Rose is a woody and thorny perennial plant, known mainly for its beautiful and fragrant nature. It is also called Indian cabbage rose. Rose is a small shrub that grows to a height of approx. 1.5-2m with spines and can reach up to 7m in height.

This plant has sharp-toothed oval leaves and its fruit is fleshy and edible, which ripens to be called as rose hip. Roses come in various colors like pink, red, orange, yellow, white and black. Its scientific name is ‘Rosa centifolia.

Rose has different names in different languages

• In Hindi, it is called “Gulab”.
• In Kannada, it is called “Gulabi Hoovu”.
• In Telugu, it is “Gulabipuvvu”.
• And In Sanskrit, it is “Satapatri”.

Importance of Rose

Rose is mainly used in commercial and medicinal purposes. It treats skin diseases, eye strain, stress, insomnia, diarrhea and hyperacidity due to its medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, astringent, antispasmodic, cleansing, anti- bacterial and antiseptic properties.

Rose petals are made of methionine sulfoxide. Compounds like tannins and saponins are present in it. The whole plant produces kaempferol, quercetin and cyanide.

Health Benefits of Rose

• Relieves hyperacidity: Hyperacidity means an increased level of acid in the stomach. Regular intake of rose powder helps reduce acidity in the stomach due to its Sheeta (cold) properties.
• Treats diarrhea: Rose powder helps your body absorb more nutrients and control diarrhea due to its Grahi (absorbent) properties.
• Controls Menorrhagia (Heavy menstrual bleeding): Menorrhagia is due to vitiated Pitta dosha in the body. Rose helps in controlling heavy menstrual bleeding by balancing the Pitta dosha. This is due to its Sheeta (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
• Treats skin inflammation or rashes: Rose helps in reducing the redness, inflammation or rashes on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Reduces stress and treats insomnia: Rose is considered to be a mood freshener as it has anti-depressant and cleansing properties which soothes the mind and reduces stress and anxiety. Thus, it provides a good sleep.
• Treats acne and pimples: Rose is useful for removing oil and dirt from the pores of the skin because it has astringent properties. It balances aggravated Pitta due to its Sheeta (cold) properties, thereby preventing pimples.
• Helps in arthritis: Rose is useful in treating arthritis and related symptoms due to its anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Useful in weight loss: Rose is useful for weight loss due to its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It absorbs toxins and helps flush them out of the body, which helps increase metabolism.
• Relieves eye pain: Due to the Ropan (healing) and Sheeta (cold) properties of rose, it is known to relieve eye stress and eye pain with immediate effect.
• Cures cough: Rose helps to get relief in cough due to its antitussive properties. It reduces the mild sore throat and bronchial infection.

Uses of Rose

• A dry paste made from its petals is very effective in the treatment of gastritis and duodenal ulcers, which can be consumed with milk.
• The decoction made from rose buds is useful in constipation.
• Rose tincture has an astringent effect which relieves diarrhea and colic pain.
• Infusion made from rose petals is used to gargle.
• Cream prepared from rose essential oil is effective in treating dry or inflamed skin.
• Dried fruit of wild rose is rich in vitamin C which is effective in preventing scurvy.
• Herbal tea made from rose petals is very good for controlling acidity and burning sensation in the body.
• Rose essential oil is useful in aromatherapy for relieving insomnia and blood pressure.
• Applying paste made of rose petals on the body helps regulate excessive sweating and provides a pleasant smell.

Where is it found?

About 150 original rose varieties and more than 2500 hybrid varieties of rose are found in India. It is grown in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Gujarat, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.