Rose petals (Rosa damascena)
Fossil records show that roses have been around for 35 million years, and thus have been portrayed across many ancient cultures in their paintings, music, mythology, and medicine. It is alleged that roses began to be cultivated in China 5000 years ago. The rose has a long association with the Roman and Greek goddess of love, beauty, and art Aphrodite and Venus. The Romans were known to use roses to scent their baths and decorate the floor and seat of the emperor. Cleopatra is believed to do have done the same for herself. During the Victorian era, flowers were used to communicate different messages. The “language of flower” messages depended on the type of flower and their color. Red roses symbolized passion and romantic love, while pink roses symbolized warm affection, friendship, joy, and desire. In present-day culture, June is the month of the rose. And on St. Valentine’s Day, red roses are the most popular flower to gift
Rose is one of the most versatile plants to have in your cabinet. Rose petals may be eaten and added to desserts as a décor. Dried rose petals can be used to make floral vinegars and body sprays, tea, baths, rose water, potpourris, poultices, [smoking blends] and incense. In fact, when making your own rose water, dried petals are recommended over fresh petals to avoid potential microbe contamination. Rose tea is particularly beneficial for its high antioxidant content due to its richness in gallic acid, polyphenols, anthocyanins, kaempferol, and quercetin. Rose tea has also been known to alleviate PMS, is anti-inflammatory, and boosts digestion and immunity. To make rose tea, take 1 Tbsp. of the dried petals and steep in a one cup of boiled water for 10 to 20 minutes. To make a tea to alleviate PMS, blend rose petals, damiana leaf, and red clover. Rose tea also blends well with blackberry leaf, mullein, and mugwort for a soothing effect prior to sleep. To make potpurris, rose petals blends well lavender. Rose petals can be added as a topping to desserts such as ice cream or sorbets. For incense, rose petals make a great addition to mugwort, lavender, or any herb that you are choosing to burn.
