An Herbalist’s View - Story of Love – Roses
We all know that roses are consid-
ered to be the flower of love. They
have been referenced in literature
for time enduring and even
with the thorns (or because of)
these are the favorite flowers of
many. I love roses for many reasons but am more a fan
of the old fashioned, sweet smelling variety. The new
roses have hardly any scent, and a lot less medicinal
power than their old Aunties.
Roses, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
.well, there are so many to list but weʼll have to do with
the abridged version.
Roses are a blood cleanser, an astringent, have anti
anxiety properties, anti inflammatory, antiseptic, and
on and on. I could fill this entire magazine with the
benefits of roses. They speak to our emotions, they lift
our heart, raise our spirits and are even known to be an
aphrodisiac. I see these beauties growing all around the
Country Club and they add so much color to our sum-
mer landscape.
Rose petals make a lovely tea, sweet and soothing. I
like to take fresh (always pesticide free) petals and add
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them to a jar of honey and let them
steep for a month. The result is
a flavorful treat that you can
add to tea, desserts, and my
favorite, over vanilla ice
cream. It has a calming ef-
fect that can make your heart smile. The hips of the
roses are rich in vitamin C and make a tart tea on their
own.
Rose petals have also been used as a beauty treat-
ment since before Cleopatra, Added to the water of
a bath, it helps soften and soothe the skin, made into
rosewater it helps to tighten skin and add a rosy glow
to your cheeks. I like to grind rose petals with rolled
oats and make a paste with water, or for dry skin, milk,
for a luxurious facial mask. Let it sit on your skin for
15-20 minutes and rinse with cool water. Moisturize
your skin afterwa