Wild Rose Herbals

Wild roses have a long history of herbal and medicinal use, says professional medical herbalist Penelope Ody in her book, “The Complete Medicinal Herbal.” In the days of the Roman Empire, she says the wild rose was often a prescribed treatment for dog bites, which accounts for its appellation, R. canina. Today, wild roses are treasured for their fragrance and their utility. Many wild rose parts, from the petals to the core rose hips, are edible and nutritious.

Background

Hundreds of different types of wild roses populate fields, woods, pastures, thickets and roadsides. Known commonly as brier roses or dog roses, most wild roses are quite fragrant and quick-spreading. Part of the genus Rosa, the wild rose is among the oldest and most popular of herbal ingredients. Herbalists believe this lovely plant is originally from Asia. It was transported to Europe centuries ago before making its way via trade to North America, where it naturalized.

Types

For centuries, herbalists have been attracted to the Rosa family for its fragrance and its utility. Use wild rose essential oils in your bathwater and massage oils. Herbalists devise teas, tinctures, infusions, syrups and soaps from wild rose leaves, rose hips, petals and buds. You can find a variety of wild rose-based bodywashes and cosmetic products in use today. Wild rose also has become a popular herbal ingredient in some internal cleansing and detox routines, due to the rose's antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial qualities.

Features

In the 16th century “Askham's Herbal,” the herbalist noted that roses “put to ye nose do comforte the braine and the harte.” The highly fragranced wild rose, like its domesticated cousins, is highly prized for its sedative and antidepressant qualities. Researchers through the centuries have found roses to provide vitamins C, B, E and K when ingested. In traditional Chinese medicine, rose flowers are used as a blood and kidney tonic, to increase energy and to improve digestion.

Effects

You can distill wild rose petals to create your own refreshing rosewater. Keep the bottle in the refrigerator and splash it on yourself to soothe overheating. Mix a few drops of rose oil with any cold cream. Rose creams are well-established topical herbal treatments for dry, rough or inflamed skins. An infusion of wild rose petals may help soothe sore throats. Sweet and astringent, wild rose herbals can be used as a hair rinse to discourage dandruff.

Collecting and Preparing Wild Roses for Herbal Use

Wild roses bloom from early spring to early summer. Collect wild rose leaves from early spring through late fall. Gather the rose buds and petals each morning, and dry them on a rack. Dry them on a flat screen, indoors on a cookie sheet in a dry location or at low temperatures in your oven. Collect wild rose hips in the late fall after the first frost.