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I thought it would be nice to discuss a couple of herbs that are known more for their sensual qualities rather than their medicinal properties. With the party season upon us what better preparation for a night out than a long sensuous bath to make us feel and look glowing and pampered. |
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Rosa SpeciesWith their bittersweet mix of sharp thorns and delicate blooms, the rose has always been associated with love, beauty, and romance. Think of sleeping beauty's prince who had to battle through the thorn forest to reach his sweetheart There are over 10,000 cultivated species of Rose, a figure which increases each year. Colours and styles vary enormously, but what is interesting to note is that there are only three noted aromas of rose, these being Damask (damascena), Tea Rose (Indica), and Cabbage Rose (centifolia) All of these scents have been used throughout the world in perfumery, and of course still are, and there is so much folklore and tradition relating to Rose. In Ancient Greece Aphrodite was said to have trod on a white damask rose cutting her foot on a thorn, her blood dyed the rose red creating the first red rose In Islam the red Rose symbolises the blood of Mohammed and is therefore a flower associated with martyrs In ancient Rome, flowers were strewn across the floors during feasts and rose petals were added to wine to prevent drunkenness. They also made sweet pastilles out of rose oil to freshen the breath and ladies rubbed rose oil on their lips, eyelids and cheeks in the pursuit of beauty. In fact, according to Pliny (very famous herbalist of old), the Romans listed at least 32 uses for Rose As mentioned before, Rose is best known for its perfume used extensively in beauty products and perfumes; it does also possess some medicinal properties During the Second World War, rose hips were gathered and made into syrups for children in order to strengthen their immune systems and ward off coughs and colds. Medicines were rationed at this time and alternatives were regularly sought out and applied It is interesting to note that rose hips contain one of the most abundant sources of vitamin C found in the plant kingdom, alongside this Vitamins A, B and K can also be found Both the leaves and petals of the Rose are very cooling to the system and are excellent as a tea or tincture for fevers, coughs and colds and for strengthening the immune system. They are also diuretic making them useful for kidney problems and as a liver cleanser Rose contain high levels of tannins which make them very astringent, this means that they staunch bleeding (ulcers) and help with heavy menstrual flow. This astringent property also helps with diarrhoea, phlegm and other exudative conditions Externally rose crème is very soothing on sore dry skin, it protects against the elements and makes a wonderful body and face crème for winter. Rose water is both cleansing and toning, it reduces the redness and inflammation seen in acne and other similar problems and can also be used as a mouthwash Introducing rose products to one's beauty regime benefits all skin types and ages as well as giving a feeling of luxury Oil of rose has found use in emotional problems, either by applying to the wrists and temples or by using it in an oil burner (Pure rose oil is extremely expensive so it is often sold blended with other oils). It is very effective against feelings of anxiety and depression, so next time you run a bath, make like the ancient queens of Egypt and ladies of Rome and ad some rose oil for beautiful skin and a happy calm mind | |||||||||||||||
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Lavandula officinalisLavender is one of the best loved scented herbs. Its name is derived from the Latin 'lavare' which means 'to wash'. Used in the bath, it has a restorative effect on the body and mind; the soothing oils are beneficial to sore skin problems, especially burns Lavender has an antidepressant effect and promotes restful sleep. A Lavender bath or Lavender drops on the pillow are a must for insomniacs. Another notable effect is the relief of headache and nervous exhaustion, here the oil can be applied to the temples or used as an inhalant, and the flowering tops make a lovely tea The Romans added Lavender to their baths and also to perfume their linen, a practice still employed by people throughout the world today, especially as it is a good preventative against moths Just like Rose, lavender was employed during the war as an additive to wound swabs for soldiers. As well as being strongly antiseptic, Lavender oil has the ability to stimulate tissue repair and minimize scarring, it is also active against many strains of bacteria, notably pneumococcus and streptococcus Today Lavender is common in the medicine cabinets of French households where it is used as a domestic remedy for bruises, sprains, bites etc. The oil is used in veterinary practice today to treat lice and other parasites. In fact the soothing properties of Lavender have even been employed at zoos where Lions and Tigers became more docile under its influence A good old English recipe exists for Lavender conserve, this was placed on tables to ad to food to prevent indigestion Lavender flowers were also commonly soaked in Brandy or Gin for giddiness and faintness (this was actually bottled and inhaled as opposed to drunk) Its antiseptic properties have always been known, in times of plague the dried plants were strewn about the floors of houses and churches Today herbalists use lavender internally for colds, catarrh and chest infections and nervous conditions - Lavender is poisonous in high doses and should be used with care, always consult a herbalist As discussed before, Lavender is wonderful as a crème for infective skin problems and burns and for cuts, bites and stings These two lovely plants are a must for the winter season. Bath in them, use the in pot pouries and oil burners and make use of their health giving benefits by enjoying them as delicious teas | |||||||||||||||
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I wish you all a very happy and healthy festive season and will return in January to talk about detoxing our systems, until then indulge and enjoy! | |||||||||||||||
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See you next month. With Love | |||||||||||||||
