Why rose tea should be your new go-to brew
|Published
While roses are often linked to romance and love, they offer much more than just their beautiful appearance and pleasant fragrance.
Roses have been valued for cultural and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
The rose family includes over 130 species and thousands of varieties.
You might be surprised to learn that all roses are edible and can be made into tea. Some types are sweet, while others might taste a bit bitter.
And interestingly, trees that bear fruit in the rose family also include apples, pears, plums, cherries, apricots and peaches. Blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are also all members of the Rosacea family.
Roses are used in many products for their lovely fragrance and potential health benefits.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 80% of Asian and African populations prefer herbal medicines over synthetic ones.
Roses are also popular in the kitchen, especially in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Chinese cuisines. The aromatic petals add a delicate flavour and fragrance to dishes like cakes, jams, and sweet treats.
Rose tea is a soothing herbal drink made from the petals and buds of rose flowers.
Many popular hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate contain caffeine. This can make you feel more awake and alert, but not everyone handles caffeine well.
For some, it can increase blood pressure and cause feelings of anxiety. If this sounds like you, you might prefer a caffeine-free option like rose tea.
Five unexpected benefits of rose tea:
Rich in antioxidants: A 2019 ‘Healthline’ report reveals that rose tea is rich in antioxidants. These compounds fight free radicals, which are harmful molecules that damage cells and cause oxidative stress.
This stress is linked to many diseases and premature ageing.
The primary antioxidants in rose tea are polyphenols. Diets high in polyphenols may reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
They could also help protect your brain from degenerative diseases.
Reduces anxiety: According to Artfultea, sipping on rose tea can help soothe anxiety and reduce stress. Studies have found that rose petals have a calming effect, which can lower stress levels and promote better sleep.
Rose petals are often included in flavoured tea blends that contain l-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming effects and ability to reduce anxiety.
They are also found in herbal blends with other relaxing ingredients like lavender and chamomile
Encourages healthy skin
Research shows that rosehip oil, derived from rosehips (the fruit of the rose plant), can promote healthy skin by potentially extending cell life and minimising signs of ageing. Plus, drinking rose tea boosts your hydration, which is great for your skin.
With regular consumption, rose tea may also balance hormones, potentially reducing hormonal acne breakouts. Its natural detoxifying qualities help cleanse the body from within, giving your skin a clearer, more vibrant appearance.
Relief from occasional constipation: Rose tea is typically known for its sweet scent and flavour. But, did you know it also has bitter properties that make it an effective digestive aid?
Some research suggests that rose extract may stimulate the movement of fluids in the digestive tract, potentially helping to alleviate occasional constipation.
In traditional Iranian medicine, rose decoctions have long been prescribed as laxatives to treat constipation. Modern research now supports this practice, suggesting that rose tea may help with occasional constipation and promote liver health.
Oral health: The antibacterial and antifungal properties of rose tea may help maintain oral hygiene by reducing bacterial growth and preventing bad breath.
A 2009 study published in the ‘Journal of Dental Science’s suggested that the anti-fungal effect of rose petals was found to be more potent than the anti-bacterial effect.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits.