The hairy rose is a beautiful shrub with healing properties and great potential. It grows in dry and rocky places, often in oak forests up to 800 m above sea level. It reaches a height of 2 to 3 meters. It is called hairy because its pink flowers resemble tufts of hair. However, the aromatic and medicinal components are hidden in its red leaves, which have been used in the Balkans for centuries for their strong antiseptic, antibacterial and healing effects.
Fluffy clouds of flowers
The English name of this plant is Smoke Tree. It comes from the pink to purplish-pink color of the tufted clouds of “hair” that form after the flowering period. These fluffy clouds cover the rose bushes during May and June. And this is where the Czech name Růj vlasatá comes from. In Slovak we will encounter the name Škumpa. Latin or botanical name Cotinus coggygria, refers to the red color of the leaves that these shrubs acquire in autumn. It is not for nothing that this beautiful shrub is grown for garden decoration.
Traditional decoction of leaves
It is collected exclusively in the wild. In Balkan folk medicine, it was applied in the form of compresses, rinses or baths from a decoction of the leaves for purulent rashes, acne, wounds, hemorrhoids, swollen veins, swollen joints, bleeding gums, female problems, or even hair loss.
Rosehip essential oil and cosmetics
Currently, its hydrolate (floral water) or essential oil It is found as a component of children's cosmetics for the care of irritated diaper area, medicines for hemorrhoids, periodontitis and gingivitis. It is also used for excessive sweating of the feet. Due to its high tannin content, it is very effective as an astringent.
Flower Water Smoketree
By the way 100% Rosehip flower water, which is produced by distilling the leaves, is great not only for irritated and problematic skin, but also for hair. Both for hair loss and irritated scalp. For hair needs, spray it on the roots of the hair or use it as a hair rinse in the last stage of washing. We don't need to remind you that it cleanses, nourishes and revitalizes problematic and soothes irritated skin and improves the skin's barrier function! But be careful of the scent! It is very specific. It has a predominantly grassy - woody scent with slightly "citrus" notes in the end... but don't expect lemon. This flower water simply helps so much that we can forgive its scent.
From animal healing to people
But back to history. In Bulgarian folk medicine, it was first used to treat wounds on the legs of livestock. It was so effective that it healed even huge wounds after wolf attacks. Based on this information, they began to apply it to their family members. It found use in a huge range of problems, from healing wounds and stopping bleeding, to treating smallpox blisters, colds, purulent tonsillitis and gynecological problems.
Multifunctional dye
This shrub has a multifunctional use. Its peeled twigs are traditionally added to grape brandy in Bulgaria to add a yellow color. In the Eastern Mediterranean, its root and stems are used to produce a yellow and orange dye, which is traditionally used to dye carpets.
