Rose tea, an ancient panacea for mankind

Rose is known as a remedy used in pharmaceutical industry for thousands of years, there are more than 130 species and thousands of varieties of the rose family. All are edible and can be used as tea, some are sweet while others are more bitter. Rose tea is a fragrant herbal drink made from the petals and buds of roses.

Nutritional value
Rose petals are rich in Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, vitamin A and vitamin E. Rose tea is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. It is also free of caffeine, sugar and calories. Rich in Vitamins E and C, which are some good vitamins for promoting healthy skin, especially when taken together.

Health benefits
1. No caffeineWhile caffeine has many health benefits including reducing fatigue and increasing alertness, energy, it also has side effects in some people such as increased blood pressure or anxiety.

Rose tea does not contain caffeine and so it can make a great substitute for other beverages. However, some rose teas can be mixed with regular caffeinated tea and rose petals, so if you can not drink caffeinated beverages, be sure to choose a 100% rose petal tea.

2. Water supply and increase weight loss effectRose tea is mainly made up of water and when be taken, it becomes a good way to increase the amount of water in the body, which can also help you to lose weight. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, causing fatigue, headaches, skin problems, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate.

So it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day by eating foods with high water content and drinking plain water, tea or other beverages. Additionally, rose tea can aid in weight loss by boosting your metabolism. Drinking rose tea may aid weight loss by making you feel fuller and reducing calories intake.

3. Rich in AntioxidantsAntioxidants are compounds that help to fight the effects of free radicals. These are reactive molecules that cause cell damage and lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to many diseases and premature aging. The antioxidants in rose tea are mainly polyphenols. Diets rich in polyphenols can reduce your risk of certain types of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, as well as protect your brain from degenerative disease.

Rose tea is particularly rich in gallic acid, which makes up about 10–55% of the tea's total phenol content and is known to have anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects.

Rose tea is also rich in anthocyanins, which account for up to 10% of the total phenol content. These are the color pigments that have been linked to good urinary tract and eye health, improved memory, healthy aging, and reduced risk of certain cancers. Other phenols that contribute to the antioxidant activity in rose tea include kaempferol and quercetin.

However, hot water cannot extract all the antioxidants in rose petals. In fact, rose petal extract has 30–50% higher antioxidant activity than rose tea.

4. Relieve menstrual painDysmenorrhea affects about 50% of girls and women, some of whom experience vomiting, fatigue, back pain, headache, dizziness, and diarrhea during menstruation. Women often choose alternative pain management methods over conventional pain relievers.

In traditional Chinese medicine, rose tea made from the buds or leaves of Rosa gallica is used to treat menstrual cramps. Those who drank rose tea reported less pain and better mood than those who did not drink the tea. This suggests that rose tea may be an appropriate way to treat dysmenorrhea. Drinking rose tea before and during menstruation can reduce pain and psychological symptoms.

5. Benefits for pregnant womenPregnancy is a magical journey for mothers. Therefore, it is crucial for them to consume nutritious foods and beverages. Decaffeinated hot drinks are recommended over other caffeinated beverages. Rose tea is one of the non-caffeinated refreshing teas, while other regular teas contain between 40 and 50 mg of caffeine.

6. Cure sore throatRose tea contains Vitamin C, an anti-infective in case of colds and sore throats. The health benefits of rose tea help to soothe the throat naturally.

7.Promotes the digestive systemRoses are known for their many healing properties, one of which is the antibacterial properties of rose petals. Rose tea helps maintain the microflora in the digestive tract thereby relieving digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating or cramps caused by flatulence.

8.Strengthen the immune systemTo have a good immune strength, you need to eat the suitable foods along with good antioxidant drinks. An easy-to-make hot beverage packed with immune-boosting Vitamin C is none other than rose tea. The drink helps lower blood pressure and clears the arteries, so the immune system is also strengthened.

9.Improve sleepWorking for a long time with lack of sleep leads to insomnia. The main natural remedy is a cup of homemade hot rose tea. Dried rosebud tea has sedative properties that can aid relieve stress so that hormonal changes are balanced.

Side effects of rose tea
Despite bringing many health benefits, rose tea still contains some side effects that affect health such as diarrhea, headache, vomiting. Some people may experience dizziness from dehydration when they have diarrhea.

In addition, rose tea can also cause allergies. Although this flower produces relatively little pollen, some people are still allergic to roses and may experience common symptoms such as itching, sneezing, wheezing, and nasal congestion.

Therefore, you should only drink one or two cups at first then if you enjoy the taste and do not have any side effects to rose tea, add another cup to your daily routine.

For pregnant women, it is the best to consult a doctor before starting to drink pure rose tea.

How to drink ?
Preparing rose tea is extremely simple. You can use fresh or dried petals. In either case, make sure the petals are free of pesticides. Generally, roses from florists or nurseries should not be used, as they are usually already processed.

Making tea from fresh petals:You need about 2 cups of washed petals. Boil them in 700 ml of water for about 5 minutes. After brewing, strain the tea into a cup and enjoy.

If you are using dried petals or buds:Put 1 tablespoon in a cup and soak them in boiling water for 10-20 minutes. Different brands may recommend specific water temperatures and incubation times.

In case you have a sore throat:Pour water into the teapot, add dried rose petals and cover for 5 minutes. Once mixed, adding honey to it helps soothe the throat and heal the infected mucosa. Use in a day twice or three times depending on the severity of the sore throat.

Rose tea can be drunk plain or sweetened with a little honey. The taste is light, delicate and floral, which can range from bitter to sweet depending on the variety.

Compiled and penned by Crocus Media