Medicinal plant
Rose
Rosa spp.
Petals for a calm heart, hips for winter vitamin C.
Flowers and buds are traditionally used as a nervine (gently calming) and astringent (toning to tissues), plus anti-inflammatory both topically and internally. The petals are for the heart in the old sense — a small comfort on hard days. The hips are valued as a nutritive food, rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, and are best after the first frost.
Properties
Astringent — Tightens and tones tissues; often drying
Nervine — Supports, nourishes, or calms the nervous system
Vulnerary — Supports healing of wounds or damaged tissue
Energetics
Cooling Drying Toning
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Perennial woody shrub.
What to buy
Fragrant old-garden or species rose with a known Rosa identity.
Best way to start
Potted or bare-root rose.
Seed starting
Seed is not the practical route for a predictable rose; use nursery stock.