ROSE - essential oil

The rose (Rosa chinensis) is a woody flowering plant of the genus Rosa, in the family Rosaceae. Roses have a rich history, cultural significance in many societies, and symbolic meanings. They have been cultivated for over 5000 years (with the earliest known cultivation known to date from at least 500 BC in Mediterranean countries, Persia and China), with evidence of their existence dating back 35 million years. In ancient Greek mythology, roses were associated with Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, and her son Eros, the God of Love, whose name can be rearranged to form the word "rose". There are over a hundred species and thousands of cultivars of rose. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America and northwestern Africa.

Many roses have been used in herbal and folk medicines. Rosa chinensis has long been used in Chinese traditional medicine. This and other species have been used for stomach problems, and are being investigated for controlling cancer growth.

Warning: its strong aroma can cause headaches if undiluted. As an emenagogue, it should not be used during pregnancy

Health benefits
• Antidepressant: anxiety, lowers blood pressure
• Anti-inflammatory: high fevers, microbial infection, ingestion of poisonous materials, indigestion, rheumatism, arthritis, gout
• Antispasmodic: respiratory system, intestines, muscular spasms, convulsions
• Astringent: gums, hair roots, skin, contracting muscles, intestines, blood vessels, diarrhoea
• Antiseptic / anti-bacterial: typhoid, diarrhoea, cholera, food poisoning, colon, stomach, intestines and urinary tract, skin, ears, eyes and wounds
• Skin: scars, boils, acne, pox, stretch marks, surgery scars, anti-ageing
• Depurative: removal and neutralisation of blood borne toxins
• Emmenagogue / Uterine: regulates hormone production, cramps, nausea, fatigue, uterine discharge, tumours, bleeding, and irregular menses, purifies the uterus
• Hepatic / Cholagogue / Stomachic : stomach inflammation, ulcers, heartburn, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, impacted bowels, bloating, promotes flow of bile from the gall bladder, constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome
• Laxative
• Nervine: tonic for the nerves
• Promotes circulation: headaches