05/28/2018
Roses...
To pick a rose is a reverent act—and sometimes a precise one. The essential oils present in rose petals are most highly concentrated during the morning of the day when a rose first blooms, and sometimes the day prior. These oils deteriorate rapidly under a hot sun or drenching rain, so timing is of the essence. Roses that are grown for distillation and perfumery are traditionally gathered by hand, each and every day, just after sunrise. You’ll likely be freer with your roses, and gather them when you have a spare moment or as the whim strikes. However, do collect roses on a dry, sunny day and seek out the freshest, most fragrant flowers, forgoing those that have begun to wilt.
Take care to gather flowers only from organic rose bushes or those that are growing wild in clean locales, as roses are one of the most heavily sprayed plants in gardens and commercial farms alike. Along these lines, absolutely avoid using bouquet roses from florists as food or medicine. If you’re sure your rose is pristine, both rosebuds and rose petals can be harvested and used interchangeably.
🌹 This is a wee excerpt from our Online Herbal Immersion. Come join us in learning how to grow, gather, and make medicine from our most beloved herbs. (We also share all of our favorite recipes)! For details: www.chestnutherbs.com/immersion
Photo © Juliet Blankespoor
*Please research any new herb and consult your health care providers for possible drug/herb contraindications and precautions before ingesting. Be sure of your identification before ingesting any plant or mushroom.
