Wild Roses

In the spring, wild rose flowers’ tender beauty and softly sweet, balmy scent impart the world around us a fairytale look. And perhaps it is their innocent charm that is a sign of their inner power, a healing potential that can be preserved and utilised for our well-being.

Wild rose has been used and appreciated already in Ancient Greek civilisation by to this day well-recognised physicians such as Galen or Dioskurides. In Middle Ages rose was a treasured  healing plant in monastic medicine. Petals and leaves were used to heal eye illnesses, fever or diarrhoea.

Medieval healer, St. Hildegard, also recognised rose as an important medicine. This is how she described it in her book:

Rose is cold, and this coldness contains moderation which is useful. In the morning, or at daybreak, pluck a rose petal and place it on your eyes. It draws out the mucus and makes them clear. One with small ulcers on his body should place rose petals over them. This pulls the mucus from them. One who is inclined to wrath should take rose and less sage and pulverize them. The sage lessens the wrath, and the rose makes him happy. Rose, and half as much sage, may be cooked with fresh, melted lard, in water, and an ointment made from this. The place where a person is troubled by a cramp or paralysis should be rubbed with it, and he will be better. Rose is also good to add to potions, unguents, and all medications. If even a little rose is added, they are so much better, because of the good virtues of the rose.

Rose petals can be added to teas and an infusion from them heals mild throat infections or diarrhoea. Highly appreciated is a rose oil that, applied to skin, treats fever, light wounds and added to creams, softens the skin. Rose oil is expensive but it is very easy to make one at home.

Rose oil recipe

Collect 30g of rose petals and put the in 330g of olive oil. Close tightly and place the container in the direct sun for one week. Drain it and keep the oil in the fridge.