|
Herb and Vegetable Gardens
Most people think of landscaping as rocks carefully placed, manicured lawns, and large trees scattered about a property. However, a garden can make a very attractive addition to any landscape. Whether it is an herb garden or whether it is a vegetable garden,...
Some Thoughts On Planting Roses
Although all kinds of gardening is my passion in life, nothing
but nothing gives me greater pleasure than my beautiful rose
garden. They are just so stunning, and I do really love the
colors and the amazing varieties which are available.
To get the...
How to Grow Wildflowers
In the past few years I've read about and have seen more interest in wildflowers, so I figure it's about time I jump in and add my two cents. I have watched in despair as...
|
|
Not Your Grandma's Heirlooms: Three Things to Know about Heirloom Roses
What exactly are heirloom roses? Heirloom roses (also called old or antique) are all the types of roses that were in existence prior to 1867 when the first hybrid tea rose was introduced in France. The heirloom roses became less popular with gardeners...
Water Ways - Picking the Best Time to Water your Roses
Think a quick spray with the hose is enough to keep your roses lovely and blooming? Think again. How, and when, you decide to water your roses is one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of basic rose care. Here are a few tips and guidelines...
Flower Meanings & History of Flowers
Flower Meanings & History The charming and delicate beauty of flowers has fascinated people of all nations and backgrounds for centuries. Flowers have been bred and cultivated for their decorative beauty as well as their ability to heal diseases. Flowers are...
|
|
Petal Power - Five Uses for Rose Petals
It might surprise you to find out that rose petals can be used for a variety of different purposes. Some uses have a common everyday application, such as beautifying our gardens and walkways, while other uses are more unusual, such as using them for therapy and cooking. Rose lovers it seems just crave to invent and reinvent new ways to use their favorite flower. If you're in love with the rose and its sweet smell, then you'll love the neat uses that are listed below. By using your imagination you just might come up with some more unique ways to bring the smell of the rose into your life. Be creative and have some fun because the rose has a way of making you feel happy just by its very presence.
So, how can you use the rose and its petals besides placing them into a vase?
There are many ways, but look at a few popular categories that people use the rose for in their lives.
Celebrations
Personal Therapy
Cooking
Medicinal
Cosmetic
The list is endless on how to use rose petals for each of these categories. However, when considering the use of roses in celebrations one particular idea comes to mind - weddings. Nowhere has the rose been used to such an extent as in the wedding. Its application has now replaced many of the standard traditions of the US wedding. For example, the rice that was once thrown at the end as the happy couple was leaving to go on the honeymoon, has now been replaced by rose petals. Rose petals are used by flower girls too, and imitation petals are a hot item. They can be wrapped in netting, and given at the reception as mementoes for the wedding guests.
Personal therapy is another area that is not just a hip '60s idea. It gained popularity as aromatherapy in the '80s, and has grown ever since. Relaxing therapy with rose smells are used in candles, lotions, bath oils and perfume too. Professionals in spas that do message therapy
are requested quite often to bathe the customer down in the relaxing scent of the rose petal. For home use the rose is the top rated smell that is bought in air fresheners, candles, or for any other type of home freshener device.
More and more people are using the rose petal in cooking. The Native Americans used dried rose petals in their cooking for its unique flavor and aroma. It seems we're returning to their enlightened way of cooking too. From rose hips, or the dried seeds of roses, a highly flavored tea is a good way to end or begin a day. Some types of rose petals can be added to foods that will increase its flavor too. There are a lot of different dishes that can be created with the rose petal scent. Delicious foods can be eaten, such as apple sauce, breads and cakes, jelly, or soup!
Medicinal uses for rose petals might shock you. The rose scent is used, and has been used in pill making for centuries. It seems medicine is much easier to swallow when the lovely rose petal is ground in it. Herbal teas for colds and other types of infections also have a curative affect too. Certain types of rose petals, especially those that grow with a berry attached with them have been used by the Native Americans too. Their curative properties are high in vitamin C.
Finally rose petals are used in the way we make ourselves beautiful. Rose petals can make your skin glow with health. It reinvigorates dry, patchy skin and leaves emollients on the skin that moisturizes and balances skin tone. Also, combined with other types of flower extractions it acts as a good balancing agent as an astringent for cleaning the skin.
As you can see the use of rose petals for the body, mind, and spirit is plentiful. The rose is not just a rose, but a flower with many varied uses, and it just happens to be beautiful and a very sweet smelling flower that you can enjoy by just gazing on its elegance, and smelling its sweet savor.
|
