Rose Health Dictionary

(Latin / English) The dew of the sea / resembling a bitter rose Rosemaree, Rosemarey, Rosemaria, Rosemarie, Rosmarie, Rozmary, Rosamaria, Rosamarie... rosemary

A transient EXANTHEM of toddlers. Mild malaise is followed by a RUBELLA-like rash. It is caused by herpes virus 6 (see HERPES VIRUSES).... roseola infantum

R. infantum. ‘Rash of Roses’ consists of small separate irregular rose-pink spots with a pale halo which appears after feverishness has abated. Spots that fade on pressure first appear on trunk and neck, spreading to the face and buttocks, remaining for a short duration – half to 2 days. This is the commonest cause of high fever in children under three. Causal agent: herpes virus, human, HH6. Differential diagnosis: from German Measles where rash accompanies fever. Internally: German Chamomile tea freely. See: SKIN, above entry.

Teething. Teas: Spearmint, Roman Chamomile, Peppermint. 1 heaped teaspoon to cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; frequent teaspoon doses. Alternative: place one Chamomile flower in feeding bottle. Essential oils: rub gums with diluted oils: Spearmint, German Chamomile, Peppermint or Mullein. Urinary Tract Infection, Cystitis or urethritis.

Teas: Horsetail, Couch Grass, Golden Rod, Rosehip. Dandelion coffee. For pus in the urine: 1-5 drops Tincture Myrrh in cup of warm water: Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily. Fullness under the eyes may indicate Bright’s Disease for which specialist opinion should be obtained without delay.

Diet. Wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread, pasta, two servings fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Little lean meat, poultry, fish. Dairy products: yoghurt, cheese, milk in moderation. Fresh orange juice, raw fresh vegetable salads. Oatmeal (porridge oats) is sustaining to the nervous system.

Avoid: crisps, fizzy drinks, hamburgers, biscuits, chocolate, sugar-filled snacks, alcohol, strong tea and coffee.

Supplement. Most children may benefit from one zinc tablet weekly.

Medicine doses. See: DOSAGE.

Fish oils. As well as to help children guard against winter illnesses, Cod Liver oil supplements may help them later in life against arthritis, heart disease, psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory disorders.

Aspirin. It is clear that a link exists between Reye’s syndrome and aspirin. Aspirin is not advised for minor viral illness in children. ... roseola

(L.) G. Don.

Synonym: Vinca rosea L. Lochnera rosea (L.) Reichub.

Family: Apocynaceae.

Habitat: Commonly grown in Indian gardens.

English: Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca major L. Pich. and Vinca minor Linn. are known as Greater Periwinkle and Lesser Periwinkle respectively).

Folk: Sadaabahaar, Nayantaaraa, Nityakalyaani.

Action: The cytotoxic dimeric alkaloids, present in Madagascar Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus L. Don, Vincea rosea L., and used for the treatment of certain type of cancer, have not been found in V. major.

Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) : cytostatic, anti-neoplas- tic, slows down growth of cells by su- pressing immune response. Vinblas- tine and Vincristine are said to prolong remission of leukaemia to more than five years. These chemotherapeutic agents are toxic to the nervous system. Vinblastine is also used for breast cancer and Hodgkin's disease.

Vinca major L. Pich. (Greater Periwinkle): astringent, anti-haemorrha- gic; used for menorrhagia and leu- corrhoea. Contains indole alkaloids including reserpinine and serpentine; tannins.

Vinca minor Linn. (Lesser Periwinkle): astringent; circulatory stimulant. Leaves—stomachic and bitter. Root— hypotensive. Used for gastric catarrh, chronic dyspepsia, flatulence; also for headache, dizziness, behaviours disorders. A homoeopathic tincture is given for internal haemorrhages.... catharanthus roseus

It you want to drink a special type of herbal tea, try the rose petal tea. It is aromatic, with a pleasant taste, and you’re bound to enjoy it. It also has important health benefits. Find out more about rose petal tea! About Rose Petal Tea Rose petal tea is made from the petals of a flower most adored by many women: the rose. This woody perennial plant has over 100 species which grow in Asia, Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. Roses grow as a group of erect shrubs, acting like climbing plants. Its stems often have small, sharp thorns. The leaves are oval-shaped with sharply-toothed edges, and they’re about 10cm long. The fruit is called rosehip; it is ripe from late summer to autumn, and it is edible. The flowers usually have 5 petals with two distinct lobes; they are usually pink, white, red, or yellow. You can make tea both from the rose petals and from the rose’s fruit, the rosehip. How to prepare Rose Petal Tea When making rose petal tea, first make sure that the petals you use are free of pesticides. Roses from gardens and flower shops are usually treated with pesticides, and shouldn’t be used to make rose petal tea. To enjoy rose petal tea, add about two handfuls of properly washed and dry rose petals to a pot with water for three cups of tea. Leave the pot over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the petals have lost their original color, becoming darker. Stream to remove the petals and sweeten, if necessary, with honey or fruit juice. Rose Petal Tea Components Rose petal tea gets many active components from the rose petals: cyclic monoterpene alcohols, geraniol, citronellol and nerol are just a few important ones. It also includes long-chain hydrocarbons (nonadecane, heneicosane). These active components lead to the many health benefits rose petal tea has. Rose Petal Tea Benefits Rose petal tea helps strengthen your immunity, and can be part of the treatment for colds. It is useful if you’ve got a fever, a runny nose, a sore throat, or bronchial congestion. Also, it helps clean your body of toxins. Drinking rose petal tea can help during menstrual periods, if you’ve got a heavy menstrual flow. It can also reduce menstrual cramps, and helps regulate your period. Rose petal tea is often used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. It can also help you fight against depression, fatigue and insomnia. Rose petal tea also acts as a digestive aid, as it protects the gastrointestinal tract. It is often used to treat constipation, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and dysentery; the tea also nourishes the gastric mucosa. You can drink rose petal tea to treat urinary tract infections, as well. Rose Petal Tea Side Effects No important side effects of rose petal tea have been noted. Still, it is considered best not to drink more than 5 cups of tea a day. If you drink too much, you might get some of these symptoms: headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. Spoil yourself with a delicious cup of rose petal tea! Not only will you enjoy its taste, but its health benefits, as well.... enjoy a cup of rose petal tea

Eugenia jambos

Description: This tree grows 3 to 9 meters high. It has opposite, simple, dark green, shiny leaves. When fresh, it has fluffy, yellowish-green flowers and red to purple egg- shaped fruit.

Habitat and Distribution: This tree is widely planted in all of the tropics. It can also be found in a semiwild state in thickets, waste places, and secondary forests.

Edible Parts: The entire fruit is edible raw or cooked.... rose apple

(English) Resembling the graceful rose

Ranna, Rosana, Rosanagh, Rosanna, Rosannah, Rosanne, Roseann, Roseanna, Rosehannah, Rossana, Rossanna, Rozanna, Rozanne, Rozeanna, Rosanie... roseanne

Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant and are one of the best plant sources of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, skin and tissue health and adrenal function. Consider reaching for rosehip tea next time you need a health boost. You may want to copy and print these tips for the next time you’re in the tea aisle, so you can make a knowledgeable selection.... rosehip tea

(Hawaiian) Resembling a heavenly rose

Roselanie, Roselany, Roselaney, Roselanee, Rosalanea... roselani

Rosemary is not only good for cooking but makes a healthful and highly beneficial tea. Rosemary can help your muscles to relax. Additionally, rosemary is an effective digestive aid as well. If you have gall bladder and liver complaints, drinking rosemary tea regularly will greatly help relieve your symptoms. Rosemary tea also relieves cough and mild asthma symptoms.... rosemary tea

Linn.

Synonym: Catharanthus roseus (Linn.) G.Don.

Family: Apocynaceae.

Habitat: Native of West Indies; commonly grown in Indian gardens.

English: Madagascar Periwinkle.

Ayurvedic: Sadaapushpaa, Sadam- pushpa, Nityakalyaani, Sadaaba- haar.

Siddha: Nithiya kalyani, Sudukadu mallikai.

Action: Cytotoxic.

Over one hundred monomeric and bisindole alkaloids have been isolated.

The indole alkaloid, vincamine, is a vasodilator; the bisindole alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine proved to be highly effective as cancer chemothera- peutic agents.

Vinblastine and vincristine are clinically used in a number of thrombo- cytopenic disorders, such as refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpurea and haemolytic anaemia.

Vinblastine in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents (cis- platin and bleomycin) is used for the treatment of metastatic testicular cancer; also against bladder cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma in combination with other drugs.

Vincristine, in various combinations, is highly effective in acute leukemia in children and lymphocytic leukemia; and pediatric tumours. (The Treatise on Indian Medicinal Plants.)... vinca rosea

Rosa species

Description: This shrub grows 60 centimeters to 2.5 meters high. It has alternate leaves and sharp prickles. Its flowers may be red, pink, or yellow. Its fruit, called rose hip, stays on the shrub year-round.

Habitat and Distribution: Look for wild roses in dry fields and open woods throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Edible Parts: The flowers and buds are edible raw or boiled. In an emergency, you can peel and eat the young shoots. You can boil fresh, young leaves in water to make a tea. After the flower petals fall, eat the rose hips; the pulp is highly nutritious and an excellent source of vitamin C. Crush or grind dried rose hips to make flour.

CAUTION

Eat only the outer portion of the fruit as the seeds of some species are quite prickly and can cause internal distress.... wild rose

Luck... wood rose

Helleborus niger. Part used: rhizome. French: Rose de Noe?l. German: Christwurz. Italian: Fior de Natale. Spanish: Ele?boro negro. Indian: Kutki.

Constituents: cardiac glycosides with Digitalis-like action. Enhances the organs of sense: mouth, nose and eyes.

Uses: Heart disorders.

An ingredient of Paracelsus’s “Elixir of Life”. ... christmas rose

Wild briar. Rose hip tree. Rosa canina L. French: Eglantine. German: Weisse Rose. Italian: Rosa Bianca. Spanish: Rosa blanca. Ripe fruits.

Constituents: flavonoids, tannins, vitamins, carotenoids.

Natural source of Vitamin C.

Action. Antidiarrhoeal, anti-stress.

Uses: Rose hip capsules or tablets are taken as a prophylactic against colds and infections.

Teabags offer a popular daily ‘health’ tea as an alternative to caffeine drinks. See: VITAMIN C.

GSL ... dog rose

a rare disorder characterized by the occurrence together of facial paralysis, enlargement of the glottis, and swollen lips, which is due to lymphatic *stasis and the consequent build-up of protein in the facial tissues. [E. Melkersson (1898–1932), Swedish physician; C. Rosenthal (20th century), German neurologist]... melkersson–rosenthal syndrome

see Barlow manoeuvre. [S. Von Rosen, Swedish orthopaedic surgeon]... von rosen’s sign

leaves which are closely arranged in a spiral.... rosette

A common, mild skin disorder in which a rash of flat, scaly-edged, pink spots or patches appears on the trunk and upper arms. It is not contagious and mainly affects children and young adults. Its cause is unknown. The rash lasts for 4–8 weeks, may cause itching, and usually clears up without treatment. Calamine lotion or antihistamine drugs may relieve any itching. pityriasis versicolor A common skin condition in which patches of white, brown, or salmon-coloured flaking skin appear on the trunk and neck. Also known as tinea versicolor, it is caused by a fungus that exists on most people’s skin. Treatment is with antifungal drugs. pivampicillin See penicillin drugs. pivmecillinam See penicillin drugs. pizotifen An antihistamine drug used to prevent migraine in people with frequent, disabling attacks. Adverse effects can include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and muscle pains.

Prolonged use may cause weight gain.... pityriasis rosea

Rosa centifolia

FAMILY: Rosaceae

SYNONYMS: Rose maroc, French rose, Provence rose, hundred-leaved rose, Moroccan otto of rose (oil), French otto of rose (oil), rose de mai (absolute or concrete).

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The rose which is generally used for oil production is strictly a hybrid between R. centifolia, a pink rose, and R. gallica, a dark red rose. This variety, known as rose de mai, grows to a height of 2.5 metres and produces an abundance of flowers with large pink or rosy-purple petals. There are two subspecies – one is more spiny than the other.

DISTRIBUTION: The birthplace of the cultivated rose is believed to be ancient Persia; now cultivated mainly in Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, France, Yugoslavia and China. The concrete, absolute and oil are mainly produced in Morocco; the absolute in France, Italy and China.

OTHER SPECIES: There are over 10,000 types of cultivated rose! There are several subspecies of R. centifolia, depending on the country of origin. Other therapeutic species are the red rose or apothecary rose (R. gallica) of traditional Western medicine, the oriental or tea rose (R. indica), the Chinese or Japanese rose (R. rugosa) and the Turkish or Bulgarian rose (R. damascena) which is also extensively cultivated for its oil. Recently rosehip seed oil from R. rubiginosa has been found to be a very effective skin treatment; it promotes tissue regeneration and is good for scars, burns and wrinkles. The wild rose (Eubatus rubus) is now also being used to produce a rare absolute with a rich, spicy-earthy fragrance. See also entry on damask rose and the Botanical Classification section.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The healing virtues of the rose have been known since antiquity and although roses are rarely used in herbal practice nowadays, up to the Middle Ages they played an essential part in the materia medica, and still

fulfil an important role in Eastern medicine. They were used for a wide range of disorders, including digestive and menstrual problems, headaches and nervous tension, liver congestion, poor circulation, fever (plague), eye infections and skin complaints. ‘The symbolism connected with the rose is perhaps one of the richest and most complex associated with any plant ... traditionally associated with Venus, the Goddess of love and beauty, and in our materialistic age the Goddess is certainly alive and well in the cosmetics industry for rose oil (mainly synthetic) is found as a component in 46% of men’s perfumes and 98% of women’s fragrances.’.

The French or Moroccan rose possesses narcotic properties and has the reputation for being aphrodisiac (more so than the Bulgarian type), possibly due to the high percentage of phenyl ethanol in the former. For further distinctions between the different properties of rose types, see damask rose.

ACTIONS: Antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-tubercular agent, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, choleretic, cicitrisant, depurative, emmenagogue, haemostatic, hepatic, laxative, regulator of appetite, sedative (nervous), stomachic, tonic (heart, liver, stomach, uterus).

EXTRACTION: 1. Essential oil or otto by water or steam distillation from the fresh petals. (Rose water is produced as a byproduct of this process.) 2. Concrete and absolute by solvent extraction from the fresh petals. (A rose leaf absolute is also produced in small quantities in France.)

CHARACTERISTICS: 1. The oil is a pale yellow liquid with a deep, sweet, rosy-floral, tenacious odour. 2. The absolute is a reddish orange viscous liquid with a deep, rich, sweet, rosy-spicy, honeylike fragrance. It blends well with jasmine, cassie, mimosa, neroli, geranium, bergamot, lavender, clary sage, sandalwood, guaiacwood, patchouli, benzoin, chamomile, Peru balsam, clove and palmarosa.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: It has over 300 constituents, some in minute traces. Mainly citronellol (18–22 per cent), phenyl ethanol (63 per cent), geraniol and nerol (10–15 per cent), stearopten (8 per cent), farnesol (0.2–2 per cent), among others.

SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin care: Broken capillaries, conjunctivitis (rose water), dry skin, eczema, herpes, mature and sensitive complexions, wrinkles.

Circulation muscles and joints: Palpitations, poor circulation.

Respiratory system: Asthma, coughs, hay fever.

Digestive system: Cholecystitis, liver congestion, nausea.

Genito-urinary system: Irregular menstruation, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, uterine disorders.

Nervous system: Depression, impotence, insomnia, frigidity, headache, nervous tension and stress-related complaints – ‘But the rose procures us one thing above all: a feeling of well being, even of happiness, and the individual under its influence will develop an amiable tolerance.’.

OTHER USES: Rose water is used as a household cosmetic and culinary article (especially in Persian cookery). The concrete, absolute and oil are employed extensively in soaps, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes of all types – floral, oriental, chypres, etc. Some flavouring uses, especially fruit products and tobacco.... rose, cabbage

Rosa damascena

FAMILY: Rosaceae

SYNONYMS: Summer damask rose, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose (Anatolian rose oil), otto of rose (oil), attar of rose (oil).

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Small prickly shrub between 1 metre and 2 metres high, with pink, very fragrant blooms with thirty-six petals, and whitish hairy leaves. It requires a very specific soil and climate.

DISTRIBUTION: Believed to be a native of the Orient, now cultivated mainly in Bulgaria, Turkey and France. Similar types are grown in China, India and Russia; however, India produces only rose water and aytar – a mixture of rose otto and sandalwood.

OTHER SPECIES: There are many different subspecies: the Turkish variety is known simply as R. damascena. ‘Trigintipetala’ is the principal cultivar in commercial cultivation, known as the ‘Kazanlik rose’. Bulgaria also grows the white rose (R. damascena var. alba) or the musk rose (R. muscatta) which is used as a windbreak around the damask rose plantations. See also cabbage rose and the Botanical Classification section.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: ‘The damask rose, on account of its fragrance, belongs to the cephalics; but the next valuable virtue that it possesses consists in its cathartic quality ... oil of roses is used by itself to cool hot inflammations or swellings, and to bind and stay fluxes of humours to sores.’.

Rose hips are still current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, mainly due to their high vitamin C content (also A and B). For further general properties, see entry for cabbage rose.

ACTIONS: See cabbage rose.

EXTRACTION: 1. Essential oil or otto by water or steam distillation from the fresh petals. 2. A concrete and absolute by solvent extraction from the fresh petals.

CHARACTERISTICS: 1. A pale yellow or olive yellow liquid with a very rich, deep, sweet-floral, slightly spicy scent. 2. The absolute is a reddishorange or olive viscous liquid with a rich, sweet, spicy-floral, tenacious odour. It blends well with most oils, and is useful for ‘rounding off’ blends. The Bulgarian type is considered superior in perfumery work, but in therapeutic practice it is more a matter of differing properties between the various types of rose.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly citronellal (34–55 per cent), geraniol and nerol (30–40 per cent), stearopten (16–22 per cent), phenyl ethanol (1.5–3 per cent) and farnesol (0.2–2 per cent), with many other trace constituents.

SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, nonsensitizing.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE See cabbage rose.

OTHER USES: See cabbage rose.... rose, damask

Aniba rosaeodora

FAMILY: Lauraceae

SYNONYMS: A. rosaeodora var. amazonica, bois de rose, Brazilian rosewood.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Medium-sized, tropical, evergreen tree with a reddish bark and heartwood, bearing yellow flowers. Used extensively for timber. NB: This is one of the trees that is being extensively felled in the clearing of the South American rainforests; the continual production of rosewood oil is consequently enviromentally damaging.

DISTRIBUTION: Native to the Amazon region; Brazil and Peru are the main producers.

OTHER SPECIES: There are several species of timber all known as rosewood; however, the essential oil is only distilled from the above species. French Guiana used to produce the cayenne rosewood (Ocotea caudata), which is superior in quality to the Peruvian or Brazilian type.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Used for building, carving and French cabinet making. Nowadays, most rosewood goes to Japan for the production of chopsticks.

ACTIONS: Mildly analgesic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, cellular stimulant, cephalic, deodorant, stimulant (immune system), tissue regenerator, tonic.

EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation of the wood chippings.

CHARACTERISTICS: Colourless to pale yellow liquid with a very sweet, woody-floral fragrance with a spicy hint. Blends well with most oils, especially citrus, woods and florals. It helps give body and rounds off sharp edges.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Linalol (90–97 per cent) in cayenne rosewood; in the Brazilian oil slightly less (80–90 per cent). Also cineol, terpineol, geraniol, citronella!, limonene, pinene, among others.

SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, nonsensitizing.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin care: Acne, dermatitis, scars, wounds, wrinkles and general skin care: sensitive, dry, dull, combination oily/dry, etc. ‘Although it does not have any dramatic curative power ... I find it very useful especially for skin care. It is very mild and safe to use.’.

Immune system: Colds, coughs, fever, infections, stimulates the immune system.

Nervous system: Frigidity, headaches, nausea, nervous tension and stress-related conditions.

OTHER USES: Once extensively used as a source of naturallinalol, now increasingly replaced by the synthetic form. Acetylated rosewood oil is used extensively in perfumery work – soaps, toiletries, cosmetics and perfumes. The oil is employed in most major food categories, alcoholic and soft drinks.... rosewood