2012 Herb of the Year: The Rose (Rosa spp.)

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Learn to capture the essence of this useful 2012 Herb of the Year. Photo by Shelli Jensen

Rioting roses are usually considered the province of the gardener, not the chef or herbalist. But the gorgeous blooms can do much more than just look pretty. These useful plants have long been a culinary staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and roses have been recognized for medicinal qualities since ancient Greek and Roman times. In fact, the rose (Rosa spp.) is intertwined with human history. Wreaths of roses have been found in Egyptian tombs, and artwork from the height of Minoan culture on Crete depicts roses.

Rose Recipes:
• Easy Two-Step Method for Rose-Infused Vinegar
• Rose-Scented Sugar
• Simple Rose Water Syrup
• Candied or Crystallized Rose Petals
• Drop Scones with Rose Petals and Pistachios
• Pomegranate Lemonade with Rosewater
• Rosy Rice Pudding
• Middle-Eastern Dried Fruit Compote with Spices and Flower Waters 

Roses for Health

Ancient Greeks and Romans valued the aroma of roses and used the petals in their baths and for strewing herbs on the floors of banquet halls and under the wheels of chariots. The first recorded use of rose water was in the 10th century, prepared by Avicenna, while the essential oil of rose was not noted until sometime in the late 1500s.

Rose Essential Oil

The essential oil of rose has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral characteristics. Besides cosmetic applications, rose is used topically as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and astringent, and is applied to abrasions, abscesses, boils, burns, dermatitis, eczema and rashes. It has been used as a rinse for conjunctivitis, for ulcers of the mouth and tongue, and as a gargle for sore throats, cough, fever and hay fever. It is also recommended for indigestion, nausea, gas and urinary tract infections. The uplifting fragrance is used in many ways in aromatherapy—as a nervine; for depression, insomnia, stress and emotional turmoil; and even as an aphrodisiac. Cosmetically, the perfume of roses is featured in lotions, perfumes, body- and hair-care products, bath oils and bath salts.