It originated in the Caucasus and is often called âFrench roseâ, âProvins roseâ or âRose of Anatoliaâ. The second old rose is R. centifolia, which originated in Persia and is often known as âProvence roseâ or âRose of Ispahanâ: itself descended from R. gallica, it is parent to moss and cabbage roses.
Tamasic means having tama guna. It is one of the three gunas (tendencies) discussed in the last post. Something tamasic makes the body and mind sluggish and slow, leading to torpor. The tamasic foods include meat, fish, onions, garlic, mushrooms, alcohol. In addition fermented foods, including vinegar, bread, pastries and cakes are tamasic.
So onions and garlic could be considered tamasic for the mind and rajasic for the body. Hot chili peppers are generally considered rajasic. In addition, any food that is old, stale, or any food eaten in too great a quantity is considered tamasic. This is where sugar moves from being satvic to tamasic. A small amount is satvic, but when enough is eaten to make the body sluggish then it is tamasic.