Red, Red Rose – the symbol of romance, of beauty and of love. Romance – the allure of a loved one preparing a romantic night on a bed strewn with rose petals, or a warm bath with rose petals floating sensuously. The natural beauty of the aromas of roses has been incorporated into the world’s best perfumes for generations.
Greek mythology gives us the story of the creation of the rose. The Goddess of Flowers (Chloris) transformed a lifeless nymph into a flower, with the help of the other gods. Beauty came from Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. The scent of sweetness was the blessing of Dionysus, God of Wine. From the Three Graces – Aglaia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer) – came joy, charm, and brightness. The West Wind in the form of Zephyr breathed the clouds away and life into her as Apollo, God of the Sun, allowed the sun to shine on the flower and make her bloom as the Queen of all the Flowers.
For all of us naturally beautiful women (and you men, too!), the rose is an ingredient we can really enjoy for natural skin care and for natural health. Rose essential oil is extracted from the flower head of the plant. Aromatherapy (see A is for Aromatherapy – More than a Pretty Smell) guides us to the head of a plant when we are looking for remedies for the emotions and the nervous system. Roses are especially important in stress relief and relaxation.
For skin care, rose oil is used best topically. Add about 8 drops of rose essential oil (the best comes from Bulgaria) to each 10 ml of carrier oil (I like jojoba or sweet almond oils) to make a nourishing, moisturizing and beautifying treatment for the skin.
Rosewater is effective for eye infections. Ice creams from the Middle East are prepared with rosewater. Rose hips are powerfully filled with Vitamin C. Rose is a scent associated with women and femininity and so it follows that symptoms experienced by women like PMS or post menopausal distress will be helped by roses and rose oil. Rose aroma is uplifting and can be used to balance the emotions and enhance self-esteem.
For pampering yourself or romancing a loved one, nothing does the trick like soaking in a bathtub filled with warm water and rose petals. Sprinkle a tub-full of water with your (pesticide free please!) rose petals and lie back on a pillow as you breathe in the aromatherapeutic magic of love and relaxation. For a little sensuality and romance you can add a half cup of coconut milk like Cleopatra’s famous milk baths.
And roses just smell good so they will make you feel good. What could be better for a Naturally Beautiful Women!
