Today, Rose species Rosa canina, Rosa damascena Mill, Rosa rubiginosa and Rosa centifolia are used in so many ways: in cosmetics, skin care, teas and aromatherapy. However, did you know that Rose is also beneficial for fertility?
Come along with me to learn the benefits of Rose and the different ways to use Rose in your natural fertility program.
All About Rose
“Rose has influenced cultures economically, spiritually, medically, and esthetically since humankind could smell and appreciate its fragrance. Whether its properties were discovered through communications with the mystical realms or through the outcome of the clinical, scientific study of its constituents, rose has much to offer both healthy and troubled souls, as evidenced by its long-standing popularity.
If only appreciated for its odor, unequaled among flowers, life is more lavish for the fragrant and extravagant gifts She offers.” ~Mindy Green, Esthetician, Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Rose Admirer
Rose Hips to Nourish
Rose hips (or fruit) (Rosa rubiginosa) are a nutritive herb, exceptionally high in vitamin C, bioflavonoids and antioxidants. Rose hips contain about 1700-2000 mg. of vitamin C per 100 grams of herb. (In contrast, an orange contains about 53 mg. of vitamin C per 100 grams.) For this reason, Rose hips are used in vitamin C and immune formulas to fight colds and flu, and clear mucus congestion from the body.
Rose hips encourage normal pH balance and adrenal gland health and can help prevent free radical damage to the cells. They are a mild cleansing tonic, which can be used as part of any detox program. Rose hips have astringent activity. For women, they have long been used to help decrease heavy menstrual bleeding and are particularly useful for women with fibroids or endometriosis.
Want to try it for yourself? To use Rose hips tea for support while you work on your fertility, simply add 1 tsp. of dried Rose hips to a cup of hot water. Add a little peppermint or lemon balm if you like more flavor. Strain and enjoy.
Rose Petals To Heal The Heart
Rose petals and buds are well known for their energetic action. I find Rose is especially helpful for people facing fertility challenges for this reason. We know the fertility journey can be an emotional rollercoaster. Couples affected by pregnancy loss, difficult diagnosis or unsuccessful IVF need emotional as well as physical support as they move through the process.
Energetically, Rose is a healing herb for the heart. It’s widely used to ease grief, sadness, and mild depression. Today, herbalists and aromatherapists also use Rose petals and buds to encourage self-love, soothe stress reactions and to open up the heart, important on the journey to renewed fertility.
Want to try for yourself? Rose is a great herb for emotional self-care in a Heart at Peace tea, or try a Rose flower essence.
Rose Essential Oil for the Senses
Pure Rose oil (Rose otto, Rose damascena) is one of the most expensive essential oils on the market, but it’s worth the indulgence. For hormonal health, aromatherapists use Rose oil to help regulate the menstrual cycle, soothe PMS symptoms, and help cleanse the uterus. Rose is also used to uplift the spirits while calming the nervous system. Bonus: A 2015 study published in Pharmacopsychiatry shows Rose oil can help boost libido, too!
Because it can stimulate menstruation, Rose oil is not recommended during pregnancy. For the best results, I recommend women use Rose in aromatherapy only up until ovulation while trying to conceive.
Want to try for yourself? Try Radiant Womb – Therapeutic Fertility Massage Oil, or if you have Rose essential oil, add 2-3 drops to a carrier oil like jojoba and use in a diffuser. A small amount of diluted Rose oil or Rose hydrosol can also be used topically for skin health. A little goes a long way!
Reward Yourself with Rose
Rose can be used in so many ways in your natural fertility program. Rose hips offer the most nutritional benefits, while the petals and buds have more of an emotional and stress relief effect. To avoid high pesticide residues, choose organic Rose whenever possible.
I personally love Rose petals in tea and energetic blends for heart support. Reward yourself with Rose when you need it on your fertility program. Remember, Rose is the classic love herb. Taking care of yourself, mind, body and spirit, is the best approach to renewed fertility!
- Barton-Shuster, D. (2019). Aromatherapy for Fertility. Retrieved from: https://natural-fertility-info.com/aromatherapy-fertility.html
- Benefits of Rose Oil and Its Side Effects. (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-rose-oil-and-its-side-effects
- Farnia V, Hojatitabar S, Shakeri J, Rezaei M, Yazdchi K, et al. (2015, July). Adjuvant Rosa Damascena has a Small Effect on SSRI-induced Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients Suffering from MDD. Pharmacopsychiatry; 48(4-5):156-63. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26098128/
- Green, M. (Mar 8, 2016). How Exotic Rose CAn Grace Your Life [+Recipes]. Retrieved from http://info.achs.edu/blog/how-exotic-rose-can-grace-your-life-recipes
- Hope, C. (2013, Oct.). The Medicinal Benefits of Rose Hips. Retrieved from: https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/medicinal-benefits-Rose-hips
- Rose Hips. (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_rose_hips_rosa_canina/drugs-condition.htm
- Willett, E (2019). A Heart At Peace- DIY Herbal Tea. Retrieved from: https://natural-fertility-info.com/a-heart-at-peace-diy-herbal-tea.html
