Rose Prep & Dose

Pluck the whole blossom when partially or fully open. Most modern Roses the petals can simply be lifted away by the handful, leaving the calyx, etc on the plant. The choice of alcohol strength is yours. The brief maceration will extract the volatiles fully but avoids ‘stewing’ with tannins.

Any strongly aromatic Rose with red, pink or white flowers is acceptable. The best yield of volatiles is said to come from ‘Gertrude Jekyll’, a modern pink English rose. Traditionalists prefer the Apothecary’s Rose (Rosa gallica), although in truth this is better adapted to more southerly climes.

For internal use, only the infusion, tincture and essential oil of Rose Flower should be used. The long infusion is especially astringing, cooling, and decongestant.

Rose flower tincture is a good preparation for all general purposes.

Essential oil of Rose may be less astringent than the other two preparations, but is highly effective in general. Only the essential oil derived by steam distillation or carbon dioxide extraction, also known as Rose otto (from Rosa damascena) should be used -- not the absolute extract of Rose (usually from Rosa centifolia) which may contain traces of chemical solvents.

For topical use (aromatherapy massage, for example, Rose absolute is fine, and is often available in 10% dilution in jojoba oil. For this, Rose absolute 10% should be diluted 3-5% in a carrier oil.

Externally, an ointment, sun oil, wash, etc. is very beneficial. Douches are used in vaginal infections and simple discharges. Eye washes, mouthwashes and gargles are anti-inflammatory, soothing and highly antiseptic.

The benefit effects of R. damascena in scavenging of free radicals introduce it as good beverage for helping the health condition. In Iranian cultures, rose water was added to cold beverages as refreshing agent.

Leaves can be applied directly to the eyes

Powder: 5 to 10g with honey or liquid

Capsules 500-1,500 mg up to 3 times daily

Infusion: 1 to 2 g added to 1 cup water. Daily dose, up to 3 cups a day. Also used for rinses and washes.

Tincturing:  in the case of Rose petals, overnight is sufficient to extract the essential oils, anything longer will risk a ‘stewed’ tincture with unwanted tannins. 1:2 30% (or 45%), overnight or at the most, 1-2 days. Dose is: 2-4 ml

In the case of dried leaves (1:5, 65% alcohol, 10% glycerin); 10 drops to 3 ml up to 3 times daily

Glycerite Fresh leaves (1:6, 80% glycerin sealed simmer method); dried leaves (1:6); 1-5 ml 1-3 times daily

Topical Use Prepare a salve from oil (1:4) and apply as needed. The essential oil can be applied neat, or added to salves, oils, or ointments.