Did you know that the Ayurvedic name for the rose is shatapatri, meaning “a hundred petals,” and the Latin name also means “a hundred petals?”
Even the name is poetic. Roses for writers can symbolize beauty, celebration, death and even emotions such as love. I have always felt like it is basically the queen of all flowers.
So I bought myself these roses today in an act of self love, as I step into my own power as a creative, into my craft of writing. And to just honor the beauty of being a woman.
On International Women’s Day, I thought about this flower and how strong and graceful it is both at once. The rich beauty of color, fragrance and intricate design, yet the thorns that protect and allow for her to thrive in the vastness of nature.
I also shared roses with the girlfriends that I walk with every week. It felt so good to honor these amazing women and their stories, paths, strengths and beauty like the rose. Women have been gathering for centuries and in the recent Blue Zone series on Netflix, I saw how female centenarians in Okinawa, Japan walk together daily, contributing to their longevity.
Today, I wanted to share a simple recipe for rose spray to make for yourself or a girlfriend for when you need a refresh to your day. In Ayurvedic medicine, rose helps skin radiate as an inner glow and is said to enhance all seven dhatus, the body tissues.
A few sprays of organic rose water is refreshing and makes for a great facial toner. I personally love this easy method I discovered years ago.
What you need:
- 2 cups red or pink fresh organic rose petals
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1 large pan (with a glass lid)
- 2 glass bowls
- A Bag of ice
- Sterile glass bottle for storage
Method:
- Separate all the petal and gentle wash in cold water so they are clean
- Place a bowl upside down in the middle of the pan
- Place all the petals and water around the bowl and then place the second bowl facing up on top of the first bowl
- Cover the pan with the lid upside down and bring the water to a gentle simmer
- Place a bag of ice on top of the lid
- The steam water will collect in the bowl.
- Continue the process until the petals have gone limp and lost all their colour
- You can life the lid and allow the water to accumulate
- Cools the water and store in your bottle (keep in a cool place like the refrigerator)
Another great use of any leftover rose petals to add them to your bath (my favorite!) and allow the fragrance to calm your mind especially if you are in need of channeling your clear creative energy.
Ingesting rose as a tea opens the heart.
You can also purchase rose tea or make your own: To prepare, gently pour 8oz of almost boiled water over 1-2 tsp. of dried rose petals. Cover & steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain petals from tea & allow to cool slightly. I like to have some rose tea when I am writing something heartfelt and also enjoy it alongside a friend or soul sister 😉