Rose: 10 Medicinal Uses, 11 Types. DIY Gulab Petals Tea, Gulkand

Rose, a beloved flower for centuries, isn’t just admired for its beauty and fragrance; it’s also incredibly beneficial for our health and well-being. Its calming and healing properties make it a powerful medicinal plant. Explore the many benefits of rose and discover how it can improve your overall health and well-being. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, rose is a powerful natural remedy that can have a positive impact on your health. Learn how to incorporate rose into your daily routine and discover the various forms of products available. Additionally, find delicious and easy recipes that feature rose, allowing you to enjoy its benefits in a tasty way.

Rose
Yellow Rose Plant

Rose Petals Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart

Rose petals are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, fiber, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Additionally, petals contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are beneficial for health. It also contain some protein and carbohydrates. Nutritional value per 100 g rose petals:

  • Biotin: N/A
  • Calcium: 97 mg 
  • Carbohydrates (Carbs): 5.4 g 
  • Chloride: N/A
  • Cholesterol: N/A
  • Choline: N/A
  • Chromium: N/A
  • Copper: 0.1 mg 
  • Dietary Fiber: 2.9 g 
  • Energy (Calories): 33 kcal 
  • Fat: 0.3 g 
  • Iodine: N/A
  • Iron: 1.4 mg 
  • Magnesium: 32 mg 
  • Manganese: 0.2 mg 
  • Molybdenum: N/A
  • Pantothenic Acid: N/A
  • Phosphorus: 33 mg 
  • Potassium: 192 mg 
  • Protein: 1.7 g 
  • Saturated fat: 0.1 g 
  • Selenium: N/A
  • Sodium: 4 mg 
  • Sugars: 1.2 g 
  • Vitamin A: 511 IU 
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.1 mg 
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.1 mg 
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 0.6 mg 
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): N/A
  • Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg 
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 49 mcg 
  • Vitamin B12: N/A
  • Vitamin C: 13 mg 
  • Vitamin D: N/A
  • Vitamin E: 0.4 mg 
  • Vitamin K: 22 mcg 
  • Water: 84.5 g 
  • Zinc: 0.2 mg

Rose In India

In Ayurveda, the rose flower holds significant therapeutic value and Ayurvedic practitioners highly revere it for its medicinal properties. Rose petals actively cool and soothe the body, effectively balancing excess heat-related imbalances such as inflammation and acidity. Ayurvedic formulations commonly incorporate rose petals to actively promote relaxation, balance emotions, and support heart and circulatory health. Moreover, rose is believed to actively rejuvenate the skin, enhancing complexion and overall skin health. Its sweet fragrance actively uplifts the spirit and calms the mind, making it a popular ingredient in aromatherapy and herbal remedies for stress and anxiety. The flower is actively symbolizes purity, beauty, and healing. Petals treat the heart and nerves, and lift the spirits.

  • Scientific Binomial: Rosa spp.
  • Common English: Rose
  • Ayurvedic: Gulab / Shatapatri
  • Unani: Gule Surkh
  • Sanskrit: Sata Patri (Hundred Petalled)
  • Hindi / Urdu: Gulab (گلاب)
  • Bengali: Golab / Golap (গোলাপ)
  • Marathi: Gulab (गुलाब)
  • Telugu: Rojapuvvu / Simannirupuvvu / Gulabi (గులాబి)
  • Tamil: Nilattamarai / Roja (ரோஜா)
  • Gujarati: Gulab (ગુલાબ)
  • Kannada: Gulaabi (ಗುಲಾಬಿ)
  • Malayalam: Penimirpushpam / Paninirppuv / Roja (റോജ)
  • Oriya: Gulabi (ଗୁଲାବି)
  • Punjabi / Sindhi: Gulab (ਗੁਲਾਬ) / Gulab (گلاب)
  • Assamese: Gulaap (গোলাপ)
  • Kashmiri: Gulaab (گُلاب)
  • Konkani: Gulaab (गुलाब)
  • Manipuri: Gulab (গুলাব)
  • Dogri: Gulab (گلاب)
  • Bhojpuri: Gulab (गुलाब)

Traditional Home Remedies

Rose works great with other herbal mixtures to treat urinary infections, menstrual pain, uterine spasms, gynecologic problems, inflammatory skin conditions, menstrual irregularity, infertility, dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrual periods), metrorrhagia, endometriosis, fibroids, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, itching and irritation. Its affinity for the blood make it useful in excessive menstrual bleeding, vaginal infections and inflammation. Plant leaves can also be used and are astringent and toning. The lovely fragrant flowers are used in love and heart potions and in many flower essence formulas.

1. Face Mask

Mix 2 tbsp honey with 2 tbsp sweet almond oil, 5 drops rose essential oil and 1 drop vitamin E oil. Massage on to the face and neck with fingertips. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Rose essential oil helps to moisturize the skin, reducing dryness and promoting a healthy glow. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation. Additionally, rose essential oil is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors, ultimately helping to prevent signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

2. Eye Health

Rose water, jasmine water, fennel or triphala infusion is good for eye infections, internally and externally. Reduce eyelid inflammation by using rose water drops. Rosebuds are also one of the safest and most widely used eyewashes, acting as mild astraingent, giving tone to the tissues, and shrinking capillary inflammation and redness. Steep two or three flowers in half cup of water until it reaches body temperature then strain well. Eye washes generally have little substantial effect on the infections and are best suited for simple inflammation. Rose have been used for centuries in folk medicine.

3. Stress Management

Flower has nourishing effect on nerves make it useful for nervous depression and anxiety. According to Ayurveda, its cooling quality can reduce symptoms of high pitta; red tongue tip, agitation, palpitations and headaches behind the eyes. It opens the heart chakra, thus increasing patience, compassion and love.

  • Rose Tea: Drinking this tea can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Simply steep fresh or dried rose petals in hot water to make a fragrant and soothing tea.
  • Aromatherapy: Inhaling the scent of rose essential oil through diffusers or by adding a few drops to a warm bath can help relax the mind and reduce stress.
  • Rose Water: Spraying rose water on your face or adding it to your bathwater can have a cooling and calming effect on the skin and senses, helping to relieve stress.
  • Rose Oil Massage: Massaging the body with diluted rose essential oil or rose-infused massage oil can promote relaxation and release tension in the muscles, reducing stress levels.
  • Petal Paste: Making a paste of fresh petals and applying it to the forehead or temples can help soothe headaches and promote relaxation, easing stress-related tension.
  • Incense Sticks: Burning rose-scented incense sticks or dried petals can create a calming atmosphere and help reduce stress through aromatherapy.

4. Cooling Effect

Flower has another wonderful cooling effect on skin. You can make your own rose hydrosol much more easily than you can distill essential oil. This hydrosol has a lovely, light rose scent, and is an excellent toner for the face. Spray it on the face and neck, and let the Queen of Flowers cool hot flashes, care for the skin, and instill a sense of peace.

  • Ingredients:
    • Fresh petals
    • Distilled water
    • Large pot with a lid
    • Heat-resistant bowl or container
    • Ice cubes
    • Stove
  • Instructions:
    • Start by collecting fresh rose petals from organic roses. Make sure to remove any debris or insects from the petals.
    • Place the heat-resistant bowl or container upside down in the center of a large pot.
    • Spread the fresh rose petals around the bowl in the pot.
    • Pour enough distilled water into the pot to cover the rose petals.
    • Place the lid of the pot upside down, so that it slopes downwards towards the bowl.
    • Turn on the stove and bring the water to a gentle boil.
    • Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the water to steam the rose petals.
    • Place ice cubes on top of the inverted lid. This helps condense the steam and collect the rose hydrosol.
    • Simmer the rose petals for about 30-60 minutes, depending on how strong you want the hydrosol to be.
    • Turn off the stove and carefully remove the lid.
    • Allow the hydrosol to cool completely before transferring it to a clean, sterilized bottle or container.
    • Store the rose hydrosol in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life.

5. Cough and Cold

Rose syrup made from rose petals and sugar is believed to have soothing properties for coughs and colds. It can be consumed on its own or mixed with warm water or milk to provide relief from sore throats and congestion.

  • Ingredients:
    • Fresh rose petals (about 2 cups)
    • Water (2 cups)
    • Sugar (1 cup)
    • Honey (optional, for added soothing properties)
    • Lemon juice (optional, for flavor)
  • Instructions:
    • Rinse the fresh rose petals thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
    • In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil.
    • Add the rose petals to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low. Let the petals simmer in the water for about 10-15 minutes.
    • Once the water has turned into a fragrant rose-infused liquid and the petals have lost their color, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the petals. Discard the used petals.
    • Return the strained rose water to the saucepan and add 1 cup of sugar. Stir the mixture continuously over low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
    • If desired, you can add a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice to the syrup for additional soothing and flavor-enhancing properties. Stir until well combined.
    • Once the syrup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
    • Transfer the cooled rose syrup to a clean, sterilized glass jar or bottle for storage. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

6. Digestive Discomfort

Make tea by steeping dried rose petals in hot water for several minutes. Drinking it after meals may help promote digestion and alleviate bloating or indigestion. Also it can help balance acidity levels in the stomach and soothe irritation. Making a paste from fresh petals and consuming it can also help with digestive discomfort. Crush fresh petals into a paste and mix it with a small amount of honey. Eat a spoonful of the paste before meals to stimulate digestion and ease discomfort. Adding petals or rose water to meals can also aid digestion. You can sprinkle dried petals on salads or incorporate rose water into cooking. To get relief from digestive discomfort, mix a few drops of rose essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil, then gently massage it onto the stomach in a circular motion.

7. Menstrual Problems

Drinking rose tea can help relieve menstrual cramps and discomfort. Soaking a cloth in cold rose water and applying it to the lower abdomen can provide relief from menstrual cramps. The coolness of the rose water helps to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Taking a warm bath infused with rose petals can help relax the body and ease menstrual discomfort. Add a handful of fresh or dried rose petals to your bathwater and soak for 20-30 minutes. Consuming foods and drinks infused with rose can also help alleviate menstrual problems. Add rose water to herbal teas or desserts, or incorporate rose petals into salads or rice dishes.

8. Sunburn

Soak a clean cloth or cotton pads in chilled rose water and apply it to the sunburned areas. The cooling properties of rose water can help reduce inflammation, soothe the skin, and provide relief from pain and discomfort. Create a paste by grinding fresh rose petals with a little water or rose water. Apply the paste to the sunburned skin and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. Fill a spray bottle with chilled rose water and spritz it onto the sunburned skin throughout the day for instant relief and hydration. Keep the bottle in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.

9. Eczema

Dilute a few drops of rose essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil. Gently massage the affected areas of eczema with the diluted rose oil to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation. This oil has soothing properties that can help calm eczema flare-ups and alleviate itching and discomfort. Add a few cups of petals or a few drops of essential oil to a lukewarm bath and soak for about 20-30 minutes. The soothing properties of rose can help calm irritated skin, reduce itching, and promote healing of eczema flare-ups.

10. Acne

Mix rose water with other natural ingredients like honey, yogurt, or oatmeal to create a soothing face mask. Apply the mask to clean skin and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Rose water helps to hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation, while other ingredients can help absorb excess oil and exfoliate dead skin cells. Add a few drops of essential oil or dried petals to a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. Steam your face for about 5-10 minutes to open up pores and help cleanse the skin. This infused steam can help remove impurities and reduce acne breakouts.

Popular Products with Rose Petals and Rosehip

It smells nice and does good things for your skin. Its smell makes things like perfumes and candles smell great. For your skin, it helps keep it moisturized and calm, and it has stuff in it that fights off things that can make your skin look older. Also, the smell of roses can make you feel relaxed and calm, so it’s used in things like oils for relaxing baths. Basically, rose is loved because it makes things smell good and helps your skin stay healthy and happy.

1. Infused Honey

It has a cooling effect on the body, and it also has a profound impact on a person’s mood and sense of inner peace. Another use of this honey is as a personal care product. Apply rose infused honey to the face as a facial or as a spot treatment for acne. Just apply with fingertips, and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. The heat from body will begin to thin the honey. Wipe off completely with a warm, wet facecloth. This pulls away bacteria without drying the skin. It may be the best facial ever developed for any skin type. Rose infused honey OR honey mixed with flower petals is very good at the initial stages of tuberculosis and coughs.

2. Gulkand (Rose Petals jam)

It is highly recommended as a cooling spread or drink which also acts as a mild laxative. Petals are preserved in sugar syrup or honey to form a jam, which is useful in reducing fever. It is a good laxative, a liver and heart tonic, and a purgative when consumed in large quantities.

DIY Gulqand Recipe
  • Ingredients:
    • 500 grams fresh petals (washed and dried)
    • 300-400 grams sugar
    • 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
    • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
    • Clean, sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
  • Instructions:
    • In a clean and dry glass jar, start layering washed and dried petals with sugar. Alternate between a layer of petals and a layer of sugar until all the petals are used up. Ensure that the jar is filled completely with the petals and sugar.
    • Seal the jar tightly with a lid and place it in a warm and sunny spot, preferably near a window where it can receive sunlight for about 6-7 hours every day.
    • Every day, gently shake the jar to mix the petals and sugar together.
    • Continue this process for about 2-3 weeks, or until the sugar has dissolved completely, and the petals have turned soft and translucent.
    • Once the gulkand is ready, you can add optional ingredients like rose water and cardamom powder for extra flavor. Stir well to combine.
    • Store the gulkand in the same jar or transfer it to smaller jars for convenience. Keep it in a cool, dry place or refrigerate it to prolong its shelf life.
    • Enjoy a spoonful of gulkand as a sweet treat, or use it as a topping for desserts, added to milkshakes, or mixed into yogurt for a delicious and fragrant flavor.

3. Perfume

Along with gulkand, gulab attar is also very popular Indian product. Gulab attar is a divine mixture of sandalwood oil with rose vapor infused through it. A fragrant essential oil derived from the distillation of rose petals. Revered for its exquisite aroma and therapeutic properties, it finds wide application in perfumery, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. Gulab attar is cherished for its calming and uplifting fragrance, which is believed to alleviate stress, anxiety, and promote emotional well-being. In addition to its aromatic qualities, it is also utilized in skincare products for its moisturizing and rejuvenating effects on the skin. With its rich history and versatile uses, gulab attar continues to be a beloved ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and holistic wellness practices worldwide.

4. Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of rosehips, which are the fruit of rose plants. Renowned for its numerous skincare benefits, rosehip oil is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It is particularly prized for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin, reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture and tone. Also it can be used to make homemade salve for burns. Additionally, rosehip oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in soothing irritated skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Its lightweight texture and non-comedogenic nature make it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. Rosehip oil is commonly used in facial serums, moisturizers, and body oils, offering a natural and effective solution for achieving healthy, radiant skin. Mix it with coconut oil to make effective diaper rash and wound healing lotion.

5. Petal Tea

Correcting eating disorders with rose tea is simple. Have a regular infusion of flower petals about 6 times daily, in 1 to 1/2 cup servings. Use red roses, particularly hybrid perpetuals, for best results. Boil 2 quarts of pure spring water, then remove from heat and add 2 double handfuls of fresh petals and 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers. Cover tightly and let steep for a few minutes, then remove the lid and let it sit for another 15 minutes until lukewarm. Strain, sweeten with maple syrup, and drink as instructed. Store the remaining tea in a cool, damp place for up to 17 hours, ensuring it’s somewhat lukewarm each time you drink it for optimal effects.

6. Rose Water

Rose water is highly popular in India for both flavoring dishes and its medicinal properties, often used in folk remedies. To make it, cover petals with boiling water overnight, then strain and bottle the fragrant water. It can be used in baths, Persian-style rice, or desserts like coconut ice. Incorporating roses into your summer routine can have many benefits. For example, apply rose oil after yoga to stay cool and calm, drink herbal rose tea for refreshment, or create a syrup by soaking petals in sugar overnight. Using organic rose water for skincare and room fragrance can create a soothing atmosphere. Roses are known for their blood affinity and astringent properties, which help with bleeding and inflammation. They also aid in fat metabolism and reducing blood lipid levels, offering various health benefits, especially in summer.

Rose Types And Varieties

Roses are not only admired for their timeless beauty and enchanting fragrance but also for their diverse range of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Each type of rose offers its own aesthetic appeal. Regardless of the type, roses can be enjoyed for their beauty, fragrance, and potential to enhance well-being, making them beloved additions to gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements worldwide.

1. Hybrid Tea Roses (Rosa × hybrida)

These roses are renowned for their elegant, high-centered blooms and long, sturdy stems, making them ideal for cutting and displaying in bouquets. Hybrid tea roses are popular worldwide for their versatility in garden landscaping and as cut flowers for special occasions. They thrive in temperate climates and are cultivated in regions with mild winters and moderate temperatures. While not typically associated with specific health benefits, the presence of roses in gardens and floral arrangements can contribute to overall well-being by uplifting mood and reducing stress.

2. Floribunda Roses (Rosa × floribunda)

Floribunda roses are cherished for their abundant clusters of blooms that provide a profusion of color throughout the blooming season. They are favored for their resilience, disease resistance, and ability to produce an array of colors and fragrances. Floribunda roses are popular choices for garden borders, mass plantings, and containers. Like other roses, the presence of floribunda roses in gardens can have therapeutic effects, promoting relaxation and well-being.

3. Climbing Roses (Rosa spp. – Various species and hybrids)

Climbing roses are prized for their vigorous growth habit and ability to climb walls, fences, and trellises, adding vertical interest to gardens. They come in a range of flower forms, including single, semi-double, and double blooms, and are available in a spectrum of colors. Climbing roses are popular for creating romantic and picturesque garden landscapes, covering structures with their abundant blooms. They are well-suited to temperate climates and thrive in regions with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil.

4. Miniature Roses (Rosa chinensis minima)

Miniature roses are cherished for their diminutive size, compact growth habit, and dainty blooms that resemble their larger counterparts. They are popular choices for small gardens, containers, and indoor cultivation, adding charm and color to any setting. Miniature roses are available in a wide range of colors and bloom forms, making them versatile for various garden designs.

5. Damask Roses (Rosa × damascena)

Damask roses are cherished for their strong fragrance and delicate, pale pink blooms. They have been cultivated for centuries for their use in perfumery and rose water production. Damask roses are popular in India for their aromatic qualities and are often used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for their cooling and soothing properties. They are well-suited to warmer climates and thrive in regions with hot summers and mild winters.

6. Desert Roses (Adenium obesum)

Desert roses, also known as Adeniums, are succulent plants that produce stunning, rose-like flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They are native to arid regions of Africa and the Middle East but are also cultivated in India as ornamental plants. While not true roses (they belong to the Apocynaceae family), desert roses are admired for their drought tolerance and resilience in challenging conditions.

7. Bengal Roses (Rosa multiflora)

Bengal roses, also known as multiflora roses, are vigorous climbers with small, white or pink flowers borne in large clusters. They are popular in India for their ability to cover fences, walls, and arbors with a profusion of blooms. While they may not have the same fragrance as other rose varieties, Bengal roses are valued for their abundant flowering and ornamental appeal.

8. English Roses (Rosa × hybrida – David Austin Roses)

English roses, bred by renowned rose breeder David Austin, are known for their old-fashioned charm, exquisite fragrance, and repeat flowering habit. They combine the best qualities of old garden roses with the repeat blooming characteristics of modern hybrid tea roses. English roses are available in a wide range of colors, flower forms, and fragrances, making them beloved choices for gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements worldwide.

9. Knock Out Roses (Rosa ‘Radrazz’)

Knock Out roses are a series of shrub roses bred for disease resistance, low maintenance, and continuous blooming. They produce clusters of single or double blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white throughout the growing season. Knock Out roses are popular for their reliability, long blooming period, and ability to thrive in various climates and growing conditions.

10. Grandiflora Roses (Rosa × grandiflora)

Grandiflora roses are a cross between hybrid tea roses and floribunda roses, combining the best traits of both types. They produce large, elegant blooms on long stems, making them ideal for cutting and showcasing in floral arrangements. Grandiflora roses are popular for their versatility in garden landscaping, as they can be used as focal points, borders, or mass plantings.

11. Rugosa Roses (Rosa rugosa)

Rugosa roses are prized for their rugged, disease-resistant nature, fragrant blooms, and ornamental hips. They produce single or semi-double flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple and develop large, colorful hips in the fall. Rugosa roses are popular for coastal gardens and seaside landscapes due to their tolerance to salt spray and sandy soils.

12. Tea Roses (Rosa odorata)

Tea roses, also known as China roses, are an ancient group of roses prized for their delicate fragrance and elegant blooms. They were introduced to Europe from China in the 19th century and played a significant role in the development of modern rose breeding. Tea roses are popular for their repeat blooming habit, vibrant colors, and exquisite fragrance, making them beloved choices for gardens and floral arrangements worldwide.

Side Effects and Health Risks

Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages. Make sure to strain rosehip tea well, the hairs that cling to the inner surface of the outer flesh can be irritating to the mouth and throat, and even best winnowing fails to remove them.

FAQs.

Q. What is rosehip and it’s uses?

Rose hips, the fruit of the dog rose bush and other rose species, are rich in vitamins C, E, K, beta-carotene, pectin, and bioflavonoids. They contain more vitamin C than almost any other herb, offering potent antioxidant properties. 3 ounces of dried rose hips contain 1,700 mg of vitamin C. Fresh rosehips can be made into syrup or jam, while a mild-flavored tea can be brewed from them. Powdered rosehips are versatile, great on cereal or in shakes. Infuse leaves, hips, and flowers for a total rose tea experience. Additionally, rose water serves as an astringent face wash, beneficial for clearing acne and toning the skin.

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