Chinese Pinyin Name: Mei Gui Hua
The rose has historically been a symbol of romance and love. Roses are most popular in the heart month of February, used to display affection towards a loved one. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing with their sweet aroma, they are also beneficial to our health when taken as a tea.
The medicinal part of the plant used in Chinese medicine is the rose bud and is referred to as Mei Gui Hua. This flower is part of the Rosaceae family and has been used as an herb for thousands of years. The rose bud is dried and used in tea for various health conditions.
According to the Materia Medica used in Chinese Medicine, Mei Gui Hua is used for gynecological conditions such as irregular menstruation, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, and menstrual pain. Other conditions Mei Gui Hua is beneficial for is digestion, depression and skin conditions. This plant affects the spleen and liver meridians and assists with regulating the Qi (energy) and blood flow to diminish pain (stagnation of Qi and blood). The taste is sweet and slightly bitter and warms the channels that it enters.
The aromatic oils found in the rose are soothing for the skin. Petals of the rose are used in a bath for aromatherapy and to moisturize the skin. Drinking the tea can help with acne by clearing the complexion. Because the oils are strong from this flower, the tea is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. The aromatic oils are stimulating to the body and the reproductive system. Rose oil is used as a popular fragrance in cosmetics, lotions, and aromatherapy.
Consult your herbalist to see if this herb may be of any benefit to you.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is meant to be informative and be used for educational purposes only. Always contact your healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal regimen.