Rose (Rosa spp.)

Botanical Description

Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
Common Names: Rose, Wild Rose, Damask Rose, Rosehip
Parts Used: Petals, Leaves, Hips (Fruits), Roots, Seeds
Native Habitat: Native to Europe, including the UK and Isle of Man, roses can be found in hedgerows, gardens, and woodland edges. The wild rose (Rosa canina), or dog rose, is particularly common in the UK and Isle of Man.

Roses have a long history of use in medicine, beauty, and spiritual practices, with a reputation for promoting skin health, emotional balance, and circulatory support.

Constituents & Their Actions

Plant Part	Constituents	Primary Actions
Petals	Essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, vitamins C, E	Calming, astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, tonic
Hips (Fruits)	Vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, pectin, tannins	Immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive
Leaves	Triterpenes, tannins, flavonoids, vitamins A, C, K	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing
Roots	Tannins, essential oils, flavonoids, triterpenes	Healing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
Seeds	Essential fatty acids, vitamins E, A, flavonoids	Skin regeneration, anti-inflammatory, immune support

Key Constituents and Effects

Vitamin C (in hips and petals) – Known for its immune-boosting properties and wound healing.
Tannins – Provide astringent, anti-inflammatory effects, often used to treat internal and external wounds.
Flavonoids – Offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Essential Oils – Contain compounds like geraniol and citronellol, which have calming, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Equine Use of Rose

Benefits for Horses

Skin & Coat Health – Rose petals and hips are used for promoting skin health, improving coat shine, and healing skin irritations.
Immune Support – The vitamin C content in rose hips boosts immune function and heals wounds faster.
Anti-inflammatory – Rose is commonly used to treat joint inflammation, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries.
Digestive Aid – The astringent properties of the leaves and hips can help with diarrhea and stomach upset.
Emotional Support – The calming properties of rose petals can help reduce stress and anxiety in horses, especially in high-stress situations like travel or competition.

Administration for Horses

Dried Rose Petals (In Feed or Tea):
- Add dried rose petals to the feed to calm nerves or support skin health.
Rose Hip Powder:
- To boost immune health and provide antioxidant support.
Herbal Infusion (Rose Hip Tea):
- Can be served as a hydrating tonic to improve joint health and support digestion.
Rose Petal Tincture:
- In water, can help calm an anxious horse.

⚠ Precautions

Rose hips are generally safe for horses, but high doses can lead to stomach upset or loose stools.
Monitor for any allergic reactions or sensitivity to topical applications.
Avoid using essential oils of rose directly on horses unless diluted.

Canine Use of Rose

Benefits for Dogs

Skin & Coat Health – Rose petals and hips can help with dry skin, eczema, and allergic dermatitis.
Immune Support – Rose hips are a rich source of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity, especially during illness or recovery.
Digestive Health – Rose is used as a mild digestive tonic to ease diarrhea and upset stomachs in dogs.
Joint & Mobility Support – The anti-inflammatory properties of rose hips support joint health, especially in older or arthritic dogs.
Calming & Emotional Balance – Rose petals and rosewater are calming for dogs dealing with anxiety or stress, such as during fireworks or thunderstorms.

Administration for Dogs

Rose Petals or Powder (In Food):
- Dried rose petals for calming or skin support.
Rose Hip Powder or Capsules:
- For immune support, digestive health, or joint care.
Rose Tea (Infusion):
- Dried rose petals steeped in warm water, served once cooled with food or in drinking water.
Rosewater (Topical):
- Spray a diluted rosewater solution on your dog's skin to relieve itchiness or dryness.

⚠ Precautions

Ensure the rose is organic, as non-organic roses may contain pesticides.
Avoid rose essential oils in dogs unless they are highly diluted and used with caution, as they may be too strong and cause irritation.
Moderate dosage for stomach issues, as excessive rose hips can cause mild diarrhea.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Rose

Folklore & Historical Use

Symbol of Love & Beauty – The rose has long been a symbol of romance, love, and beauty in British folklore, often used in weddings and love charms.
Protection & Healing – Historically, rose petals were scattered over beds and homes to promote healing and protect from evil.
Sacred Herb – The rose has been considered a sacred flower by many cultures, including the Celts, who associated it with the goddess of love and fertility.
Rosemary & Rose Rituals – Roses, along with rosemary, were used in Celtic purification rituals to ward off negative energies and invoke spiritual protection.
Rosehips as Medicine – In traditional Manx medicine, rosehips were used to treat a range of ailments, including coughs, digestive issues, and wounds, and they were often boiled down into syrups for medicinal purposes.
Folklore of Good Fortune – In the Isle of Man, placing a rose by the door or on windowsills was said to bring good fortune and prosperity to the household.

Conclusion

Rose (Rosa spp.) is a deeply nourishing and healing herb used for both physical and emotional support. With its calming, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, it is highly beneficial for equine and canine care, supporting skin health, joint function, and digestive health. Roses also carry significant symbolic value in UK and Isle of Man folklore, representing love, beauty, and spiritual protection, making them both a medicinal herb and a symbolic part of cultural heritage. Overall, rosehips can be a valuable addition to an animals diet, providing essential nutrients, supporting joint health, promoting skin and coat health, aiding digestion, and boosting immune function. When used responsibly and under professional guidance, rosehips can contribute to the overall health and well-being of equines and canines.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium / Epilobium angustifolium)