Description

Deciduous shrub growing to about 5 ft (1.5 m). Has a smooth stem, sharp thorns, serrated leaves with 2–3 pairs of leaflets, semi-double deep pink or red flowers, and scarlet hips.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to the Middle East, the rose is not now found in the wild except as a garden escape. It has been cultivated for at least 3,000 years. The flowers are gathered in summer.

Parts Used

Flowers, essential oil.

Constituents

Rose contains a volatile oil consisting of geraniol, nerol, citronellol, geranic acid and other terpenes, and many other substances.

History & Folklore

The rose comes originally from Iran and has been cultivated there since antiquity. Sappho, the 6th-century BCE Greek poet, described the red rose as the “Queen of flowers.” In Rome, it was much used in festivities and the petals were consumed as food. Rosewater was prepared by the Arab physician Avicenna (980–1037 CE). During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the rose was esteemed as a remedy for depression.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

The rose is currently little used in herbal medicine, but it is probably time for a reevaluation of its medicinal benefits. The essential oil, called “attar of rose,” is used in aromatherapy as a mildly sedative, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory remedy. Rose petals and their preparations have a similar action. They also reduce high cholesterol levels. Rosewater is mildly astringent and makes a valuable lotion for inflamed and sore eyes.

Caution

Do not take the essential oil internally without professional supervision.