Rose Tea Benefits and the Best Ways to Use It
All 130+ species of roses are edible. As such, rose petals and buds can both be used to make tea. Rose petals and buds may be used on their own or combined with other teas, spices, and herbs to create unique flavors ranging from sweet to spicy to bitter. Roses have a long history of medicinal and therapeutic uses. Today, we know more about rose tea benefits than ever. Read on to learn more about why a steaming cup might be just what you need to feel your best.
Benefits of Rose Tea
Rose tea is rich in antioxidants. Therefore, it can play a role in helping to reduce cellular damage (known as oxidative stress). Oxidative stress is known to cause premature aging. Today, there is a growing body of interest in cellular health and its maintenance. Cellular health simply means focusing on keeping your cells healthy as cells make up your body. The antioxidants in rose petals and buds (polyphenols, gallic acid, anthocyanins, kaempferol, and quercetin) help maintain healthy cells, thereby reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, degenerative brain diseases, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Menstrual Support
Traditional Chinese medicine has also used rose tea to treat menstrual pain and discomfort for thousands of years. Studies confirm that women who drink tea made from roses before their monthly period report fewer physical side-effects and better psychological health.
A Tasty Way to Stay Hydrated
Rose tea is also helpful in maintaining hydration and may help promote weight loss. This is because like all teas, it is primarily water. Drinking ample amounts of water keeps you hydrated, boosts your metabolism, and can keep you feeling full so that you don’t overeat.
Tea made from roses is fat-free, sugar-free, and has no carbohydrates. It also contains vitamin C and vitamin E which help promote healthy skin and boost immune function.
Additional Benefits
Other studies have pointed to additional benefits, such as the following:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Anti-arthritic properties
- Stress relief
- Neurological benefits
- Antidepressant properties
- Heart health
- Improved sleep
- Improved mood
- Digestive aid
Rose Tea Recipes
Rose petals and buds are often blended with other teas and spices to create unique chai teas, black teas, or white teas. However, you can also make your own if you have rose bushes that are free from pesticides. You should avoid making tea from roses from a flower shop or nursery.
Simply wash two cups of petals, then add three cups of water and boil them for at least five minutes. Strain and enjoy! If you have dried petals, you only need to steep 1 tablespoon for 10+ minutes. Organic honey makes an excellent sweetener if the tea is too bitter for your liking.
Baking Ideas
Rose tea in the morning is a wonderful way to load up on antioxidants and water to give your metabolism a boost. It is also delightful to use in baking. It makes an enjoyable addition to cream puffs, shortbread, scones, and of course, teacakes.