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Wild Rose Uses – Cosmetic, Medicinal, and Edible

Wild Rose (Rosa acicularisI) Flower

As early spring approaches and the natural world begins to reemerge after winter, so too does the local forager. Wild rose (Rosa acicularis) is one of the species often looked for during early spring, where you can collect the leaves, roots, and stems. Wild rose uses are plentiful, including medicinal, edible, and cosmetic. They are packed full of nutrients! According to Healthline.com there have been some studies that suggest using rose hips can aid in arthritis pain, anti aging, fat loss, and metabolic function. Depending on what you are looking to achieve, you may have to wait until summer or fall to collect this herb, but this plant can be harvested year round!

Habitat and Appearance

Although many rose species found in a florist shop are not naturally occurring, rosa acicularis is native to Canada from British Columbia to Quebec. They are often found growing in damp riverbanks, fields, or disturbed areas such as trails and previous burn site, and seen as far north as Yukon. Wild roses look a little different than your store bought roses with fewer, open petals allowing easy access for pollinators to reach the center of the flower. They have fine pricky hairs and thorns, with leaves of 3-7 leaflets. The rose hips are bright red and look like oval berries at a distance, normally with a tuft of hair at the end.

Wild Rose Hips in Fall

Caution!

The seed hairs in rose hips can irritate the digestive system so consume in moderation. They may also cause heart burn and nausea. As always check with a medical professional before use.

Medicinal Components and Harvest Time

Spring

As previously mentioned, during early spring you can harvest the leaves, stems, and roots. Of course, be careful not to destroy the plant’s ability to regrow just as it’s waking up from hibernation if you aren’t using the whole plant. If done properly, the roots can be collected before the plant has fully woken up then push its energy towards the leaves and flowers. The leaves are an astringent, which means it has the ability to tighten the skin. This can be used to help seal minor abrasions or as a skincare product. Many people use the leaves and petals to make rosewater which can be applied to the face to help with wrinkles.

The leaves and stems can be used to make a light and subtle tasting tea very high in vitamin C. They are also used for relieving stress, thirst, diarrhea, gastritis, and to cleanse the blood. The roots appear to have fewer properties, but they have been eaten for nutritional purposes or to help with diarrhea, such as the leaves.

Summer

During summer the flowers can be harvested to make into a skin soothing balm or tincture. Rose petals are known to be a fabulous bush bandage because of this property. The flower petals are gentle which means they can be used as an eyewash, so long as the water is strained thoroughly. Cold rose petal water can also be refreshing and energizing on a hot day. When harvesting rose petals, leave one or two behind to help in pollination, which then creates rose hips for fall and winter.

Fall and Winter

After the first frost the rose hips (aka rose fruits) can be collected. They are said to be sweeter at this point. Wild rose hips contain plenty of vitamin C, bioflavonoids and tannins and are antimicrobial as well as diuretic. These properties aid in heart health, bladder and kidneys infections, strengthening capillaries, blood circulation, and joint pain. For those who mensurate, rose hips or rose petal water can help with mensural cramps, PMS and menopause symptoms, and to help balance hormones. The seeds in the rose hips, although an irritant in large qualities, have historically been eaten to remove intestinal parasites.

Wild Rose Uses Includes Medicinal Rose Water

Food Uses

The whole plant is edible which makes collecting worry free, however not every bush or even every part of it tastes good. For example, the leaves and stems are often pretty bitter when eaten by themselves. Some say that if a rose bush smells sweet, odds are it will taste sweeter. The rose hips is where most of the nutrients are, including vitamin A, E, C, and B5, zinc, iron, magnesium, antioxidants, protein, phosphorous, potassium, niacin, and riboflavin (B2 vitamin). Without any processing, 2 tablespoons of rose hips contain about 76% of the daily value for vitamin C, which is the same as one orange!

You can add flowers and leaves to jellies, jams, or syrup to give it a subtle floral and sweet flavor. They can be added to salads or as a decorative cake topper. Rose hips can be used in ice cream and sorbet, as a sauce for meat, or as an additive to soups. As previously mentioned the stems, leaves, and petals can be boiled to make a hot tea or infusion.

Conclusion

Wild Rose Hips In Winter

There are plenty of reasons to collect any part of the edible wild rose. Wild rose uses are well known in the beauty market to help with wrinkles and to cleanse the skin, but they can also be used to help a variety of common ailments including heart and circulatory issues, stress, menstrual and hormonal ailments, and as a bush bandage for small cuts and irritations. The rose hips and petals are most commonly used in the kitchen to make desserts, soups, salads, and teas, but every part of the plant has a purpose. Although different parts of the wild rose are collected throughout the seasons, you can take advantage of these benefits year round!

One response to “Wild Rose Uses – Cosmetic, Medicinal, and Edible”

  1. Lemon Avatar
    Lemon

    Love this! So informative! I personally add rose hip oil to my skincare routine due to its benefits with anti-aging, anti-inflammation, brightens skin & dark circles, helps reduce fine lines & hyperpigmentation, it also hydrates & moisturizes (among a few other benefits)