Rose - the scientific reason you deserve a bouquet from your beloved

ROSE PETALS FOR YOUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS

I love using Rose! A few drops of rose oil on my yoga mat, to scattering rose petals over my desserts, and occasionally in the bath tub! There is something about using Rose that instantly makes me feel warm, comforted, and content. If I am experiencing any sense of anxiety, insecurity or self-doubt, rose brings me back to my centre, my femininity, my strength. It’s a way of making me feel indulgent without cracking open the Milk Tray!!

STRESS SUPPORT: ROSE HELPS STRESS-FILLED CRAVINGS DISAPPEAR

The aroma of roses can melt away our stress and tension, and is immediately uplifting. Do you think it’s coincidence that the rose is harnessed as a gift to console grief or adorn romantic interests? Traditionally, the aromatic oils from rose petals appeal to all the senses, not just smell: rose is cooling, and ingesting rose cannot only calm those very hot type-A personalities, but also has been proven to increase sexual function in both men and women (Farnia et. al., 2015). How does it do this? Rose has an effect that balances stress and emotional hormones, calming down the nervous system and allowing the rest of your hormones to work in sync. Rose petal tea is great for reducing stress levels after a long day, as well as helping to induce sleep if you struggle to wind down.

ANTIMICROBIAL

You might have heard that bouquets were traditionally used to cover up bad odour. Along with other aromatic plants, rose prevents the spreading of microbes. Try rose water mixed with a saline solution for infected eyewashes. A cup of warm rose tea is packed with Vitamin C that will fight infection, help improve immunity and safeguard you from colds and infections. Drink it as a tea to provide relief from a runny nose and cold. Have it cold to alleviate a sore throat. Rose is also an effective anti-allergen: use your cold rose water home-brew for mild sunburn, rashes and allergies.

YOUR SKIN + BEAUTY

Rose is tightening and toning for the skin, and even proven to help alleviate canker sores and other inflammatory breakouts from head to toe. Rose petals are rich with antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Its antioxidative properties make it an ideal home cure for various skin conditions, including acne. Read on to make a rose water that you can use orally or topically for your skin. Drinking rose water or washing your face with this will help lock in moisture to keep your skin soft ad hydrated. Rose’s antioxidant properties (it’s packed with vitamin A and Vitamin E) help clear blemishes, leaving you with a softer, smoother and more radiant younger-looking skin. Rose’s antioxidant effect reduces the effect of free radicals which damage skin, which will delay ageing. It is effective at reducing dark circles too.

ROSE FOR HORMONAL HEALTH

Rose petals can work in an adaptogenic way as far as our health is concerned - they have been show to both help reverse menorrhagia (abnormally heavy bleeding) as well as act as a styptic. It has been used historically by midwives. So be careful! Rose’s power on the female reproductive system varies from person to person. Two cups of warm tea with black pepper (which acts as a synergen) and honey is said to help decongest blood flow and reduce pain. It’s also a good home remedy for irregular periods.

NUTRITION + DIGESTION

Rose’s bright hue is indicative of the presence of phytonutrients, like antioxidants, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and bioflavonoids. Scatter a few dried rose petals on your desserts, cereals and in tea! Rose contains organic acids such as citric, malic acid and pectin- these are known to boost the digestive power of the body. A stronger digestive system makes for a safer gastrointestinal tract, more equipped to fight against diseases and infections. It also helps to expel waste more efficiently, nourishes gastric mucosa (lining of the gut walls) and sets a stronger foundation for the growth of good bacteria in your gut. As rose is a natural laxative, it is less invasive than over-the-counter drugs or something stronger like Senna. Again, Rose Tea has an adaptogenic response as it can alleviate not only constipation, but also diarrhoea and dysentery.Drinking Rose water regularly is also known to alleviate urinary tract infections.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Replace your midday snacks with a hot rose tea twice daily. This zero calorie drink is something akin to green tea, will a lesser stimulative effect. It will calm down hunger pangs and as it helps control cravings you can move forward in your fat loss journey.

ROSE RECIPES

Rose Water - face wash, eye wash or mouthwash, antimicrobial gargle, sunburn soother

Crush rose petals before adding to hot water. Brew for 5-15 minutes.Drink immediately or allow to cool before applying topically to the skin.

Rose + Pistachio Granola

½ cup Tahini, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 tsp Vanilla pods or powder, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp sea salt, 2 cups oats, 1 cup pistachios, Rose petals, 1 tbsp Matcha @omgmatchatea - this is the one I use, took me ages to find a Matcha I actually LIKED!

Preheat oven to 180C.

In a large bowl, combine maple syrup, sea salt, vanilla, cinnamon, matcha and tahini. Stir well.

Stir in oats and pistachios.

Spread out thinly and evenly onto a lined baking sheet, pressing the mixture together.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, then remove from oven to flip.

Bake for another 5-10 minutes.

Shake and stir granola a little in between baking.

Allow granola to cool, then toss with dried rose petals.

If you fancy giving Rose a try, I buy mine from here

Yours always,

Victoria x