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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas Wild Rose
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedRose hips (fruit), flowers Description of Plant(s) and CultureBrier
hip is a bushy shrub; varying in height from There are literally 100s of species of rose, and to them and their varieties have been given thousands of names. The genus Rosa consists of prickly shrubs found wild or cultivated. Red roses are considered best for medicinal use. Other varieties used as rose hips: Rock-rose (Helianthemum canadense);
Rosa californica; Cabbage rose (Rosa centifolia); Rosa Damascena;
Rosa eglanteria; Rosa gallica; Rosa laevigata; Rosa roxburghii; Large-hip
rose (Rosa rugosa); Rosa chinensis.
Where FoundGrows in open fields and thickets and on dry banks from Nova Scotia
to Virginia and Tennessee. It is naturalized from Europe, where it
is found around the edges of woods, hedges, garden fences, and on
sloping ground. Medicinal PropertiesAstringent, carminative, diuretic, tonic Biochemical InformationCitric acid, flavonoids, fructose, malic acid, sucrose, tannins,
vitamins A, B3, C, D, E, and P, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc Legends, Myths and StoriesThe rose, cultivated for over 3,000 years and known from time immemorial as the queen of the flowers, is thought to have originated in Asia Minor. The genus name Rosa is derived from the Greek work rodon, meaning "red". The ancient Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used the rose not only as a garden ornamental but as the main ingredient in various perfumes and cosmetics. According to Christian legend the rose grew in the Garden of Eden without thorns; but after the fall, thorns sprouted to remind man of his sinful and imperfect nature. Roses of different colors often have special connotations: the pink rose represents simplicity, often being associated with the Virgin Mary; the yellow rose means perfect achievement, and sometimes jealousy; and the red rose signifies passion and sensual desire, shame, and occasionally blood and sacrifice. From the times of the ancient Egyptians, the rose has been a token of silence. Many legends purport to explain how the red rose acquired its color.
Assuming that the rose was originally white, the Greeks held that
it became red from the blood of Aphrodite, who had pricked her foot
on a thorn while trying to aid her beloved, dying Adonis. The Turks
claim the white rose was stained red by the blood of Mohammed. Christian
legend has the red rose resulting from the blood of martyrs. UsesGood for all infections and bladder problems. Helps combat stress. Particularly good for digestion and produce a diuretic effect without irritating the kidneys. Kidney stones or gravel; brier hips used as a preventative or arrestant. Use for kidney and bladder inflammations. By eliminating uric acid accumulations, brier hips help in gouty and rheumatic complaints. A decoction of crushed achenes is also sometimes used for fever and as a beverage tea. Rose hips enhance fruit dishes and drinks. Both the hips ant the petals are made into jellies. Rosewater and glycerin, an old-fashioned cosmetic, but really is
very effective. Use a rosewater-to-glycerin ratio between Try candied rose petals. Formulas or DosagesInfusion: use Decoction: use Rose hip tea: Long served in northern Europe. Very high in Nutrient ContentVitamins A, B3, C, D, E, and P, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Zinc How SoldRosewater is available from the pharmacy. Also, rosewater and glycerin
may be found. WarningDo not use roses that have been treated with pesticides or pesticide-containing
fertilizers.
Bibliography
Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition
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Brier
hip
The Herb Book
, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.
, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.