Rosa spp
From PIW
This data has been supplied by Thomas A. Naegele, DO from his 1970's book Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Great lakes.
See the main entry on Rosa spp.
| Author | |||
| Family | Rosaceae | Genus | Rosa |
| Synonyms | |||
| Known hazards |  | ||
| Range | North America - Great Lakes. | ||
| Habitat | Open areas, roadsides, fields, and forest borders. | ||
| Edibility rating | Medicinal rating | ||
Contents |
[edit] Description
- Stem
- Reddish green, smooth, cane, rounded, thorns, up to 2 m, 3 cm in diameter.
- Leaves
- Pinnate compound leaves with serrated edges. Ovate leavelets. Green shiney on top, paler beneath.
- Flowers
- Brillant showy flowers. Wild species are usually pink. Cultivated species encourage staminate to petal genetic change which develop magnificent roses.
[edit] Plant Usage
The rose petals can be picked in the summer. The rose flowers can be picked or cut during the summer. The rose hips are collect in the fall.
[edit] Medical Usage
Rose oil is considered antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, laxative, sedative, stomachic, and tonic (81).
[edit] Symptoms
The oil is used to treat cholecystitis, conjunctivitis, constipation, depression, frigidity, headache, impotence, insomnia, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, nausea, nervous tension, ophthalmia, skin care, sterility, uterine disorders and vomiting (81).
[edit] Biological industrial uses of this plan
Rose petals make a good garnish in salads, they are sweet and very good to eat (47). Rose oil has been found to increase the secretion of bile (81). The petals are a rich source of vitamin C (82). Bees utilize this plant for honey (92,93).
[edit] Chemistry information about this plan
The evaporation rate of the oil is 99, the odor intensity is 7 (81). The oil is obtained from the flower petals (81). Extracts from the oil include tannic and gallic acids, quercitrin, vitamin C, geraniol, citronellol, l-linalool, and eugenol (82).
[edit] Personal experimentation and use of this plant by Thomas A. Naegel
During the summer months I always find myself picking the rose petals for snacks. The petals are very sweet and taste similar to their smell but much sweeter. I find they make colorful additions to salads and improve the flavor. Personally, I have eaten over one cupful at a sitting with no ill effects.
