Rose Health Benefits: Rose is a woody perennial plant, known mainly for its beautiful, fragrant, and captivating flower. Scientifically known as 'Rosa centifolia,' it belongs to the family Rosaceae. More than 300 species of this plant are known presently. All Rose plants bear thin prickly thorns on their stems.
Roses are found in many colors like pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and black. They can be found in various habitats and are prominently grown in many places in the Indian subcontinent.
How Did the Word ‘Rose’ Originate?
The word 'Rose' is considered the French version of 'Rosa,' which is Latin for Rose. Throughout the centuries, the word 'Rose' became popular and came into common use in other languages too.
Historical Uses of Rose
Rose has been used for centuries for a lot of purposes. The most common and apparent being its ornamental and artistic value. They are cultivated for their pretty flowers, which have a sweet fragrance and are used for decoration purposes. From historical times to the modern ages, Rose has been a symbol of beauty and love.
Rose has been used to treat many different ailments and allergies. Rose powder and petal jam or gulkand are known to possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in treating digestive issues like diarrhea and hyperacidity. Rosewater or Gulab Jal, derived from Rose petals, is considered to be good for the skin. It helps in rejuvenation and makes the skin glow. It also helps fend off and deal with problems like skin allergies and persistent acne. Due to the Sita or cooling and Ropan or healing properties of Rosewater, it is known to instantly provide relief from eye stress and pain. Just a few drops prove to be enough. The fragrance of Rose is sweet, which makes it an effective mood enhancer. Using Rose oil, or maybe even Rosewater, in a diffuser can help calm and soothe the nerves and sense, giving a feeling of overall relaxation and eradicating stress.
This helps in getting deep, sound sleep.
What Are the Other Names of Rose?
Scientifically known as 'Rosa centifolia,' Rose is also known by other common names in different regions. Some of them are - Gulab, Irosa, Gulabipuva, Roja, Golappu, Rojaputvu, Golap, Gulabpushpam, Paninirpushpam, Taruni, Shatpatri, Karnika.
Treating Diseases/Health Issues Using Rose
Rose can be used to treat several medical problems. It can be used in many forms. Conscious consumption of Rose provides several long-term health benefits. Some of them are listed below.
• Hyperacidity
Hyperacidity, in literal terms, refers to the increase in the level of acidity in the stomach. According to Ayurveda, an unbalanced Pitta dosha is the cause of this ailment as it weakens the digestive fire, which results in inadequate digestion. This, in turn, leads to the production and accumulation of Ama or bodily toxins. The gathering of Ama in the digestive tract gives rise to the problem of hyperacidity.
Rose powder is known to possess Sita or cold and Deepan or appetizing properties. This helps it remove the excessive bodily toxins or Ama from the body and decrease the level of acid in the stomach. Therefore, regular consumption of Rose powder can help counters the problem of hyperacidity.
Tips for Usage –
- Take 1/4th or half a teaspoon of Rose powder.
- Add some Mishri to it to make a mixture.
- Have it before lunch and dinner, with water.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to hyperacidity.
• Diarrhoea
In Ayurveda, Diarrhoea is known as Atisar. It is considered to arise due to the consumption of unclean and unhygienic food and water. According to Ayurveda, Agnimandya or weak digestive fire is another reason that gives rise to diarrhea. All of these factors, combined, further upset the already imbalanced Vata, thus aggravating Diarrhoea's problem. This leads to the introduction of fluid in the digestive system from the body's tissues all over. The mixing of this fluid with stool causes it to become loose and watery, which is characteristic of diarrhea.
Rose powder is considered to possess Grahi or absorbent properties. Consumption of Rose powder helps your body to absorb more nutrients and effectively remedy diarrhea.
Tips for Usage –
- Take 1/4th or half a teaspoon of Rose powder.
- Add some Mishri to it to make a mixture.
- Have it before lunch and dinner, with water.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to diarrhea.
• Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar in Ayurveda. It refers to excessive discharge of menstrual blood and can also be painful and cause fatigue. It is considered to arise due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha in the body.
Rose is known to possess Sita or cold and Kashaya or astringent properties, which help to control and manage the problem of excessive menstrual bleeding by balancing the Pitta dosha in the body. Thus, Rose proves to be effective in countering the problem of Menorrhagia.
Tips for Usage –
- Take 1/4th or half a teaspoon of gulkand or Rose petal jam.
- Have it before lunch and dinner, with water.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to menorrhagia.
• Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction in men can be of various types, including a loss in libido, unable to achieve an erection or low erection time, and expulsion of semen too soon after any sexual activity, which is known as premature ejaculation or early discharge.
Due to Rose's Vajikarna or aphrodisiac properties, the regular consumption of Rose and Rose products is known to help overcome such sexual problems encountered by men and ensure proper and satisfactory male sexual performance.
Tips for Usage –
- Take 1/4th or half a teaspoon of gulkand or Rose petal jam.
- Have it before lunch and dinner, with water.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to sexual dysfunction in men.
• Skin Allergy
Due to the Sita or cold and Kashaya or astringent properties of Rose, it is known to counter skin allergies effectively. When applied externally on the affected area, it reduces the redness and swelling due to some kind of skin rash, inflammation, or infection.
Tips for Usage –
- Put a couple of drops of Rosewater on a cotton ball.
- Gently wipe the affected area with the cotton ball thoroughly.
- It is preferable to use this remedy before bed each night as it gives time to your skin to absorb the Rosewater and rejuvenate effectively.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to skin allergies.
• Acne and Pimples
According to Ayurveda, an imbalanced Kapha and Pitta dosha combination gives rise to acne and pimples. An intensification of the Kapha dosha surges sebum production, which blocks the minute pores on the skin, drastically reducing the room to breathe for the skin. This leads to the formation of both blackheads and whiteheads. An intensification of the Pitta dosha red bumps and increases inflammation, which may ooze pus if worsened. All of these combined can give rise to a major and persistent problem of acne and pimples.
Due to its Sita or cold and Kashaya or astringent properties, Rose helps to balance the aggravated Pitta and Kapha dosha combo. It helps to remove dirt as well and effectively prevent and remedy acne and pimples.
Tips for Usage –
- Put a couple of drops of Rosewater on a cotton ball.
- Gently wipe the affected area with the cotton ball thoroughly.
- It is preferable to use this remedy before bed each night as it gives time to your skin to absorb the Rosewater and rejuvenate effectively.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to acne and pimples.
• Eye Strain
Due to the Ropan or healing and Sita or cold properties of Rose, it is known to relieve eye stress and eye pain with an instant effect.
Tips for Usage –
- Immerse two clean cotton balls in Rosewater.
- Squeeze them to remove the excess water absorbed and place them on your closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.
OR
- Take a little water in a container and add a few drops of Rosewater to it.
- Splash them on your eyes to get rid of the eye fatigue with immediate effect.
- This will help control and manage the symptoms and discomfort related to eye strain of nearly any kind.
• Stress and Insomnia
The sweet fragrance of Rose is considered to be a potent mood enhancer. It helps to reduce stress and get a comforting sound sleep.
Tips for Usage –
- Use Rose essential oil or Rosewater in a diffuser.
OR
- Use aromatic Rose candles in your bedroom.
- This will help control and manage the symptoms and discomfort related to stress and insomnia to a great extent.
Advised Dosage of Rose
1. Rose Powder
1/4th to half a teaspoon twice a day is the advised dosage of Rose Powder.
2. Rose Powder (for external application)
1 or 2 teaspoons a day is the advised dosage of Rose Powder for external application.
3. Rose Capsule
1 or 2 capsules twice a day is the advised dosage of Rose Capsule.
4. Rose Juice
2 or 3 teaspoons twice a day is the advised dosage of Rose Juice.
5. Rose Oil
2 to 5 drops twice a day is the advised dosage of Rose Oil.
How to Consume Rose?
Rose proves to be most effective when eaten regularly in controlled amounts. As the old proverb goes, excess of anything is bad. Some of the most common and easiest ways to prepare Rose for consumption are as follows –
1. Rose Powder
- Take 1/4th or half a teaspoon of Rose powder.
- Add some water or milk to it to make a mixture.
- Have it on an empty stomach once or twice a day.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to acidity.
2. Rose Water
- Take 2 or 3 teaspoons of Rosewater and mix it in one glass of plain water.
- Drink it before food once or twice a day for maximum results.
3. Rose Capsule
- Take 1 or 2 capsules of Rose.
- Swallow it after food with either milk or water.
- Do this twice a day.
4. Gulkand or Rose Petal Jam
- Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of Gulkand or Rose petal jam.
- Have it with water or milk once or twice a day for maximum results.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to acidity and fever.
5. Rose Leaves
- Take 2 to 4 leaves of Rose freshly plucked.
- Wash them thoroughly.
- Chew them and swallow them, preferably in the morning.
- This will help control and manage the symptoms and discomfort related to mouth ulcers to a great extent.
6. Rose Sharbat
- Take 2 or 3 teaspoons of Rose sharbat and mix it in one glass of plain water.
- Drink this mixture before lunch and dinner for maximum results.
- This will help control and manage the symptoms and discomfort related to acidity and burning sensation in the body.
7. Rose Tea
- Take 5 to 6 petals of Rose freshly plucked.
- Wash them thoroughly and remove the white base (as it confers a bitter taste to the concoction).
- Rinse the petals once again with fresh and clean water.
- Pat dry using a clean towel and set it carefully aside.
- Heat 1 cup of plain drinkable water in a saucepan till it starts boiling. Keep the heat between moderate to high.
- Add the petals and let the mixture boil for a few seconds.
- Lower the heat to a simmering level and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or wait until the petals become dark in color.
- Strain the mixture carefully into a glass or cup.
- Drink this tea once or twice a day for maximum results. It proves to be handy in weight loss.
How to Use Rose for External Application?
Rose is beneficial to the skin and can be used for the same in a variety of ways. Some easy methods are listed below, which can be made at home without much difficulty.
1. Rose Petal Paste
- Take 1 or 2 Rose petals.
- Crush and grind them to make a think paste. You can also add a few drops of Rosewater for ease of mixing.
- Apply on the wound or affected area.
- Use this technique 2 to 3 times a day for maximum results.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to wounds and swellings.
2. Rose Petal Powder
- Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of Rose petal powder.
- Crush and grind it and add a few drops of Rosewater to make a thick paste.
- Apply it evenly on the lesions of smallpox.
- This will help to control and manage the symptoms and discomforts related to smallpox.
3. Rose Oil
- Take 3 to 4 drops of Rose oil and add coconut oil to it.
- Massage and rub gently on the affected areas.
- Use this technique 2 or 3 times a week to get rid of bodily pain, headaches, and anxiety issues.
4. Rose Water
- Put a couple of drops of Rosewater on a cotton ball.
- Gently wipe the face with the cotton ball thoroughly.
- It is preferable to use this remedy before bed each night as it gives time to your skin to absorb the Rosewater and rejuvenate effectively.
- This helps you look brighter, younger, and much more vibrant.
5. Rose Water in Multani Mitti Facepack
- Take 2 or 3 teaspoons of Multani mitti.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Rosewater to this.
- Mix thoroughly to make a thick paste.
- Apply evenly on the face and neck.
- Leave it to dry for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Then wash thoroughly with clean tap water and pat dry gently.
- Use this technique once or twice a week to reduce oiliness and dullness of the skin. It also helps get rid of dead skin cells.
Precautionary Expert Advice
Even though Rose's consumption and external application produce a lot of health benefits in people, irrespective of age, it is essential to keep a few points in mind concerning its safe use, which can become problematic if not adhered to.
1. It is advisable to avoid using Rose and Rose products for consumption if you are suffering from constipation as it can worsen your condition due to its Grahi or absorbent properties.
2. It is advisable to avoid using Rose and Rose products for external application if you have hypersensitive skin. Please consult your doctor before use in this case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions are answered below to help with better understanding and to clarify common doubts.
1. What are the forms of Rose available in the market?
Rose and Rose products are available for purchase in the market in various forms. These include –
- Rose Powder
- Rose Water
- Rose Oil
- Gulkand or Rose Petal Jam
2. How many varieties of Rose are used for medicinal purposes?
Around 150 original varieties and 2500 hybrid varieties of Roses are found in the Indian subcontinent. Out of these, one particular species, with the scientific name, ‘Rosa centifolia’ is used for medicinal purposes.
3. What is Rosehip?
The rounded portion just below the petals of the Rose flower is known as Rosehip. It is an accessory fruit of the Rose plant and is considered to be rich in Vitamin C, making it an important medicinal source.
4. How can I make Rosewater at home?
There are two common methods to make Rosewater at home: the distilling and simmering methods. However, the simmering method is more prevalent as it is easier and faster. The steps to follow are given below –
- Pluck fresh Rose petals.
- Wash thoroughly with clean and pat them dry.
- Put them in a large container or bowl and add distilled water. Ensure not to add an excessive amount of water.
- Heat the container till the contents start simmering and maintain the heat for about half an hour or until the Rose petals lose their color.
- Strain the mixture and separate the Rose petals.
- Cool the liquid and store it in the refrigerator.
- Your home-made Rosewater is ready for daily use.
It is important to note that Rosewater made by this method is best for use only until 2 weeks of preparation.
5. Can Rose be used in case of arthritis?
According to modern science, Rose can help manage and control symptoms and discomforts related to arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which it possesses due to the presence of certain compounds.
6. Can Rose help in managing peptic ulcers?
Yes. According to modern science, Rose can help manage and control symptoms and discomforts related to peptic ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of gulkand or Rose petal jam helps to reduce intestinal swelling and reduce peptic ulcers.
7. Can Rose help to reduce cough?
Yes. According to modern science, Rose can help manage and control symptoms and discomforts related to cough due to its antitussive properties. Rose petal tea helps reduce the severity of sore throats and coughing spells.
8. Does Rose have a role in water retention?
Yes. According to modern science, Rose can help prevent water retention by enhancing urine output.
9. Does Rose have a role in heart problems?
Yes. According to modern science, Rose can help prevent heart failures as it is an effective cardiotonic.
10. Can I drink Rosewater?
Yes. You can drink Rosewater as it is safe for consumption and has several health benefits in the long term.
11. How can I use Rose for weight loss?
Rose is known to help in weight loss. You can benefit from it too by drinking Rose petal tea prepared using the following steps –
- Take 5 to 6 petals of Rose freshly plucked.
- Wash them thoroughly and remove the white base (as it confers a bitter taste to the concoction).
- Rinse the petals once again with fresh and clean water.
- Pat dry using a clean towel and set it carefully aside.
- Heat 1 cup of plain drinkable water in a saucepan till it starts boiling. Keep the heat between moderate to high.
- Add the petals and let the mixture boil for a few seconds.
- Lower the heat to a simmering level and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or wait until the petals become dark in color.
- Strain the mixture carefully into a glass or cup.
- Drink this tea once or twice a day for maximum results. It proves to be handy in weight loss.
12. Does Rose prevent skin aging?
Yes. According to modern science, Rose can help prevent skin aging as it is a rich source of antioxidants that remove free radicals and prevent cell damage making you look younger and vibrant.
13. Can Rose help to get rid of depression and anxiety?
Yes. According to modern science, Rose can help get rid of depression and anxiety. Using Rose oil, or maybe even Rosewater, in a diffuser can help calm and soothe the nerves and sense, giving a feeling of overall relaxation and eradicating the stress of any kind. This also helps in getting a deep sound sleep.
14. Is it safe to use Rosewater daily?
Yes. It is safe to use Rosewater daily according to modern science as well as Ayurveda.
15. Does applying Rosewater cause redness of the skin?
No. On the contrary, it helps to reduce and prevent redness of the skin, which can happen due to a variety of reasons as it gives a cooling effect to the area it has been applied on.
16. Is Rosewater safe for the eyes?
Yes. According to modern science, Rose is considered safe for the eyes and can help relieve eye strain quickly, even though adequate scientific evidence is not available to confirm the same.
17. What are the benefits of applying Rosewater on the face overnight?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
Rosewater can have a lot of benefits for the skin when applied to the face overnight. As a rich source of antioxidants, it makes you look younger and vibrant. It also reduces redness and swelling of the skin and removes dirt and dead skin.
Due to its Sita and Varnya properties, Rose helps to improve skin texture and complexion when applied to the face overnight. This makes it efficient in tackling skin problems.
18. What are the benefits of Rose essential oil?
According to modern science, using Rose oil, or maybe even Rosewater, in a diffuser can help calm and soothe the nerves and sense, giving a feeling of overall relaxation and eradicating the stress of any kind. This also helps in getting a deep sound sleep.
19. Is Rosewater good for dry hair?
Yes. According to modern science, Rose is known to make dry hair more manageable and lustrous due to its moisture retention property.
20. Is Rose helpful in soothing skin irritation?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
As Rose contains some compounds which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, it is considered helpful in soothing skin irritation.
Rose has the property of balancing an aggravated Pitta dosha. As skin irritation occurs due to an imbalanced Pitta dosha, Rose proves to be helpful in countering them.
