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Roses Provide Sensual Delight And Health Benefits

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Roses have been cultivated for thousands of years and are ancient symbols of romance and beauty. They are lauded for their beauty and for the sweet, soothing nature of their scent. And their beauty is not just skin deep. Long after the blooms fade and die roses continue to bless us with sensual delight, health and well being.

When rose blooms die they leave behind rose hips, which are berry-like fruits that are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, D and E. Rose hips also contain bioflavonoids, fructose, citric acid and zinc. They are considered ripe when they are pink in color. Orange rose hips are not quite ripe and deep red ones are too ripe. Rose hips have a fine, tart flavor and can be made into jams or jellies, crushed into tea, ground into medicinal powder or reduced to an essential oil.

Rose hips are helpful in relieving the symptoms of colds, flu, digestive distress and urinary tract infections. Some studies have shown that rose hips can ease the pain, stiffness and joint inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

To brew rose hip tea, chop up an entire rose hip, cover with distilled or purified water and boil for at least 30 minutes. (Make sure the rose hips you use do not come from bushes that were treated with pesticides.) Strain through a fine strainer or cheesecloth. While rose hip tea is soothing and aromatic, it does not have high enough concentrations to aggressively treat chronic health problems. Rose hips can be capsule form which provides a much more concentrated dose. The dosage you need will be determined by your age, weight and the severity of your symptoms. Talk to your holistic health practitioner to determine the dosage that is best for you.

Rosewater and rose oil, which are derived from rose petals, have therapeutic properties that promote healthy skin. Rosewater is frequently used in Europe as a flavoring for sweets, but it is also beneficial for the skin. Its astringent and toning properties can reduce redness by soothing enlarged capillaries just below the skin’s surface.

Rose oil can be used on all skin types but it is particularly beneficial for dry, sensitive or aging skin. It should be applied directly to the skin. Because rose oil promotes tissue growth and collagen production, it is often used to treat burns and eczema. Bear in mind that rose oil is very concentrated so a small amount goes a long way.

If you use products containing rose oil for your skin it is important that you confirm that the product contains genuine rose oil. Some manufactures label their products “genuine” rose oil when in fact they are using a synthetic.

Treat yourself to the sensual delight and health benefits that roses have to offer. Poets have created “odes’” to the rose for centuries. Treat yourself to the sensual delight and health benefits that roses have to offer and you may be inspired to create a little poetry of your own.