Origin. - The dried petals of Rosa gallica L., collected before expanding.

Description and Properties. - Usually occurring in small cones consisting of numerous imbricated, roundish, retuse, deep purple-colored, yellow-clawed petals, having a roseate odor and a bitterish, slightly acidulous, and distinctly astringent taste.

Official Preparations

Confectio Rosae - Confectionis Rosae - Confection of Rose. - Used as an excipient in pill-masses.

Fluidextratctum Rosae - Fluidextracti Rosae - Fluidextract of Rose. - Used chiefly as a vehicle.

Physiological Action. - It acts like tannic acid.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - The ointment is used for chapped lips and hands, and also for superficial burns and in erythema.

The fluidextract is used as an application to inflamed eyes, buccal, aural, and anal ulcers, and in aphthous stomatitis. It has been employed in conjunction with sodium salicylate to prevent the pitting of small-pox. Its chief use, however, is as a vehicle and flavoring extract.

Administration. - The fluidextract is mainly used, an infusion of which is given internally. The fresh leaves, crushed, are serviceable as a poultice.