Mend a Broken Heart and Realign Your Heart Chakra
Roses can mend a broken heart, aid in the recovery of a cold, and make your skin look more youthful. If you ever find yourself day-dreaming about taking a bath with rose petals, it’s because it’s in your ancestry. Roses have symbolic, metaphysical and medicinal properties that have been a part of the human existence since ancient civilization. Some of the women who have been treasured as the most beautiful, mysterious and appealing were lovers of the rose. These women understood the quiet healing properties these beautiful flowers possessed on a cosmic level.
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is said to have given the red color to the rose. In an attempt to warn her human lover Adonis of an impending assassination, she rushed to save him. In her haste, she was pricked by the thorns of the white roses and splattered blood. She was too late, and her tears in combination with the blood, turned the flowers red.
Cleopatra is rumored to have used roses during her public appearances so that she would be remembered as always smelling of them.
In tarot, the rose symbolizes balance. The flower is a statement of hope and new beginnings; the thorns a contrast of defense and loss. Consequently, the rose is a great tool to realign your Heart Chakra. Medicinally, rose petals have antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. They are rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, B, E, and K, as well as potassium and iron. Vitamin C boosts your immune system. Vitamin B gives you an influx of energy. Vitamin E oxygenates the skin, and vitamin K helps with blood clotting.
To aid in the recovery of a sore throat, rose buds can be added to honey. Mix roses and honey in a mason jar using a nonmetallic object. Screw the lid on tightly, and store in a cool dry place for 6 weeks. Strain the honey through a sieve while pushing petals down with the back of a wooden spoon to release the extract. Add it to warm tea. Rose oil can also be used to reduce the severity of menstrual cramps, and the bioflavonoids in roses help with the production of estrogen.
To make a topical pain reliever, crush or shred dried rose petals into a cup of avocado, almond, or coconut oil. Bring a few inches of water to boil, then remove from heat. Place the jar of rose oil into the warm water and leave for 24 hours. Oil can be placed in a roller bottle and stored for easy use. Rose oil can also be used on hair, skin and nails to add a youthful glow.
Rose water can be made to use as face toner or as an all-natural perfume. Add rose petals to distilled water, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain the water and preserve in a glass jar. Add to a spritzer bottle and you have an instant face pick me up, or an all natural perfume. Tap into your inner goddess and add rose petal buds to your stash of natural remedies. Even if it’s just so you can treat yourself to a relaxing bath.
© Pepper Root
**The information provided is for reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure any illness or disease, nor is it to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.