Whole Rose Buds

Whole Rose Buds: Whole dried buds of Rosa species, picked before they open and dried slowly so they keep their shape, color and delicate floral scent. Use them for three simple rituals: a subtly perfumed tea, a handful in a warm bath, and a floral touch in DIY projects and skin care recipes. Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes.

The herb: Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, alongside apples and almonds, and the species used for dried buds are mostly Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia and Rosa rugosa, grown across Persia, Bulgaria, Morocco and China. Rose has been steeped, distilled into rose water and candied for over a thousand years in Persian kitchens. The buds carry a volatile oil built on citronellol, geraniol and nerol, plus tannins and flavonoids.

What's in it: Whole rose buds and nothing else. Citronellol and geraniol give the classic rose fragrance, tannins add the faintly dry, tea-like finish, and the flavonoids contribute the pink tint the water takes on. The cup is caffeine-free and mild.

Dosage, first time: Drop 1 to 2 teaspoons of buds, about five or six, into a cup of hot water and steep 5 to 10 minutes. Start with fewer buds; rose is easy to overdo into a perfumed cup. For a bath, a small handful under the running tap is enough for a whole tub.

Regular use: Rose is gentle enough for a daily cup, and many people add two or three buds to green tea or a chamomile blend rather than drinking it alone. In skin care recipes, a tablespoon of buds infused into a carrier oil is the usual starting point.

What to expect: A soft, fragrant, uplifting cup that users describe as calming without any heaviness, made for a slow morning or a bath night. It is a sensory herb rather than a strong one. For a floral blend, it pairs naturally with our Lavender Flower (Organic).

Side effects: Rose is one of the mildest botanicals we carry. A very strong cup can feel astringent on the stomach, and sensitive skin occasionally reacts to a long soak. Use fewer buds or a shorter soak and it resolves.

Interactions and cautions: No notable interactions are documented for rose buds at tea strength. As with any herb, consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing or on medication, and patch-test any homemade skin care recipe first.

Ingredients and storage: Whole Rose Buds (Rosa spp.). Keep sealed in a cool, dark, dry cupboard; the buds fade in sunlight and lose scent if left open.

Common questions: How many whole rose buds do I use for one cup of tea? About five or six buds, roughly 1 to 2 teaspoons, steeped 5 to 10 minutes. Can whole rose buds go straight into the bath? Yes, either loose or in a muslin bag, and the bag makes cleanup easier. Are these rose buds food grade for skincare and edible projects? They are the same whole culinary buds used for tea, so they suit both.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Rose is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.