Roses – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, June 27, 2017 by Tim Wesley

Roses are beautiful and great to receive especially on special occasions like Valentine’s Day. But did you know that more than being a symbol for love and appreciation, roses are also valued for their health benefits?

They are native to different places and have been cultivated for thousands of years for both commercial and private use. They are typically bushy or climbing perennials characterized by thorny stems and varied shapes and colors and a unique scent. In ancient times, they were grown more for food and medicinal use than beauty.

List of known nutrients

Calcium
Citric acid
Iron
Malic acid
Pectin
Potassium
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K

Medicinal uses for roses

Roses are not just beautiful to look at. They also have positive effects on the mind and body. Roses are great alternatives for cosmetic products. They can also help you maintain healthy weight and fight stress.

Rose petals have a sedative effect, which is why it is used to help treat fatigue and stress. Using rose petals can provide relief from restlessness and help individuals become less irritable. These can even help you avoid depression.

A 2009 study showed how a group of individuals experienced a decrease in blood pressure, pulse rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate when exposed to roses. They were made to wear breathing masks so they could not smell the rose oil but even so, they still reported feeling more alert, calm, and relaxed.

Many would be surprised to know that roses are great cures for piles (hemorrhoids). They are excellent fiber sources, making them effective in improving digestion and flushing out toxins from the body. Roses also contain compounds that can provide instant relief from pain caused by bleeding piles.

Furthermore, roses have a huge potential in treating heart diseases because of their anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidants present in roses have been found to help fight tumors at early and advanced stages. Antioxidants help balance the acidity in the body to prevent oxidative stress, which is the precursor to chronic inflammation that damages normal healthy cells. This anti-inflammatory property is also responsible for preventing atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries harden, putting you at risk of heart attacks.

Roses are also effective in treating the following: sore throat, dysentery, constipation, acne, headaches, asthma, migraine, diarrhea, coughs, and even liver dysfunctions.

Body systems supported by roses

Roses are effective in removing toxins from the body. Rose petals, in particular, contain compounds that are effective in flushing out toxins through the digestive system, helping improve metabolism and weight loss. Not only that, roses can also eliminate anxiety and bad mood from your system. Rose essence offers a soothing and calming effect on the mind.

If you have skin problems — sensitive skin or oily skin — rosewater is a great natural treatment. Roses are effective astringent that also helps treat acne. They contain antibacterial compounds that deeply cleanse the skin, resulting to a younger, more natural-looking skin that’s free from irritation and itching.

Roses are also effective in providing relief from insomnia, eye strain, weak stomach, heavy irregular and heavy menstruation, sluggish digestion, inflamed skin, and vaginal itching.

Ways to use roses

There are several ways to use roses to enjoy its medicinal benefits. You can use them in cocktails or as decorative pieces in cookies. Some use it to make honey while others simply eat them. If you’re looking for creative rose recipes, check these out.