Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and the sight of chocolates and roses is seen on every corner. While this holiday is usually seen as unhealthy due to the heavy consumption of chocolate, you’ll be surprised to know that there is a healthy side to this holiday—and it’s with the gift you’re not expecting: roses! This gorgeous floral beauty has been a staple in health and wellness for years. In fact—rather than for decoration—roses were originally used for boosting people’s health with their natural ability to support immunity, healthy skin, inflammation, and symptoms related to PMS. In today’s blog, we will be going over 5 health benefits of roses and why you should consume them rather than display them in a vase.
1. Roses Help Make Your Skin Glow
When it comes to beautiful skin, roses are an excellent addition to your skincare routine. Rich in vitamins A and E, roses will help hydrate and tighten your skin while helping reduce the prominence of fine lines and dark circles. This flower also supports the body’s natural collagen production, which is basically our body’s protein responsible for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Loaded with tons of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, roses can also help reduce breakouts and calm skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
2. Roses Ease Premenstrual Symptoms
Dealing with premenstrual syndrome (PSM) every month is no fun. PSM is a combination of symptoms that countless women get about a week or two before their period. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Moodiness
- Tension or anxiety
- Crying spells
- Insomnia
- Irritability or anger
- Acne flare-ups
Rose tea’s anti-inflammatory effects and vitamin profile will work wonders with your PMS symptoms. It effectively helps reduce dysmenorrhea—or menstrual pain—and other common symptoms. One study found a significant reduction in period-related bloating, cramping, and pain among women who drank rose tea. Study participants also reported less anxiety and mood swings.
3. Roses Help Boost Your Mood
As previously mentioned, roses are known for having stress-relieving and mood-boosting properties. Naturally beautiful and soothing, roses make people feel more relaxed and help reduce their perceived stress. To relieve a cranky mood, sipping on some rose tea will do wonders. In fact, simply inhaling the rose vapor from the tea will help. The natural aromatics encourage a calm state of mind, which helps relieve stress and promote restful sleep.
4. Roses Support your Immune System
Did you know that roses are packed with vitamin C? This vitamin help supports the production of white blood cells—which helps our bodies fight off infections, colds, flues, etc. Also rich in antioxidants, roses help combat oxidative stress and free radicals, which can lead to diseases and premature aging.
5. Roses Help Ease Digestion
Feeling uneasy? Consuming roses can help relieve an upset stomach and bloating. Rose petals have been used as a digestive aid for centuries in the Middle East. It has been shown to help improve your digestive system and soothe nettlesome stomach troubles. When consumed as a tea, rose petals provide a mild laxative effect and will help with your digestion.
Make this Valentine’s Day the best one yet with a healthier you! Rather than consume chocolate, switch it up to roses! They’ll help give you that goddess glow, ease PSM, and improve your overall health! We hope this blog helps you see the 5 health benefits of roses. For more personalized recommendations for natural ways to be healthy, visit our Naturopathic practice! We’d love to help you reach your optimal level of health! Contact Dr. Brandy McGill to make an appointment by calling (619) 784-3118 or clicking here.
*The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health provider.
