English
Chinese
It is not the same as the name of the monthly rose,
Nor does it connect with the rose’s lineage.
Countless green leaves and branches intertwine,
With one flower in two colors: light and dark red.
Each has its own charm in its different style,
Rain and dew do not solely rely on nature’s craftsmanship.
There is another national fragrance that cannot be collected,
Poets infuse it into the depths of the water
《Red rose》Song Dynasty Yang Wanli
The poem mentions that although the 月季 (Chinese rose) and 薔薇 (rose) both belong to the Rosaceae family, they have many differences. The ancients also wore them, appreciating their vibrant colors and their rich fragrance, reminiscent of water agarwood. It makes one reluctant to part with them.
According to the “Taiwan Market Confusing Chinese Medicine Identification Guide” published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the rose flower is described as follows:(http://en.whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/%e7%8e%ab%e7%91%b0%e8%8a%b1/)The source of the rose is the dried flower buds of the Rosaceae plant Rosa rugosa Thunb. It is primarily produced in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong, and Gansu. Among these, Pingyin County in Shandong, Yongdeng County in Gansu, and Miaofeng Mountain in Beijing are three very famous rose-producing regions in mainland China. In Taiwan, roses are also cultivated for ornamental and culinary purposes in Nantou County and Taichung City in the central region, as well as in Pingtung County in the south. Their quality has been recognized in international competitions. According to the 2019 Taiwan Agricultural Statistical Yearbook, the total rose cultivation area in Taiwan is approximately 178.23 hectares.
Due to its thorny stems, the rose is also known as “thorn rose” and because of its rich fragrance, it often attracts people to linger around it, which is why it is also called “lingering flower.” Along with the月季 (Chinese rose) and 薔薇 (rose), it is commonly referred to as the “Three Sisters of Roses.” Due to their unique characteristics, many countries around the world, such as the UK, USA, Bulgaria, Iran, and Syria, have adopted them as their national flowers.
Typically, roses are harvested in batches when the buds are about to open but have not fully bloomed. They are then promptly dried at low temperatures for preservation. The dried rose buds are characterized by a slightly hemispherical receptacle and purple-red petals. They should feel light and brittle to the touch, emit a strong, fragrant aroma, and have a slightly bitter taste. For traditional selection, it is best to choose large, complete flowers with thicker petals and a vibrant purple color, ensuring the flower does not expose its stamens and has a strong fragrance.
The rose was included in the Materia Medica relatively late. In the Qing Dynasty, the pharmacologist Zhao Xueming (circa 1719–1805) recorded in his work “Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica” that: “Rose flowers have a fragrant aroma, are warm in nature, sweet with a slight bitterness, enter the spleen and liver meridians, harmonize blood and qi, and treat wind-damp conditions.” This indicates its significant effects in promoting qi and blood circulation. Additionally, it is noted in the text that “For treating dysentery, rose flowers should be dried and decocted,” demonstrating its efficacy in treating dysentery.
Several varieties are commonly confused in the market, with the Chinese rose (月季花) being one of them. The main differences between the Chinese rose and the rose (Rosa rugosa) are:
Receptacle Shape: The rose has a receptacle that is typically urn-shaped or hemispherical, while the Chinese rose has an inverted conical shape.
Flower Stem: The rose usually has a shorter or sometimes absent flower stem, whereas the Chinese rose typically has a visible flower stem.
Sepal Shape and Color: The sepals of the rose are usually lance-shaped and are primarily yellow-green or brown-green, while the sepals of the Chinese rose are oval-shaped and primarily dark green.
Fragrance: The rose generally has a stronger fragrance, while the Chinese rose tends to have a lighter, more subtle scent.
These differences make it quite easy to distinguish between the two.
Roses are not only used as traditional Chinese medicine but also commonly serve as ingredients in food or for ornamental purposes. However, due to the different uses, there are varying management regulations. Typically, the pesticide standards for edible roses and ornamental roses differ in terms of allowable residue levels. According to Article 15 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act and the “Pesticide Residue Tolerance Standards,” the maximum allowable limit for the pesticide cypermethrin in edible roses is 0.05 ppm.
Ornamental roses, on the other hand, have different standards. Therefore, when purchasing roses from a flower market, it is essential not to use them in a bath to avoid health risks. For consumption, one should buy roses specifically labeled as food-grade. Due to their strong fragrance, roses are also frequently used for extracting essential oils or hydrosols. The scent and quality of these products can vary depending on the type of rose and the extraction method. As a result, prices can vary significantly in the market. It is crucial to select a reputable vendor to ensure high-quality products when making a purchase.
[Image provided by] Professor Zhang Xianzhe’s Authentic Medicinal Materials