Spring is here and just one of the many joys it brings is the Rose. The ever intoxicating Rose!  

Where did it originate? According to Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite created the Rose, Queen of Flowers. Although Persia, Iran, the Middle East and China all claim to be the original home of the Rose, it now grows prolifically in gardens throughout the world. 

The Rose Flower symbolically represents a universal expression of love. Many cultures spread rose petals on the bed of the bride and groom to represent good fortune in love, and that shouldn’t surprise those of us who have experienced the Rose’s aphrodisiac properties. Cleopatra, a sex symbol of Ancient Egypt in her own right, is famous her use of the Rose. It is said that she bathed in milk and rose petals and that her bedchamber was filled with roses when she seduced Mark Anthony. 

Aside from their visual beauty and romantic appeal, Roses also produce Rosewater and Rose Essential Oils. These precious substances have been used by Perfumers, Alchemists, Chemists and Physicians throughout history to treat everything from skin to the soul, although the growing and distillation process can be costly and very time consuming.

Just up the coast from where I live in Northern California, The Russian River Rose Company grows over 650 varieties of roses which they distill into floral water and oils. The Russian River Rose Company grows some of the most ancient rose varieties in their gardens, along with many of their own unique breeds. Each year, during late spring, the company hosts Rose Harvesting Parties.  Last year my niece and I attended along with a few friends. We spent the morning in the expansive, perfumed garden filling baskets with Rose blooms. It was intoxicating. After harvesting, we participated in the distillation process. We filled a big copper distillation unit with thousands of rose blooms and giddily watched as the steam infused the pedals. As the mixture cooled into Rosewater, a small amount of Essential Oil could be seen floating along the top.  

Did you know that it takes at least 50 roses to create one drop of essential oil?  This is just one reason why Rose essential oil is so expensive. Luckily, it’s also potent and a little goes a long way. 

Today, Herbalists commonly use Rose-hip teas to lift tired spirits and help patients rebound from exhaustion and stress. Rose-hip seed oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the Rose-hip, is high in fatty acids and is also used to help heal the skin after sun or radiation exposure. This oil is not very stable however, and can go rancid quickly so is best bought in small quantities and stored in a dark, cool location. 

Because Rose is also known for its anti-aging and invigorating effects, it’s often found in everything from lotions and perfumes to teas and syrups. I like to use one drop of the Essential Oil called, The Attar of Rose, for its mild sedative, anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory properties. It does wonders to lift the spirits, diminish grief and restore vital energy. 

I also commonly use another Rose Essential Oil called, Damascena. This oil blends well with almost every other essential oil. When my brother was in the hospital, I concocted a lotion blend with using this same essential oil. One of his nurses would rub it into the soles of his feet every night, and it did wonders to lift his spirits and restore energy.  My personal favorite blend is Rose and Sandalwood. Although I’ve stopped using Sandalwood since it’s become an endangered tree, I still keep a Rose Hydrosol and Sandalwood skin spray I put together many years ago in the refrigerator. Another great way to use Damascena oil is to add a single drop in a hot bath to melt away the stress.  

While I write this blog, I sip at some warm Rosewater tea. As I bring the cup to my lips, I pause to wonder which is better, the sweet aroma I am breathing in through my nose or the rich taste of each sip on my lips. It's a happy dilemma. 

The roses continue to bloom on this beautiful spring day, just as they have for thousands of years before. Somewhere, on a wall of a cathedral in Hildesheim, Germany a 700-1,000 year old Rose Bush continues to climb the ancient wall that was built as its trellis. A world away in California, I stop to smell my own garden rose. As intoxicating and enduring as ever, Queen Rose continues her rule. 

**A few words of wisdom, always use respect and caution whenever using essential oils. Seek professional guidance.  If you have animals make sure they have a way to leave the room you are using essential oils in.  Many of the essential oils humans enjoy are toxic to animals, especially cats.  Animal’s body systems are different than humans and many essential oils are highly toxic to them.    This Aromatherapy blog and information is based upon the common uses of aromatherapy.  This blog and information does not intended to be used for diagnosis or to treat any condition.  Please do not use this information as a substitute for medical advice/counseling with a health care professional.  No part of this blog article may be reproduced in whole or part without the explicit written permission of AromaticVitality and or Maggie Yule.