The sensory magic of infused honeys made with aromatic flowers can't be overstated: the taste, obviously, and the smell, and then there's the color, and the texture difference between the honey and the flowers...please go make one for yourself, you'll see what I mean.
The Medicine of Rose Honey
Rose honey is my favorite non-drowsy nervine relaxant. It is particularly useful for grief, anxiety, & trauma, and it has an affinity for the physical and emotional heart, especially useful when the heart races and feels tender in response to grief or anxiety.
Medicinal Species of Rose
All of the Rosa species are medicinal to varying degrees, but they have slightly different attributes. My favorites are Rugosa, Multiflora, and Marsh or Swamp Rose (R. palustris), but I also enjoy organically grown Garden varieties as well.
Garden, Marsh, and Rugosa roses are more about peacefulness and grounding in the living moment, whereas Multiflora is more about self-protection and tenacity.
Medicinal Uses of Rose
Rose petals are a versatile and cherished ingredient in herbal medicine. One of the most popular herbs for anxiety and grief, roses are gentle and effective as a soothing, nondrowsy nervine when times are tough, bringing peace and helping us ground into the moment in which we find ourselves.
For grief, Rose is traditionally combined with Hawthorn for a synergistic remedy.
As a part of anxiety rescue formulas, it pairs well with stronger nervines like Linden, Pasqueflower, and Skullcap, offering a balanced approach to calming the nervous system and protecting the heart.
For trauma, I often combine it with Motherwort–another thorny, strengthening protectress–and Skullcap as a stronger anti-anxiety herb.
Rose is safe for children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Roses are especially renowned for their ability to soothe and heal the skin. When used in topical applications such as infused oils, creams, hydrosols, masks, or balms, rose petals can help reduce inflammation, calm irritation, and promote the healing of wounds and burns. Natural astringent qualities make Rose excellent for tightening pores and toning the skin, which is why rose water is a popular choice in skincare routines.
One of the most famous uses of Rose is to support cardiovascular health, thanks to its affinity for the heart, both emotionally and physically. It can be helpful for issues related to blood pressure or heart rhythm, especially when stress is a major trigger. It is often combined with Hawthorn, Motherwort, Hibiscus, and Linden for cardiac benefits.
Internally, rose petals offer a host of gentle benefits for the digestive system. This mild medicine They can help alleviate digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Rose petal tea is not only a fragrant and delightful beverage but also acts as a mild laxative, promoting regular bowel movements and easing constipation.
Additionally, the soothing nervine antispasmodic properties of rose petals can help soothe menstrual cramps and reduce the severity of headaches. Their gentle nature makes them suitable for all ages, including children and the elderly, providing a comforting and holistic approach to wellness. I often combine rose with lavender and wood betony for headaches.
Rosehips (the fruit of the plant) are another famous medicine. High in antioxidants including vitamin C, Rosehips are a potent ally for immune function and skin health. Here, Rugosa or Beach rose is the ideal species to use, as it has the largest, most abundant fruits.
Medicinal Uses of Multiflora Rose
Multiflora shares attributes with the other types of Rose, as discussed above, but it has some unique strengths as well.
Multiflora rose is a powerhouse known for its vigorous protective qualities and its ability to support emotional resilience. Also called Seven Sisters, it is protective and vigorous when you can’t be–but please don’t plant this easy-to-find wild rose, as it is one of our most aggressive invasive species and will cheerfully decimate a hedgerow. That strong energy is part of its medicine, though. As always, I strongly advise using abundant and invasive plant medicines, like Multiflora, over at-risk and threatened species.
Multiflora rose is a robust medicine that offers significant support to cope with anxiety, grief, and trauma. It provides a sense of protection and grounding, helping to create emotional boundaries and fostering a feeling of safety. it is particularly effective in fortifying the spirit when one feels overwhelmed or vulnerable.
Formulating with Rose Honey
The batch of Rugosa and Marsh roses in the pictures below became an oxymel with Lilac, Peach flowers, and Ginger, because I make the rules, and the rules say: “let’s make it delicious & beautiful on top of working well,” and so that is what we will do. The Marsh roses on the left are infusing into honey, while the Garden roses on the right become an infused vinegar. Lilac and Peach are also relaxing nervines for anxiety and grief. Lilac-infused honey fills the house with fragrant peace and calm; Ginger-infused honey is delicious, increases absorption, and helps support embodiment; and Peach is a stronger, bitter medicine that does really well in a vinegar extraction, so the oxymel combo works nicely to bring these herbs together.
In the pictures above, the apprentices and I are processing Multiflora Rose into tinctures and oxymels. I love Multiflora alone, combined with the herbs listed above, or in anxiety rescue formulas with stronger nervines like Linden, Pasqueflower, Pedicularis, and Skullcap. If trauma is an issue and you’re trying to armor your heart, Motherwort is specifically helpful too.
What are your favorite ways to use Rose medicine? What infused honeys have you made that you loved the most? Let me know on Instagram, and great recipes will be shared (with attribution!)
Here are step-by-step instructions on infusing herbal honeys