Herbs N Weeds

Get To Know: Wild Roses

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How to Identify Wild Roses
Key Features
  • Leaves: Compound with 5–7 oval, toothed leaflets.
  • Stems: Woody and thorny (curved or straight prickles).
  • Flowers:
    • Typically 5 petals, ranging from pale pink to deep magenta.
    • Bloom in spring to early summer.
    • Flowers are fragrant but simpler than cultivated roses.
    • Hips (Fruit):
      • Ripen in late summer to fall.
      • Bright red or orange.
      • Round or oval, rich in seeds and surrounded by fleshy pulp.
        • Common Species
        SpeciesCommon NameNotesRosa caninaDog roseCommon in Europe, used medicinallyRosa rugosaRugosa roseVery hardy, salt-tolerant, large rose hipsRosa woodsiiWestern wild roseNative to North AmericaRosa carolinaCarolina roseFound in eastern U.S., low-growing
        Historical Uses of Wild Roses
        Ancient & Traditional Uses
        • Ancient Persia & Greece: Rose petals were used for perfume, baths, and emotional uplift.
        • Egypt: Cleopatra used rose petals in her famous beauty rituals.
        • Rome: Roses were symbols of secrecy, love, and used in both medicinal concoctions and cosmetics.
        • China & India: Used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine to balance the heart, digestion, and reproductive system.
        • Medieval Europe:
          • Rosewater used for sore throats and eye infections.
          • Rose hips valued for their vitamin C content and used in plague remedies.
            • Medicinal Benefits of Wild Roses
            1. Rose Petals
            • Astringent: Tones and soothes mucous membranes (used in mouthwashes, eye rinses, etc.).
            • Cooling and anti-inflammatory: Helpful for skin irritations, rashes, and sore throats.
            • Mild laxative and digestive aid.
            • Nervine: Gentle support for emotional heartache, grief, and nervous tension.

              • Rose pedals and buds available here from our Amazon Affiliate links.

              How to Use Wild Roses
              Rose Petals
              • Tea: Calming and cooling; helps with digestion and stress.
              • Rosewater: Skin toner or eye wash.
              • Glycerite or tincture: Used for grief, tension, and digestive support.
              • Infused oil: Base for salves, massage oils, and facial creams.
                • Suggested Dosages & Preparations
                FormAmountFrequencyRose petal tea1–2 tsp dried petals1–3x per dayRose hip tea1 tbsp crushed hips1–3x per dayRose syrup1–2 tspAs neededGlycerite/tincture2–4 mlUp to 3x per dayRosewaterTopicalAs needed
                Safety Notes
                • Generally very safe when harvested and prepared properly.
                • Avoid using roses sprayed with pesticides or roadside plants.
                  • Other Uses of Wild Roses
                  • Cosmetic: Used in creams, face mists, and bath soaks.
                  • Spiritual/ritual: Symbol of love, purity, grief, and divine feminine energy; used in heart-opening practices.
                  • Culinary: Petals in syrups, jellies, vinegar, or even in desserts.

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                    Herbs N WeedsBy Luke