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Herb library · Herb · Rosa centifolia

Rose buds

The dried buds and petals of the cabbage rose and its cousins, used for tea, rosewater and as a mouth and skin rinse. EU regulators accept rose flower for mild mouth, throat and skin inflammation on long tradition, supported by one small trial.

Traditional use

The European Medicines Agency recognizes rose flower (from Rosa gallica, R. centifolia or R. damascena) as a traditional herbal medicine: an infusion used as a mouth rinse for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat, or on a wet dressing for minor skin inflammation, for adults and adolescents over 12.

What studies show

  • Limited

    Mouth inflammation: the EMA considered one study of 50 patients with inflamed mouth linings, in which a rose flower mouthwash did better than a placebo rinse. The study was small, so the EU accepts the use mainly on long tradition.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • NoteNo side effects had been reported when the EMA assessed rose flower. See a doctor if symptoms last more than a week.
  • PregnancyEU guidance: safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so medicinal use then is not recommended. Rose in food is not the concern.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.

Sources

  1. Rose flower: summary for the public (EMA/237220/2017) (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
  2. Community herbal monograph on Rosa gallica L., Rosa centifolia L., Rosa damascena Mill., flos (EMA/HMPC/137299/2013) (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
  3. Rosae flos — herbal medicinal product (EMA) (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.