Roses are a popular lovely flower with more than 130 different species in the world. All these can be eaten, but a few varieties have a sweeter taste than others. One thing to point out is that rose tea is not the same as rosehip tea. The latter is made from dried rosehips, an accessory fruit that grows on rose plants and has nothing to do with rose petals or buds.
When it comes to roses for making rose tea, it’s made from the buds and petals from the Rosaceae family of plants. It originated in China and makes up a vital role in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Dried roses don’t have any carbs, proteins, fats, fiber, sugar, or calories. The petals, however, are good sources of iron, vitamins C, A, and E as well as calcium. Plus they have a high amount of phytonutrients as well as antioxidant properties.
You can buy rose tea in teabags or as loose tea (about one tablespoon per cup) and make it at home by steeping it in hot water. It has a pleasant flowery taste that is hard to describe. It is mild and delicate and a bit sweet even without the addition of sweeteners.
Rose Tea Health Benefits
1) Provides good hydration – Since rose tea is mainly water, it can help prevent dehydration, thus if you drink several cups daily you will have fewer headaches, less fatigue, and less nausea and muscle cramps that all are caused by dehydration.
2) Boosts the immune system – Since rose tea has vitamin C, it is full of antioxidants that help fight infections. Therefore it is said to help with treating colds, flu, and viruses.
3) Reduces stress levels — Rose tea has also been shown to help calm moods and help people have less stress. Besides the tea itself, its scent is also known to help get rid of stress.
4) Helps get rid of the risk of developing chronic illnesses – Since it is full of polyphenols, rose tea helps prevent cell damage, which could bring on chronic illnesses.
5) Has anti-inflammatory properties – Studies show it works to get rid of pain and inflammation similar to ibuprofen or aspirin.
6) Improves digestion – Rose tea can stimulate the liver to produce bile, so it makes it easier for you to digest food, relieves constipation, and adds to nutrition absorption.
7) Gets rid of menstrual cramps – Rose tea helps get rid of bloating, cramps, and pain from women’s period cramps, as well as helping their mood and anxiety levels.
Additionally, it is high in gallic acid, an antioxidant that has been seen to have anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving characteristics. And it has a high count of anthocyanins, which help keep the urinary tract and eyes healthy, improve memory, and promote better aging.
Possible Rose Tea Risks
However, rose tea could pose risks to anyone with an allergy to roses as well as it may interact with some medications such as anti-depressants or blood thinners.
All in all rose tea is a delicious herbal tea with several possible health benefits.
