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plant profile

Rose

LATIN NAME

Rosa gallica

MEANING

Innermost temple; Variety; You are merry. Striped or variegated: Immediate affection; Love at first sight; Warmth of heart

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Rose

About

There are many different species of rose — Rosa spp. Many herbalists and tea makers like to use wild roses (Rosa canina)though other aromatic species work very well and all rose flowers (petals or buds)are safe for consumption. Roses belong to the Rosaceae family.

Active Constituents

Tannins, pectin, carotene, fruit acids and vitamins (especially in the rose hips).

Sowing & Growing

The Apothecary's Rose is a resilient and historic rose celebrated for its medicinal qualities. To cultivate this beautiful plant, ensure it receives full sun to partial shade and is placed in well-drained soil, ideally rich in nutrients and organic matter. While it can manage in less fertile conditions and some shade, you'll find that it truly thrives and produces the best blooms in sunnier spots.

For propagation, it's best to use hardwood cuttings in the fall or chip budding in the summer. When planting bare-root roses, do so during their dormant phase in late autumn or winter. Container-grown roses, on the other hand, can be planted at any time during the growing season.

Harvesting & Prep

To successfully harvest rose petals, choose freshly opened blossoms during the late morning hours, after the morning dew has evaporated. This timing ensures that the petals are dry and at their most fragrant. Make sure that the roses you're harvesting are free from pesticides.

When it comes to harvesting rose hips, wait until they develop a vibrant red or orange colour and feel slightly soft to the touch, which typically occurs after a light frost has set in. To collect the hips, gently pluck or clip them from the bush, taking care to select only those that are firm and healthy, and avoid any that appear shrivelled or damaged.

Therapeutic Properties

Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, nervine and nutritive.

Traditional Uses

Rose flowers can gently tone the gut in cases of diarrhoea and help reduce excess stomach acid. Traditionally viewed as a remedy for women, rose is often used to support issues related to menstruation and menopause.

When applied externally, rose can help tone the skin and reduce inflammation.

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