WILD ROSE – ITS HEALTH BENEFITS, SKIN BENEFITS AND A HANDFUL OF
INTERESTING FACTS
There is a difference between wild rose and garden (cultivated) rose. Valuable properties are
presented primarily by wild rose, which commonly grows by balks, thickets, forest edges and
sometimes also wastelands. In Poland, there are about 20-25 wild-growing species of this shrub
(some of them are creepers), including wild, semi-wild, and secondarily feral species,
ephemerophytes (non-native species) and endemics (growing only in specific areas), of which the
most common types are dog rose (Rosa canina L.) and beach rose (Rosa rugosa).
Wild rose species, commonly referred simply as “wild rose”, produce flowers with white, pale pink,
pink or dark pink petals that turn into round or elongated red fruits at the end of flowering. The
characteristic scent of the rose doesn’t even need a description.
Health properties:
• The raw flower petals of this shrub contain terpenes, glycosides, flavonoids (including
quercetin and anthocyanins), vitamin C, tannin, polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as
essential oils, mucilages and phenolic acids. They show antiseptic, slightly astringent, antiinflammatory and toning properties. Infusion of rose petals helps with a sore throat.
• Rosehips contain vitamin C (three of those fruit cover the entire requirement for vitamin C a
day), A, E, B1, B2, K, malic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, carotenoids, phytosterols,
galactolipids, unsaturated fatty acids, pectins, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, essential
oil, vanillin, saponins and iron. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-exudative,
detoxifying, prebiotic, immunostimulating, diuretic, choleretic, strengthening, anti-scorbutic
and antioxidant properties, and they also strengthen and seal blood vessels. They are great
for use in colds, fever, allergic diseases, rheumatic diseases, vascular diseases, hypertension,
anemia, digestive system disorders, inflammation of the urinary and sexual systems,
intestines and stomach, liver diseases, ulcers, erosions, gingival bleeding and periodontitis,
and in general vitamin deficiency and convalescence. Elsewhere, we find information that
“hydro-alcoholic extracts from rosehips and seeds treat osteoarthritis, skeletal muscle
damage and rheumatoid arthritis,” thanks to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory
properties. Rose fruits can be eaten raw, although they are most often found in the form of
syrups, juices, preserves, tinctures, teas, wines and jellies. It’s great to consume rosehips to
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strenghten immunity, but you need to remember that it may have a laxative effect when
consumed excessively.
Skin benefits:
• The petals of (wild) rose are great as a hydrosol, which has a refreshing, toning, anti-acne
effect. It can also shrink down pores, brighten skin, soothe burning eyes and reduce swelling
and puffiness under the eyes. Rose petal hydrosol works great as a daily toner, restoring the
skin’s appropriate pH level. It’s also possible to make rose petal glycerite, which can be
added to various types of masks and an oil macerate, also enriching masks or other products
used on the skin; a rose petal oil macerate can also be applied directly to the skin.
• Rosehips are important in beauty – rosehip seed oil applied to the skin has nourishing and
regenerating properties, heals burns, inflammations, brightens skin and slows down the
aging process.
