Stop and smell the roses…
There is a very good reason we use this saying when we want someone to pause, take a moment and look at the brighter side of things. Roses have health benefits that can play a very integral role in this process.
For thousands of years, Ayurvedic healers have been using the rose plant in herbal remedies, teas, oils and skincare formulations. It can be used as dried, preserved, juiced, distilled, or a as powder or tincture.
According to Ayurveda, rose primarily balances sadhaka pitta, the subdosha of pitta that governs the emotions and how it impacts the heart. It also allows for better communication between sadhaka pitta and prana vata, the subdosha of vata that governs the mind, breath, respiratory channels, lung and throat. Rose soothes the heart and emotions and can assist in healing from past griefs so that one can move on and enjoy the present moment.
Rose has cooling health benefits, yet also kindles agni, and in moderation is ideal for all three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha. It is especially beneficial during the hot summer months for those that tend to get pitta imbalance, however, can be used throughout the year to balance sadhaka pitta.
In addition, there are medicinal properties of the rose that have positive effects on bhrajaka pitta, the subdosha of pitta that governs the skin. It has a cooling effect on the blood which can help prevent skin issues such as acne and rashes.
There are many ailments for which rose is recommended in the Ayurvedic tradition and there is now increasing science that backs up these claims.
Potential rose health benefits 1,2:
- Balances hormones (including amenorrhea)
- Reduces inflammation of the eyes and skin
- Soothes sore throats and coughs
- Promotes restful and peaceful sleep
- Cools the gastrointestinal tract
- Soothes nervous, angry and sad emotions
- May reduce wrinkles and slow down skin aging
- May reduce pain due to its analgesic effects
- Has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties
- Reduces blood glucose levels
- Has neuroprotective properties
- Has antioxidant activity
You can find rose in many types of products that can be used internally or externally such as:
- Rose essential oil (great for aromatherapy and for use in beauty products)
- Rose water (delicious in food and beverage recipes as well as to soothe the skin)
- Rose hydrosol (a cooling and hydrating skin toner)
- Rose petal jam (a sweet uplifting treat)
- Rose tea (wonderful benefits for soothing the mind, heart and throat)
- Rose powder (useful in herbal formulas, skin products and culinary recipes)
It’s important to always look for organic rose products as toxins from pesticides can cause more inflammation in the body.
Try our delicious Rose Bliss Balls as a sweet treat for yourself and those you love!
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586833/ 2. http://www.amis.pk/files/PrefeasibilityStudies/SMEDA%20Rose%20Water.pdf