Roses Of Love And Beauty

The ancient ones knew about the powerful energies of the rose. Since ancient times the rose has been used in medicines for it's beneficial properties -- it also has always been appreciated for the beautiful and romantic fragrance and sometimes intoxicating aroma.

Who can resist such a lovely, heavenly fragrance? Walk through an Old-World rose garden with someone you are attracted to and love will certainly bloom. How can it not in the presence of such beauty? Robert Burns knew well that 'love is like a red red rose'. His poem is timeless and still given or recited to a beloved today as a special gift along with a red rose, the symbol of love. The fragrance alone can sometimes turn one's thoughts to love and romantic interludes.

The rose, especially a deep red with potent fragrance, is the epitome of erotica in art, poems, and expressions of love.

When a rose has been left on it's stem on the bush a fruit-like bulb will begin to grow just under where the petals of the rose have dropped off. In fact this is called the fruit of the rose plant. These are called rose hips or rose haw. They begin to form on the stem in spring and are not fully ripe till late summer or early autumn.

Rose hips are edible and can be used to make herbal tea, jam, jelly, syrup, soup, beverages, pies, bread, wine, and marmalade. One must be careful though to follow a trusted recipe. They can be eaten like a berry if care is used to avoid the fine hairs inside the fruit. The rose hip is high in vitamin C.

Miniature roses or petals from larger roses make excellent potpourris. The more fragrant the rose, the more enjoyable the scent of the potpourri will be. I have some potpourris that are several years old and still retain their lovely fragrance.

To make a potpourri I dry rose petals, English lavender flowers and some bright green rose leaves in a basket. I make sure to gently shake the basket a few times each day until everything is very dry. Adding a little salt will help keep any moisture from ruining the mix. Sometimes I will add any available tiny white or pink flowers to brighten up the mix. Adding a little orris root powder will prolong the life of the potpourri. Orris root powder can be purchased from an herbal shop.

I place this mix, when completely dry, into a pretty glass or ceramic container that has a lid. This is when I add the orris root powder and, if needed, a drop or two of essential oil of rose or lavender. Essential oils are very potent, so use them with caution -- too much can be overwhelming.

I have a rose and lavender potpourri that is 32 years old and still has a lovely, delicate fragrance. I keep it on a table in my hallway and open the box occasionally for a few hours to let the fragrance drift about. The scent creates a very nostalgic feeling. I freshen up the scent every few years by adding a tiny drop of essential oil.

Speaking of love, the best way for a woman to give herself a gift of love is to float red rose petals in the bath water and sink into a glorious sensation of beauty. When I do this for myself, I feel so good, so romantic and loved and it calms me, soothes me. I have beautiful dreams after a rose petal bath. I sometimes even spread fresh rose petals on my bed sheet before retiring. Having the soft velvet petals touch my skin is a very sensuous and delightful way to bring on a good night -- whether alone or with a beloved.

Another excellent way to take advantage of rose petals is to fill your bathroom basin with hot water, add rose petals and English lavender flowers then put a towel over your head, bend over the basin and make a tent to trap the steam, and let the fragrance and soothing steam bathe your face in luxury. This is very good and calming for stressed skin and makes one feel like they are literally glowing with beauty and love.

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A red red rose I give to you, a token of my love

Be kind to it, let it not wilt, for it comes from my heart

The rose touches me gently, petals in the warm waters

I sink down into the fragrance, as the petals caress me

With velvety softness of deep red they gather round me

Tis but your love that ever surrounds me with your amatory embrace

Enfold me then in arms so safe and strong, gently let me sink

Into your mood, into your heart, to lie in the heavenly fragrance

Of love so divine, of petals so soft, that take me away

Take me with you to gardens of beauty beyond all senses

Let me soar and fly ever higher with this token of love

Then give to me a red red rose, from the petals of your heart
****

© Content Copyright Phyllis Doyle Burns 2012. All Rights Reserved.