What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of Roses?

Roses are flowers that give off the feeling of warmth, giving, and love, but they also hold special benefits as well. Therapeutic benefits of roses are numerous and go back a long time in history. They have a special scent that gives wonderful aromatherapy effects for the heart and the soul. Within the petals, you will find rose oil and rose water, which are often transformed into a topical substance. It is an essential oil extracted from fresh petals of pink roses and used as an antidepressant, antiseptic, antiviral, laxative and for tonic benefits. The flowery fragrance of the oil is often mixed with other essential oils such as lavender, geranium, bergamot, and chamomile to make aromatherapy products.

The therapeutic benefits of roses are mostly associated with topical products for skin care. They have been used for dry and sensitive skin and making aging skin look younger. The rose has also been used as a therapeutic sedative to soothe the nerves. It can help in the treatment of stress, peptic ulcers, nervous tensions, and even heart disease. You wouldn't think that a single rose could have this much power, but it actually does.

Other therapeutic benefits of roses include having a positive influence on such conditions as circulation, bile secretion, digestion, and problems with nausea and constipation. It is also used as a detoxifier that purges the body of toxins and waste products. There are many people that will add rose petals to a cup of hot tea to soothe their sore throat. The flowers of the rose that have swollen to a seed are called rose hips. These hips are often used in tea form in order to help alleviate bladder infections and diarrhea. This tea is also a great source of vitamin C. Other vitamins that you can find in rose hips include E, D, B3 and A.

Roses have played a role throughout history as romantic symbols. They are often considered symbols of love and marriage, and it is the flower most often given to celebrate Valentine's Day. Legend holds that Cleopatra used rose oil to seduce Mark Anthony. The Romans and East Indians used roses as decorations for weddings and funerals. They also believed that if you scattered the petals at banquets it would prevent drunkenness. It is often adorned the shields of warriors during medieval times. They were often used in religious rituals, and monks used roses as an integral part of meditation rituals.

There are many therapeutic benefits as well as the visual and sensory delight they impart. The next time you stop to view or smell a beautiful rose enjoy the uplifting feeling you experience from them.