My love is like a red, red rose

Magazines and shop windows are filled with pink hearts, cards, balloons and red roses this month because of course, St Valentine’s Day falls in February.  But what has this day, traditionally reserved for shy and sometimes unrequited lovers, got to do with natural health?

Well, the red rose –purchased on its own and occasionally by the dozen to gladden the heart of a loved one, also has excellent medicinal actions.

Research has found that chemicals within the petals , leaves and hips of the Rosa species can improve the health of the heart and circulation by reducing cholesterol levels.  Roses traditionally have been used in medicine because the plant has cooling and sedative qualities with Medical Pharmacopeias containing prescriptions using  cordials and syrups etc.  And of course, rosehip syrup provides one of the most concentrated forms of vitamin C available.

Nowadays , herbalists are most likely to use a potent and delicious fluid extract  of rose. Modern research shows extracts of rose, especially the hips, are strongly anti-inflammatory and experimentation has shown it can help in conditions such as arthritis.

The rose as a medicinal herb, is also useful for cooling and relaxing the nervous system and is a lovely extra in medicines for women going through the menopause.

But rose can work in other powerful ways as well. The flower can exert an influence on the emotions and Rosa damascena, the most commonly used medicinal form, is useful for anxiety brought on by sadness and emotional turmoil.

All rose extracts used by herbalists retain the taste and scent of this beautiful flower and as any perfumier will tell you this can, by itself, can lift the spirits and cheer the heart.