The rose, with its vibrant and elegant beauty, is not only a symbol of love but also a premium edible and medicinal flower. Rich in vitamins and trace elements, it has a sweet yet slightly bitter taste and a mild medicinal nature. It helps regulate qi, relieve depression, harmonize blood, disperse stasis, and nourish the heart and liver blood vessels. It is particularly suitable for women seeking beauty enhancement and health preservation through dietary therapy.
Over 2,000 years ago, China began utilizing roses for health preservation and disease treatment. Empress Wu Zetian favored roses for beauty, drinking rose dew daily and applying rose petals to her skin before sleep. Even past sixty, her complexion remained as rosy as peach blossoms, her body exuding a subtle fragrance.The Compendium of Materia Medica states that rose petals "primarily benefit the lungs and spleen, nourish the liver and gallbladder, ward off evil energies, and possess a fragrant, sweet flavor that refreshes the spirit." The Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica notes: "Pure rose hydrosol has a fragrant aroma and mild taste, harmonizing blood, calming the liver, nourishing the stomach, broadening the chest, and dispersing stagnation."
Flower teas promote wellness. In Japan, drinking floral infusions is not only a fashionable lifestyle choice but also a widely embraced health practice. Among these, rose tea reigns supreme. Its delicate fragrance soothes the spirit and regulates qi, while its blood-nourishing and complexion-enhancing properties shine. Blended with ingredients like longan, salvia root, goji berries, apple blossoms, or honeysuckle, it yields diverse health benefits.If the taste is slightly bitter, rock sugar or honey may be added to suit personal preference.
Rice porridge made with roses typically uses dehydrated, unopened rose buds. After cooking, add a suitable amount of fresh rose buds. Once the porridge turns pink, it is ready to serve. Fragrant and sweet-tasting, japonica rice nourishes the spleen and benefits the five organs, fortifies strength, and stops diarrhea. Paired with roses, its effects are enhanced.Consuming rose porridge during menstruation can alleviate cramps, regulate mood, and maintain a healthy, rosy complexion. Roses possess exceptionally mild medicinal properties, gently nourishing the heart and liver blood vessels while dispersing stagnant energy within the body. They also aid in calming, soothing, and combating depression, making them particularly suitable for career women facing significant work and life pressures.
However, note that roses sold in florists for ornamental purposes often contain pesticide residues and are unsuitable for consumption. Edible roses should ideally be purchased from large department stores or supermarkets, specifically dehydrated rose buds. If using fresh roses, they should be cultivated personally or sourced from rural households.
Roses should not be brewed with tea leaves, as the tannic acid in tea can diminish the rose's liver-soothing and depression-relieving effects. Roses contain various vitamins and trace elements, which may irritate the stomach and intestines if consumed frequently by those with sensitive digestive systems. Therefore, individuals with weak stomachs or intestines should avoid prolonged consumption.Additionally, due to their blood-activating and stasis-dispersing properties along with astringent effects, women with heavy menstrual flow and those suffering from constipation should avoid excessive consumption.