There are more than ten thousand varieties of cultivated roses. People have surrounded themselves with roses but have forgotten that their blossoms are useful for more than bouquets.
Florist roses are routinely cultivated with pesticides so look for organically grown roses. They are valuable medicine and have wonderful properties: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and a nutritive tonic.
Taste them and smell them. Rose petals are cooling and can be put into teas and drinks. They are an effective anti-inflammatory and great to gargle with in tea for a sore throat. I place them in honey to treat acne or irritated facial skin. They have a special affinity for healing the skin and even help heat exposure such as sunburn when placed in vinegar.
Rose petals tighten and heal all skin types and prevent infection of minor skin abrasions and cuts and reduce swelling associated with bruises and sprains.
Rose petals have a calming effect and help with anxiety, restlessness and nervousness.
Try Genmaicha Vanilla Rose tea from Healing House Herbs as a wonderful tonic.
Rose Julep Recipe
8 ounces of just boiled water and infuse with 2 tablespoons of crushed or chopped rose petals until cooled. Strain.
Add 4 teaspoons of lemon or lime juice, 3 Tablespoons honey, handful of fresh rose petals, 1/2 cup crushed ice to strained rose tea. Blend until smooth.
Enjoy.