number of digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, gastric inflammation, IBS, hyperacidity and conversely, food fermenting in the stomach from sluggish digestion (usually rooted in stagnant liver Qi). Rose can help these symptoms through addressing the liver problem at the root, as well as cooling, healing and protecting the gut lining, assisting the digestive process to help things move a bit better and by generally nourishing the mucosa as well as the intestinal bacteria. I have personally found Rose petal infusions to be a very effective long term treatment for IBS with signs of internal heat and inflammation (diarrhea, food allergies, nausea, burning/churning stomach, red, cracked tongue with anxiety and restlessness).
Traditionally considered one of the finest wound medicines in North America, Rose is no longer a common remedy for wounds and injuries. In modern use, it often seems to be relegated to the ranks of simple astringents. It certainly does make a fine smelling astringent, but has a plethora of other properties adding to its wonderful wound healing abilities. The whole plant, but especially the root, has pain relieving properties when used externally, and is also a very good antibacterial agent for treating nearly any kind of infection, inside or out, including UTIs, yeast and vaginal infections. Indigenous peoples use the hips for severe infections externally, making a mash of the hips and using as a poultice. An acquaintance from Alaska recently told me a story of her mother using rose hips alone to successfully treat a severe wound on a dog. I’ve since used rose hip poultices on several infected wounds with great results.
Rose oil can be used externally for menstrual cramps and Canadian herbalist Terry Willard recommends Rose petal infused wine for uterine cramps and labor pains. I find that Rose works best internally for cramps when both hip and petal are used and are appropriately combined other herbs such as Mugwort or Peony root. (Kiva Rose)
Qualities
Cooling (astringent), moistening (demulcent), stabilizing (sweet), and uplifting (sweet, pungent, and bitter). Also, warming to digestive fire (bitter, pungent). This plant is very neutral in qualities, reflected by the multiple tastes.
The Empress Rose
(The Herbcrafter's Tarot)
The Hips
The therapeutic potential of Rose Hips is based on its antioxidant effects caused by or associated with its phytochemical composition. One hundred twenty nine phytochemical compounds have been isolated and identified from the rose hip, including: flavonoids, tannins, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, galactolipids, carotenoids, fruit acids and fatty oils can be considered responsible for the observed pharmacological and clinical effects.
Scientific studies have suggested a wide range of pharmacological activities for rose hip including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, antiaging, anti H. pylori, neuroprotective and anti-nociceptive activities.
These properties make it especially useful as a potential treatment for several diseases including skin disorders, hepatotoxicity, renal disturbances, diarrhoea, inflammatory disorders, arthritis, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and cancer.
(Research Source: Pubmed)
Scientific studies have suggested a wide range of pharmacological activities for rose hip including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, antiaging, anti H. pylori, neuroprotective and anti-nociceptive activities.
These properties make it especially useful as a potential treatment for several diseases including skin disorders, hepatotoxicity, renal disturbances, diarrhoea, inflammatory disorders, arthritis, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and cancer.
(Research Source: Pubmed)
Research has shown rose hips to:
Prevent dizziness and the effects of vertigo.
Reduce the accumulation of fat cells in the liver.
Significantly assist in wound healing and improve scars.
Significantly reduce facial wrinkles while increasing skin moisture and elasticity.
Successfully treat osteoarthritis due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Balance women’s reproductive health, regulating menstrual flow, easing uterine cramps, and preventing breast disorders.
Improve kidney conditions, gastroenteric ailments, hypertension and respiratory problems such as bronchitis, cough and cold.
Reduce cardiovascular risk in obese people through lowering of systolic blood pressure and plasma cholesterol levels.
Purify and nourish the blood and lymphatic system which aids in preventing stress related illnesses.
Strengthen the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive system.
Reduce body fat mass and prevent body weight gain, lowering blood glucose, insulin and cholesterol levels.
Prevent dizziness and the effects of vertigo.
Reduce the accumulation of fat cells in the liver.
Significantly assist in wound healing and improve scars.
Significantly reduce facial wrinkles while increasing skin moisture and elasticity.
Successfully treat osteoarthritis due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Balance women’s reproductive health, regulating menstrual flow, easing uterine cramps, and preventing breast disorders.
Improve kidney conditions, gastroenteric ailments, hypertension and respiratory problems such as bronchitis, cough and cold.
Reduce cardiovascular risk in obese people through lowering of systolic blood pressure and plasma cholesterol levels.
Purify and nourish the blood and lymphatic system which aids in preventing stress related illnesses.
Strengthen the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive system.
Reduce body fat mass and prevent body weight gain, lowering blood glucose, insulin and cholesterol levels.
Rosehip Infused Honey
Rosehip Infused Honey
Rosehip Infused Honey:
Raw honey is both an extractor and preserver of plants. Rose hip infused honey imbues the energetic signature of the the rose in its purest and highest form into the honey, an alchemy of the life force energy, energetic signature, and phytochemicals from the wild rose, preserved in time.
Harvest Rosehips in the fall, just after the first frost and before the hard freeze, when they are juicy and ripe.
(If there is moisture, let them dry in the sun or overnight)
Pour raw honey over over hips, covering generously. Seal jar and set in sunny windowsill for approximately one week to one moon. Twirl and swirl the jar on occasion so you can stir (and admire!) the honey and hips.
Strain the honey any time after it has been infused (honey will take on a sweet wild rose scent and flavor, that is how you know it has been infused). Another option is to allow the hips to remain in the honey, infused and preserved. The hips may then be used to make a sweet rose hip tea.
Raw honey is both an extractor and preserver of plants. Rose hip infused honey imbues the energetic signature of the the rose in its purest and highest form into the honey, an alchemy of the life force energy, energetic signature, and phytochemicals from the wild rose, preserved in time.
Harvest Rosehips in the fall, just after the first frost and before the hard freeze, when they are juicy and ripe.
(If there is moisture, let them dry in the sun or overnight)
Pour raw honey over over hips, covering generously. Seal jar and set in sunny windowsill for approximately one week to one moon. Twirl and swirl the jar on occasion so you can stir (and admire!) the honey and hips.
Strain the honey any time after it has been infused (honey will take on a sweet wild rose scent and flavor, that is how you know it has been infused). Another option is to allow the hips to remain in the honey, infused and preserved. The hips may then be used to make a sweet rose hip tea.
Harvesting Guidelines
Fresh rose hips can be harvested from any type of rose, although it is the smaller species that is most commonly used for medicinal purposes, and especially the Rosa Rugosa that has been the variety given the most scientific attention.
Pick the hips in the Fall, after the first frost and before the hard freeze, when they are juicy and ripe.
Pick the hips in the Fall, after the first frost and before the hard freeze, when they are juicy and ripe.
Herb Sources
Resources & Recommended
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