Dog Rose (Rosa canina)

Dog Rose (Rosa canina) is a member of the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its fruits, leaves, and bark have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Dog Rose (Rosa canina) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Dog Rose (Rosa canina) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Dog Rose
Scientific Name	Rosa canina
Plant Family	Rosaceae
Genus	Rosa
Species	canina
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Astringent, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Rosa canina
Common Name: Dog Rose
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Wild Rose, Common Rose, Cocklebur
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rosa

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with entire margin, upper surface pale green to yellowish green, lower surface whitish with prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence consisting of solitary flowers with five petals, five sepals, and numerous stamens arranged in a single plane, displaying actinomorphic symmetry, with pink to red flower coloration and a central yellow glandular disk.
Stems: Erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth surface, and thorny projections along the axis.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: Traditionally described as a cooling tonic, for foundational support.
Astringent: In herbal literature, noted as a gentle astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a calming anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a warming diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Glycoside: Secondary metabolites formed through glycosylation processes in plants.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a fine powder.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in moderate fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.