Rose petals treat the heart and nerves, and lift the spirits. They have an affinity for the blood and, like all Rosaceae family, have a certain astringency that stops bleeding and reduces inflammation. S´ata-patrı – literally means the ‘hundred-petalled’.
Common name Rose (E), Gulab (H) Sanskrit S´ata-patrı – Latin Rosa centifolia/damascena–Flos (Rosaceae)
ENERGETICS
- Rasa (taste) Bitter, pungent, astringent
- Vı-rya (energy) Cooling
- Vipa-ka (post-digestive effect) Sweet
- Gun.a (quality) Dry, light
- Dos.a effect VPK=
- Dha-tu (tissue) Plasma, blood, nerve, reproductive
- Srotas (channel) Female reproductive, circulatory, nervous
CONSTITUENTS
- Essential oils Citronellol, geraniol, eugenol
- Organic acids Gallic
- Tannins (10–24%)
- Flavonoids Quercetin(Holmes 1989)
AYURVEDIC ACTION
- Dı-pana Awakens digestion
- Hridaya Affinity for the heart and benefits blood flow
- S´ukrala Increases semen
- Medhya Improves the intellect
- Dos.atrayaraktajit Balances all three dosas and the blood
BIOMEDICAL ACTION
Carminative, emmenagogue, nervine, antidepressant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, laxative, aromatic, aphrodisiac
INDICATIONS
Gynaecology Its affinity for the blood and rakta dhatu make it useful in excessive menstrual bleeding, vaginal infections and inflammation. It clears pitta from the uterus and blood and is used in dysmenorrhoea, metrorrhagia, endometriosis and fibroids. It is specific for use in the menstrual cycle, during the final flare of the pitta phase from day 14 to 28, and can help to alleviate PMS symptoms associated with irritability, emotional sensitivity and heat (Holmes 1989). Its action on s´ukra dhatu enhances sexual desire and fertility. Very useful during menopause with hot flushes; use a rosewater spray for instantaneous cooling.
Nerves Rose’s nourishing effect on majja dhatu make it useful for nervous depression and anxiety. Its cooling quality can reduce symptoms of high pitta; red tongue tip, agitation, palpitations and headaches behind the eyes (Bhavaprakas´a). It opens the heart chakra, anahata, thus increasing patience, compassion and love.
Skin Roses are a specific for inflamed eyelids. They are a useful face wash for astringing the skin and clearing acne. Also used in inflammatory and suppurating skin conditions; eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, itching and irritation.
Digestion Good for ulcers, inflammation, acidity, enteritis and heartburn. Its astringent flavour is useful in diarrhea from heat (use a high dose). Roses can help with fat metabolism and hence help to reduce blood lipid levels.
Reproduction Its calming effect on the emotions and the heart are complemented by its aphrodisiac effect. Its sweet vipaka helps to increase semen, sexual interest and fertility (Bhavaprakas´a).
COMBINATIONS
- Safflower, shatavari, turmeric for excessive menstrual bleeding with clots and pain.
- Brahmi, gotu kola, arjuna for palpitations and tight chest.
- Neem, manjishtha, chrysanthemum for skin inflammations with heat signs.
- Amalaki, guduchi in high pitta and acid conditions of the intestines.
- Ashwagandha, shatavari, kapikacchu and gokshura in infertility.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
None known, although caution during pregnancy.
SAFETY
It may reduce the absorption of iron (Harkness & Bratman 2003).
DOSAGE
1–10g per day or 5–15ml of a 1:2 @ 50% fresh tincture. Drink rosewater freely (5–50ml per day).
Endometriosis is a situation in which the endometrial tissue is seen on the exterior side of the uterus. It is locked between the pelvic area and lower abdomen. It is hardly found in the other parts of the body. This disease appears in the endometrium tissue that is lines the uterus or womb. This disease is found in women and there are no exact figures that how many women suffer from it. Endometriosis remains unrecognized because many women have it with slight or no symptoms and therefore, it is not diagnosed properly. The only time it is treated is when the symptoms become troublesome.