Botanical atlas
Apothecary's Rose
Rosa gallica
Rosa gallica is thought to be the oldest garden rose in Europe, prized long before the damask and tea roses arrived from the East. Its deeply perfumed, deep pink to crimson petals made it the workhorse of the medieval apothecary, dried by the sackful in the French town of Provins and shipped across the continent as conserve of roses, rose water, and rose honey. Herbalists reached for it as a gentle astringent for the skin and throat, and as a comforting flower to ease a heavy heart or an unsettled stomach. It also became deeply symbolic, carried home from the Crusades and later claimed as the red rose of the House of Lancaster.
In tradition.
Rosa gallica is thought to be the oldest garden rose in Europe, prized long before the damask and tea roses arrived from the East. Its deeply perfumed, deep pink to crimson petals made it the workhorse of the medieval apothecary, dried by the sackful in the French town of Provins and shipped across the continent as conserve of roses, rose water, and rose honey. Herbalists reached for it as a gentle astringent for the skin and throat, and as a comforting flower to ease a heavy heart or an unsettled stomach. It also became deeply symbolic, carried home from the Crusades and later claimed as the red rose of the House of Lancaster.
Traditional preparations.
A softly fragrant, rosy infusion traditionally sipped to soothe the stomach and calm frayed nerves.
Steep 1 tablespoon of dried Rosa gallica petals in 250 ml of just-boiled water, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes, then strain.
A simple rose water traditionally patted onto the skin to refresh and tone.
Steep 2 tablespoons of dried petals in 500 ml of just-boiled water for 20 minutes, strain, cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Safety.
This rose has a long history of gentle culinary and cosmetic use, but anyone allergic to roses or other Rosaceae plants, like apples or strawberries, should avoid it, and only petals or hips grown without pesticides should be used.
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Ask about Apothecary's RoseHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.