Roses: The Beloved Herb
By Brenda Hyde
Roses are not only beautiful, but they are a soothing,
fragrant herb that we can use in recipes, both culinary
and cosmetic. Always make sure you are using an
organic, unsprayed or treated rose in your recipes. If
you don't grow your own, buy the petals, buds or hips
from a reliable source.
You can mix dried rose petals in with other herbs or
black teas for a lovely tea. Add them to your bath teas
as well, or your recipes for bath salts. The following
recipes will also give you ideas for using roses.
Rose Toner
Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups witch hazel
1/2 cup dried rose petals
5 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Mix ingredients together and blend well. Refrigerate for several
hours or overnight and strain. Use to splash on face, or gently
put it on with a cotton ball. Keep chilled. Lasts for one week.
Rose Petal Tea
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups fresh rose petals
3 cups water
honey or rose sugar to sweeten
Remove the petals from the flower under cool running water.
Place the petals in a non-aluminum saucepan. Cover with the
water and boil gently for 5 minutes, or until the petals lose color.
Strain into tea cups and add honey or sugar to taste. Serves 4.
Rose Petal Sugar
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups fresh rose petals, minced
Combine the sugar and rose petals in a mortar and pestle
and pound the roses into the sugar. Place in a covered jar
for one week about a week, then sift the rose petals out.
Keep in an airtight container.
Rose Tea
Ingredients:
1/2 cup tightly packed rose petals
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 orange, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 quart boiling water
Place the rose petals, nutmeg, sugar, and chopped orange into a pitcher.
Pour boiling water over petals and steep for 5 minutes. Strain. Serve
hot or cold.
Oatmeal Rose and Honey Facial
Ingredients:
1/8 cup rose petals, minced
1/3 cup oatmeal, finely ground
4 tsp. honey
1 tsp. rose water or 2-3 drops rose essential oil
Mix together rose petals, oatmeal and honey until will mixed. Blend in 1
teaspoon of rose water or oils. Apply to your face after washing and allow
it to stay on your skin for a 1/2 hour. Rinse your face with warm water.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three living in the Midwest
United States. She is also editor of OldFashionedLiving.com.
Rose Resources:
Dried rose petals, buds and hips
Honey Perfume Rose (Above)
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