If you’re looking for a sweet and sensual end-of-day ritual to help balance your system, you may have found it in rose tea.
This Ayurvedic treat has been used throughout the centuries for its romantic symbolism and aromatic scent. It also offers health benefits for the skin, heart, digestive system, and more.
No matter your constitution, this Ayurvedic herbal brew can bring balance to body, mind, and spirit. Read on to learn the benefits rose tea has to offer.
Key takeaways
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Rose is believed to soothe the mind, emotions, and heart in Ayurveda.
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Rose tea can balance all three doshas, decreasing the dryness of Vata, the heat of Pitta, and the oiliness of Kapha.
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Rose tea is actually a tisane or an infusion of petals in water, that isn’t related to the tea plant.
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Rose tea offers benefits from soothing the digestive system to supporting skin, heart, and lung health.
What is rose tea?
Rose tea (from the genus Rosa) is simply an infusion of petals in hot water. It’s technically a tisane because it isn’t from the tea plant, but, instead, a beneficial sweet treat that’s caffeine and calorie-free.
The history of roses in India can be traced back to ancient texts like the Rigveda, which mentions their use in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. In Greek and Roman mythology, they were associated with Aphrodite and Venus, both known as the goddess of love.
But is rose tea good for you? The answer is a resounding yes! In Ayurveda, rose is believed to balance the mind and open the heart, invoking a sense of unconditional love and compassion. In addition, it’s thought to soothe all three Ayurvedic constitutional types, known as doshas.
Rose is considered a “medhya” in Ayurveda, meaning it’s thought to promote memory and intellect, and some scientific evidence supports the role of rose in several health benefits, which we’ll cover below.
In essence, rose tea is not just a beverage in Ayurveda but a holistic remedy that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit, promoting balance and vitality.
Uses of rose tea
Traditionally, rose has been used in Ayurveda as a rasayana, or rejuvenative.
Rose tea and rose petals can be used in several ways, including:
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As a tea or tisane
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As a powder added to drinks, smoothies, and desserts
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Skincare
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Food products
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Incense
You can try rose in hot or cold tea infusions, face masks, and skin cleansers.
Rose water is a popular choice as a toner, astringent, and body spray for a spritz of floral delight, and you can enjoy the scent of rose at any time with rose incense.
8 potential benefits of rose tea
Rose tea benefits both the mind and body and boasts a long history of medicinal use. While there haven’t been many studies done on rose tea specifically, rose is well-documented to have a number of positive health effects.
1. Balances all three doshas
With its sweet, gentle fragrance and slightly astringent properties, rose is believed to balance all three Ayurvedic doshas. Its cooling and calming characteristics make it particularly beneficial for pacifying excess Pitta dosha, while its hydrating and grounding qualities make it a balm for Vata.
Rose is also thought to ease the heavy nature of Kapha with its light and clarifying qualities as a mild astringent, reducing excess oil while uplifting the mind. It can also help move the heavy emotions that Kapha tends to accumulate.
2. Soothes the mind and heart
Long associated with romance, rose is also believed to open the mind and heart and is sometimes attributed with aphrodisiac properties.
In Ayurveda, rose is revered for balancing Sadhaka Pitta, the subdosha governing emotions and their impact on the heart. It’s thought to ease heavy feelings like grief while fostering a sense of compassion and well-being.
Rose contains compounds that interact with brain receptors, promoting relaxation and reducing stress and fear.
3. Supports digestive health
Rose extract and rose tea may help support imbalances in the digestive system, particularly through its Pitta-reducing properties. It can help with occasional bloating and indigestion while encouraging the secretion of digestive enzymes that help break down food and promote efficient nutrient absorption.
Rose can help soothe and protect the digestive tract and promote regular elimination.
4. Enhances skin health
Rose tea benefits skin health through its antioxidant properties, particularly vitamins C and E, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These can help support against the effects of free radicals and promote healthy aging by minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by supporting healthycollagen production.
The tea’s hydrating properties help maintain skin moisture, especially for excess Vata dosha, while its soothing properties can help calm sensitive skin, especially for excess Pitta dosha.
The tea’s ability to reduce stress can also indirectly benefit skin health by soothing stress-related skin issues.
5. Soothes menstrual discomfort
Rose tea has been shown to have a positive effect on menstrual discomfort. The Rosa gallica buds and leaves are used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with menstrual cramps.
Rose contains compounds that may help support the uterine muscles, potentially easing menstrual cramps. Its hydrating properties can help reduce occasional bloating, while its calming aroma may alleviate stress and improve mood.
6. Supports the immune system
The vitamin C content of rose tea may help support immune function. The tea's antioxidant and polyphenol properties can help support overall immune function.
Rose tea may also help support the respiratory system, while the tea's stress-reducing effects help indirectly empower immune system function (since stress is known to affect the immune system).
7. Promotes heart and lung health
Rose tea offers benefits for heart and lung health thanks to the antioxidant properties it contains. Compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols work to support the cardiovascular system, potentially nourishing to aid normal circulation.
Its soothing properties benefit the respiratory tract. This is an example of how rose tea helps to balance Kapha dosha by reducing excess wetness, heaviness, and earthiness.
8. Uplifts mood and supports healthy brain function
As a “medhya” or brain tonic, rose tea is believed to uplift mood and promote healthy brain function. The polyphenols in rose tea may promote mental clarity.
Rose oil may also encourage your brain to produce more “feel-good” chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Just the smell of rose tea can help reduce stress, making you feel more relaxed.
How to use rose tea: Dosage, side effects, and daily routine
Rose tea is a versatile and potentially beneficial beverage that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
How to make rose tea
To make rose tea, steep one to two teaspoons of dried rose petals or one fresh rose’s worth of petals in boiling water for five to 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use rose tea bags for a pre-measured serving. Strain and enjoy hot or iced.
Note: Any type of rose (genus Rosa) can be used, including the petals, leaves, and hips. However, some have more flavor and aroma, while others are cultivated for appearance alone.
How to reap the benefits of rose tea
For optimal benefits, consider drinking one to two cups of rose tea daily. To incorporate rose tea into your daily routine, try drinking a cup in the morning for a caffeine-free energy boost or in the evening to promote relaxation. You can also use cooled rose tea as a skin toner or add it to bathwater for a soothing soak.
Rose tea side effects
Rose tea is unlikely to cause side effects for most people, though there are a few things to watch out for.
These include:
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Allergic reactions
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Mild diuretic effects (increased urination)
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Possible interactions with medications, like sedatives or blood thinners
Remember to consult a healthcare professional familiar with herbal remedies before adding rose tea to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Conclusion
Rose tea is believed to be a powerful elixir in Ayurvedic tradition, offering plenty of benefits for modern-day wellness-seekers. It can help promote emotional balance and support healthy cognitive function while supporting digestive health and aiding immune function, making it a truly holistic option.
Want to learn more about how you can enhance skin health or support digestion with Ayurvedic remedies? Check out Haveda’s blog for further reading and discovery.
FAQs
What are the side effects of rose tea?
Rose tea is unlikely to produce side effects in most people. However, some may be allergic to the minimal pollen that roses produce. This could result in typical allergy symptoms like itchiness, sneezing, wheezing, and congestion.
Is rose tea better than green tea?
Yes, rose tea may have more health benefits than green tea. Research notes that rose tea contains phenols and antioxidant properties in equal or greater amounts than green tea.
Does rose tea have caffeine?
No, rose tea is a caffeine-free floral treat that can be enjoyed throughout the day and won’t prevent you from getting quality sleep. However, if rose is blended with black tea, it does contain caffeine.
Meet the Author Crystal Hoshaw
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