Roses for Self-Care

 

Rose Tea for Self-Care

The parts of the plant you want to use for self-care are: flowers for rose water, essential oil, buds and petals for powder, and the seeds for rosehip seed oil.

When harvesting roses, gather the buds when they are formed. Gather the petals when they are first opened.  Gather the rose hips when they are ripe. When preserving, dry petals, buds, and hips.

Roses are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.  They are high in tannins and gallic acid (antioxidant) and linoleic acid (omega 6). They also have Alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3), pro-vitamin A and vitamins C and E. 

Roses are moisturizing, relaxing, and toning. They are great for sensitive, weak and mature skin.  They are a good wrinkle eraser, redness soother, and oil reducer.  They help protect against free radicals and assist in the production of collagen.  Roses help skin’s brightness and tone, help pores appear smaller, and even diminish acne scars. 

Rose tea is very beneficial as it is anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.  Use roses to help:

1. Skin health

2. Digestion

3. Stress 

4. Weight management

5. Menstrual pain

6. Immunity

7. Mood

8. Sleep

There are many ways to incorporate roses into your self-care routine.  Here are some ideas:

1. A rose infused bath.  

2. Rose infused oil to use on your skin or in your recipes. See the instruction section for how to infuse oil.

3. Rose water toner. See the instructions section for how to infuse water.

4. Rose petal face mask. Crush roses and make them into a powder.  Add to your favorite mask ingredients like honey and yogurt or rice flour or clay.  

5. Rose scented candles

6. Rose bath bombs

7. Rose potpourri

8. Rose steam facial. See the Instructions section for how to do a steam facial.

9. Rose infused pillow mist.  Make a pillow mist by using rosewater and essential oils.

10. Rose petal foot soak.

11. Rose water rinse or spray for your hair.

12. For menstrual cramps. Try cinnamon, rose, and lavender essential oils.  In a 2013 study it was found that cinnamon and rose essential oils were helpful in decreasing pain and bleeding associated with menstruation. Give yourself an abdominal massage with essential oils in a carrier oil starting in the week prior to your period. In a bath, with warm water to help relax the muscles, mix at least 2 tablespoons of carrier oil with essential oils and a cup of Epsom salts.

read about other teas here