What do you think of when you hear or read the word “rose”? Perhaps you can immediately recall the lovely smell and take a deep breath in through your nose without even thinking about it. Do you feel the velvety softness of the petals or perhaps the prick from a pointy thorn? Are you amazed at the variety of colors you have seen roses in? Does your mind go to a romantic moment from the past or a dream of the future? Maybe an image of a loved one whose name is the same flashes before your mind’s eye. I hope after reading to the end, you will be able to add to your thoughts when you encounter the word “rose”.

                It is hard to say how long roses have been around but we do know that in Greek mythology, the rose was a symbol of not only love, but also secrecy and silence. As a visual reminder of the need for confidentiality in certain areas, roses were often carved into ceilings, walls, and confessionals. In the Middle Ages, a rose was often hung from the ceiling where government meetings were being held to cue the need for secrecy. You may still hear the term sub rosa (under the rose) used today in some legal circles.

                We also know that roses were used in ancient Egypt and throughout the world symbolizing nobility, wealth, love, romance, and health. Roses were used as far back as 3000 BC in Chinese medicine and made it into Dioscorides’s book Materia Medica in the 1^st century. Today, there is a plethora of scientific evidence supporting the use of roses in health and wellness. There are several rose species that have scientific documentation supporting their health benefits. Since there are over 150 species and thousands of hybrids, it would be unlikely that scientists would test each and every one of them. One could conclude that most rose species, including Rosa palustris, will have varying degrees of health benefits and none are know to be toxic at this time. This article will give a general overview of the Dog Rose Rosa canina.

                Rosa canina belongs to the Rosaceae family and can be located throughout North America in open areas that are low to middle elevation and may form dense thickets. It grows up to 10 feet tall and has solitary or small clusters of flowers that are white to pink with 5 petals up to 1 inch long each and many stamens. Leaves are compound and alternate with 5 to 9 toothed leaflets. Stems have curved thorns. The fruits are called hips and are orange to red in color, are pear shaped and are about ½ to ¾ inch long which ripen from September to October.

                The petals, leaves and hips have many uses including aesthetics, culinary, aromatic, and medicinal. It is worth noting that wild roses are best but garden grown will have some benefit as well. A good rule of thumb is the stronger the scent, the stronger the benefits. The petals have a mild floral and slightly astringent taste and the leaves have a mild herbaceous taste. Those hips, however, are quite tart and similar to a cranberry. Uses of the Dog Rose are many and include syrup, jam, salad, tea, juice, wine, poultice, essential oil, infused oil, eye and wound wash.

                Dog Rose petals can be harvested in the spring and early summer in the morning while the dew is still on them. You may pick up to 1/3 of the petals leaving the stamens. Leaves may be collected from spring to early fall and hips in late autumn once fully mature and ripe.

From the literature, the following constituents were found within the Dog Rose: Volatile oils; Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, E, and K; Minerals sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and manganese; Saturated fatty acids palmitic acid and stearic acid; Unsaturated fatty acids oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid; Amino acids; Carbohydrates galactolipids, oligosaccharides, and pectins; Organic (plant) acids; Phenylpropanoids phenolic acid vanillin, polyphenol tannins, and flavonoids kaempferol, trans-tiliroside and anthocyanins; Terpenoid carotenes.

What does all of that even mean? Those constituents listed above are what make the Dog Rose such an amazing plant for our consumption! The constituents translate into the following effects in our body:

Antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that support the immune system and help in a quick recovery from bronchial infections, colds and flus, H. pylori, uterine and eye infections;

The cooling properties of the Dog Rose act as a fever reducer;

Nervine, sedative and neuroprotective properties help with bronchial spasms of asthma and coughs, menstrual cramping, sleep, soothing and calming the nervous system;

Antinociceptive (pain blocking) properties help to ease pain associated with PMS, low back pain, and sciatic pain;

Cardioprotective properties support the heart, promote blood circulation, and decrease swelling in capillaries;

Digestive, colagogue (promotes the flow of bile into the intestine), choleretic (promotes bile secretion) and antidiarrhea properties help the body to eliminate toxins, aid in digestion and ease diarrhea;  

Hepatoprotective properties support the liver and gall bladder; 

Diuretic and nephroprotective properties help to eliminate excess fluid, and support the kidneys;

Vulnerary (wound healing) and astringent properties assist in wounds, bruises, incisions, skin rashes, eye irritation, soothing and toning skin for lax tissue, burns, mouth ulcers and chapped hands;

Antidiabetic properties increase functioning of beta cells in the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels in diabetics;

Anti-obesity properties aid in maintaining a healthy weight;

Anti-inflammatory properties help ease pain related to muscular aches osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and low back pain;

Anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties assist in prevention and treatment of cancer;

Dog Rose properties also help with regulating menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, antiaging and depression.

It is also interesting to note that Dog Rose extract is being tested for use with lung and prostate cancer and Rose hip syrup is being tested for use in children with ADHD.

After discovering all these wonderful benefits, it is no wonder the Dog Rose has been a staple in the cabinets of traditional medical practitioners for thousands of years. Best of all, there are no known safety concerns and it can be used in children. Below are a few ways for you to enjoy Dog Rose.

Dog Rose Petal Tea: 2-4 teaspoons of dried petals or 3-4 tablespoons of fresh petals infused in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. The longer it sits, the more bitterness will be extracted. Make sure petals are wild-crafted or have not had chemicals applied to them.  Add raw honey and or a squeeze of lemon for additional flavors and nutritional benefits.

Dog Rose Water: Fill a saucepan with wild-crafted or chemical free rose petals then cover with water. Bring to a simmer over low heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Cool naturally then strain out petals. Store rose infused water in a labeled glass jar in the refrigerator. Use as a wound wash as needed.

Dog Rose Leaf Poultice: Collect chemical free leaves. Fresh if available, if not dried will do. The amounts will vary depending on the area you are needing to cover. Add a small amount of water and blend to form a paste. You can use a processer, blender, or an old-fashioned mortar and pestle. The paste should be like a thick pudding. Make enough to apply about ¼ inch thick to the affected area. Spread paste on a clean cloth or bandage then apply to body with paste touching skin and secure in place. Leave in place for 2-4 hours. If you have Dog Rose Water, you may use this as you are making your paste.

Dog Rose Hip Syrup: 1 cup dried hips or 2 cups fresh hips in 6 cups of water. Simmer uncovered on stove for about 1 hour until about 3 cups of liquid remain. Strain rose hips out of decoction after it has cooled to room temperature. Add 1 ½  cups of honey (preferably) or maple syrup to decoction and stir until well blended. Pour into glass jar with lid and store in refrigerator. Use within 6 months. To make thicker, use less water. Use for added flavor to culinary dishes or on its own for health benefits.

This article is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. Nothing in this article has been approved by the FDA. Information is for educational purposes only.

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