Potential Skin Rejuvenating Benefits of Rose

A New Era of Rose

When I think of roses, I think of my grandmother’s garden and the sweet smell of her floral hand soap, but I also think of my favorite facial mist and the cardamom rose latte at my local coffee shop. While many of us may associate rose with generations passed, in the age of skin care fanatics and the rise in herbal medicine, this luxurious flower is having a full on renaissance. Artificial rose additives are out and natural, organic rose petals are here to stay. Rather than being heavily fragranced and overly sweet, the new era of rose herbal beverages and skin care is light, fresh, and as soothing as ever.

In addition to making a comeback through the local herbalism and skin care movements, natural rose has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. In fact, it is one of the oldest beauty secrets known to humankind. The reason why rose is so often used in skin care is because it may have a vast array of skin supporting properties. Beyond its sweet and sensual scent, rose is delivering something much deeper to/through the tissue.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Rose

The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda classifies rose as sweet, bitter, pungent and astringent with a cooling effect. According to The Yoga of Herbs, rose works primarily with the plasma, blood, marrow, nerve and reproductive tissue. In Ayurveda, rose is commonly found in remedies for menstrual health and those related to relieving excess heat. Bitter herbs with an affinity for the blood tend to be especially supportive for the skin. Within the Ayurvedic paradigm, lots of skin conditions/challenges are related to the body trying to expel excess heat. Why not soothe that fire from the inside out by using rose?

With its extremely cooling nature, rose is most beneficial for those with a lot of fire (or pitta dosha) in their body, though it is ok for all constitutions in moderation. If you have a lot of coolness or dampness (kapha dosha) in your body, favor small amounts of rose or pair it with warming ingredients, like ginger.

As a flower of love and devotion, rose is believed to open the mind and heart. If places in the body are experiencing tension or strain, rose may help bring a sense of relief and gentle opening to those areas. It may also soothe anger or sadness and bring about compassion.

General Benefits / Research

In a 2008 study on the relaxing effect of rose oil on humans, “rose oil caused significant decreases of breathing rate” and subjects reported feeling more calm and more relaxed than the control group. 

Beyond its potential to support mood, rose may also have a beneficial action on the skin. One variety in particular, rosa rugosa (also called Japanese Rose or Beach Rose), demonstrated possible skin supporting properties. Rose has also been studied many times over for its potential antioxidant benefits to the skin. Myung-hee Lee, et al. found high anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids in rose petal extract.

Another study found that the dried rose petals of rosa damascena can be used to prepare an “antioxidant-rich” tea. As we are learning, rose has the potential to soothe and support us from the inside out, when used both internally (like a tea) and externally (on the skin).

How to Use Rose for Wellness

When it comes to using rose to support your wellness, there are many possibilities.

Looking for a simple starting point? Try making your own herbal tea using dried rose petals. To make a hot tea, just steep 1 tsp rose petals in 12-16 oz of just-boiled water for at least 10 minutes. If you’re interested in adding other herbs into the mix, hibiscus pairs well for extra skin soothing support. Adding warming herbs like ginger or cinnamon will help balance the refrigerant nature of rose, while bringing a digestive quality to your tea. If there are other flavors that you love, play around with making your own custom herbal blend. Personally, I love adding a couple cardamom pods to my rose tea, for an extra soothing heart-opening effect. You can experiment with different ratios and see what tastes best and feels best in your body.

As warmer months roll around, you may also like to explore making a sun tea using rose petals and whatever other herbs are inspiring you lately. To do so, combine about one Tbsp loose herbs per one cup of purified water in a glass jar and place in the sun for 2-12 hours. Strain and enjoy. This tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you have extra tea, you can always use it as a toner on the skin to tighten the pores before moisturizing. If you experience a lot of heat in the skin, you may also gravitate toward products that incorporate rose essential oil. Rose floral water is great to keep on hand in the summer. I recommend spritzing yourself or taking a sip of rose tea anytime you start to feel overheated, impatient or irritable. If cozy is more your vibe, add rose into your self care rituals in the form of a bath tea, candle, or incense. When it comes to transforming the mood, a little rose goes a long way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the beauty and benefits of organic rose buds and petals, as well as essential oils, are undeniable. From skincare to culinary delights, the versatility of the rose knows no bounds. Starwest Botanicals stands as a trusted supplier, offering organic rose buds and petals in bulk for both consumers and businesses alike. With a commitment to quality and purity, Starwest Botanicals ensures that every product meets rigorous standards. Businesses looking to incorporate the wonders of organic roses into their offerings can apply for our wholesale program, saving up to 40% off retail prices. Explore the richness of organic roses with Starwest Botanicals today! Apply for our wholesale program here.

Bio

Molly McConnell is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner who is committed to cultivating collective wellness. Guided by curiosity, embodied listening, and the rhythms of nature, Molly’s approach to Ayurveda is intentional and intersectional. As the cofounder of Cultivate Balance, she supports purpose-oriented people to come home to their bodies and restore resilience through nourishment, ritual, and routine. For a more immersive experience, Connect with Molly 1:1 or check out The Reset for Resilience.