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How does it feel?
Rose is particularly astringent, which is one of the primary ways in which this herb works within the body. It will tighten and astringe tissues and mucous membranes which makes it particularly helpful for conditions associated with excess fluid production or sweating. Rose has a naturally cooling and anti-inflammatory effect when used internally and externally, making it suited for hot and irritated conditions.
Rose acts as a nervine, calming and relaxing the nervous system, with a particular impact upon the heart as an organ relieving emotional as well as physical tension.
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Into the heart of Rose
The cooling and anti-inflammatory nature of rose has an affinity for the heart and blood. Rose is excellent at clearing excess heat and congestion from the bloodstream and targeting blood based disorders such as those associated with the menstrual cycle and/or the skin.
This herb’s affinity for the heart means that it will support the organ on both a physical and emotional level, helping to relieve emotional tension, but also tension in the heart muscle itself manifesting as palpitations for example. As a result of this effect, rose can also act as an effective aphrodisiac and also help to boost libido. Rose will open the heart chakra, increasing patience, compassion and love.
The astringent, drying properties of rose are helpful for conditions associated with fluid accumulation, particularly within the digestive tract where there may be associated heat and inflammation in the case of ulcers and excess acidity.
Gyanaecology: Rose is indicated in excessive menstrual bleeding, vaginal infections and inflammation. It clears heat from the uterus and blood and is used in dysmenorrhoea, metrorrhagia, endometriosis and fibroids. Its can also help to alleviate PMS symptoms associated with irritability, emotional sensitivity and heat and also enhance libido and fertility. It’s cooling and drying qualities have made rosewater and excellent solution for menopausal hot flushes.
Nervous: Rose’s nourishing and calming effect on the nervous system make it useful for nervous depression and anxiety, particularly where this is characterised by agitation, palpitations and tension headaches.
Skin: Roses are used in inflammatory and suppurating skin conditions; eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, itching and irritation. In the form of rosewater, it is excellent for astringing and calming irritated skin.
GIT: The astringency and cooling effect of rose has made it excellent for the treatment of ulcers, inflammation, acidity, enteritis and heartburn. Its astringency has also made it useful in diarrhoea. Roses can help with fat metabolism and help to reduce blood lipid levels, for example where there are imbalances in cholesterol.
Reproduction: The calming effect on the emotions and the heart are complemented by the aphrodisiac effect of this plant.
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Did you know?
A refreshing jam can be made from the rose petals which is often recommended as a cooling spread or addition to a warm drink to cool the system or act as a mild laxative.
Additional information
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Safety
It may reduce the absorption of iron.
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Dosage
1–10g/day or 5–15ml of a 1:2 in 50% fresh tincture. Drink rosewater freely (5–50ml/day).
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Traditional energetics
- Rasa (taste) Bitter, pungent, astringent.
- Virya (action) Cooling.
- Vipaka (post-digestive effect) Sweet.
- Guna (quality) Dry, light.
- Dosha effect VPK=.
- Dhatu (tissue) Plasma, blood, nerve, reproductive.
- Srotas (channels) Female reproductive, circulatory, nervous.

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Recipe
A ‘cup of love’ tea
A blend of flowers bringing you some of nature’s finest love. Drink to soothe a broken heart or feed you when you just want a sip of love.
Ingredients:
- Chamomile flower 3g
- Limeflower 2g
- Marigold (calendula) petal 2g
- Rose flower 1g
- Lavender flower 1g
- Licorice root 1g
This will serve 3 cups of love.
Method:
- Put all of the ingredients in a pot.
- Add 500ml/18fl oz freshly boiled filtered water.
- Leave to steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain and let the love flow.
Brave Heart Tea
This Brave Heart tea is a therapeutic recipe for nourishing your heart, both the physical and emotional.
Ingredients:
- Hawthorn berry 4g
- Hawthorn leaf and flower 2g
- Limeflower 2g
- Cinnamon bark 2g
- Motherwort 1g
- Saffron 5 strands
- Rose flower 1g
- Pomegranate juice a glug (or 1 tbsp) per cup
This will serve 2 cups of a very heartloving tea.
Method:
- Put all of the ingredients in a pot (except for the pomegranate juice).
- Add 500ml (18fl oz) freshly boiled filtered water. Leave to steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain.
- Add a glug of pomegranate juice to each cup.
‘Let there be joy’ Tea
Not all of life’s experiences are easy, but this tea will help you digest them with this blend of ‘instant-happiness-herbs’.
Ingredients:
- Lemon balm 3g
- Limeflower 3g
- Lavender flower 2g
- Rosemary leaf 1g
- St John’s wort flowering top 1g
- Rose water 1 tsp per cup
- Honey a dash per cup
This will serve 2 cups of happiness.
Method:
- Put all of the ingredients in a pot (except for the rose water and honey).
- Add 500ml (18fl oz) freshly boiled filtered water. Leave to steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain.
- Add the rose water and honey to taste, then sip for joy.
These recipes are from Cleanse, Nurture, Restore by Sebastian Pole