Rose

We think of roses simply as a flower, but the Rosaceae (Rose) family has diversified to include not only roses but also apples, plums, cherries, apricots, peaches, blackberries, raspberries, hawthorn, and strawberries. Most (but not all) members of the Rosaceae family are edible.

When we think of roses we often think of their many petals. But roses in the wild can be identified with their five petals, five sepals, numerus stamens, and leaves are oval and serrated. Cultivated roses have been grown to have many more petals, but these plants typically don’t survive in the wild.

Roses became associated with Valentine’s Day during the Victorian era and the development of floriography – or using flower bouquets to send (often hidden) messages. Depending on the color, roses can signify, romance (red), friendship (yellow), purity (white), enthusiasm (orange) and many more!

Roses are thought to originate in Central Asia, but there are varieties native to all over the northern hemisphere. Fossil evidence shows roses present at least 35 million years ago. Back then, roses all started as five-petaled flowers but through 5,000 years of cultivation they now have many petals (although most of those cannot survive in the wild).

Roses show up in stories from many places in the world. In Greek Mythology, roses were supposedly created when Aphrodite came to her wounded lover, Adonis, her tears and his blood mixed, hitting the ground and sprouting a rose bush (painting is The Wakening of Adonis by John William Waterhouse) .

In the Hindu tradition, the goddess Lakshmi was created out of rose petals when her spouse, Vishnu, declared them the most beautiful flower in a debate with Brahma (creator of the world). (painting is Goddess Lakshmi with a Rose and a Peacock by unknown artist)

Rosalia, a Roman holiday, brought faiths together to celebrate their dead as well as the rebirth promised by Proserpina (Persephone) and spring (painting is Caracalla and Geta by Lawrence Alma-Tadema).

Important meetings in Rome were often held in rooms with roses painted on the ceiling. This is where we get the term sub rosa (under the rose), which implies the highest confidentiality.

Rose is very versatile in how it works. It can be warming or cooling, as well as moistening or drying to the body. It is, antibacterial, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, and a mild sedative.

Rose is especially known to help with skin health. The astringent qualities tighten while emolliating qualities work moisturizing and regenerating skin tissue.

It’s also known for ‘Lifting the Heart’ – helping with depression, anxiety, grief, and nervous stress.

Mix together equal parts or Rose buds or petals, Himalayan Sea Salt, and Epsom Salt. Optional: add 10-15 drops of Rose Essential Oil for each cup of mixture. Store in a jar and pour about a half cup into your bath for a loving soak good for your skin as well as your peace.

Rose has spiritual associations with divination, health and healing, luck, love, protection, and psychic connection.

Rose is said to have a feminine energy. It is a water element, and ruled by the planet Venus (and thus associated with love, art, and music).

An easy way to bring the benefits of rose into your life is with a Rose Room Spray. To make:

Steep rose petals in hot water and allow the color to move into the water. Once cool, strain out the petals and fill a spray bottle about 2/3 full. Top the remaining off with witch hazel and shake a few times to mix. Spray when you want to be reminded of all the things Rose brings in