Stop and Smell the Roses

When I went outside this morning (to see if Spring had returned after the rain over the weekend!) I was met by this glorious red rose still wet with rain drops. And with a heavenly smell to match. I am very pleased with this picture I took with my Blackberry phone. They say the best  camera is the one that you have.

There is a certain mystery about roses which dates back thousands of years. Roses have been found in Egyptian tombs where there is evidence of its use in religious ceremonies. The Romans started the custom of scattering rose petals on the bridal bed to ensure a happy marriage, and hung roses from the ceilings during banquets to protect themselves from drunkenness.

Sometime around the 10th century, a Persian called Avicenna, first distilled essential oil from the rose. Only a small amount of oil can be extracted from the petals which have to be hand-picked during a very short period when the plant blooms, leading to the high cost of pure rose oil.  Four kilograms of petals are needed for just one gram of oil!

In Aromatherapy, rose oil is traditionally recommended during childbirth, to balance the hormones during menopause, as a skin tonic (for eczema or aging skin) and can also be used for stress and anxiety. It can be nurturing and balancing and deeply relaxing. 

Bulgaria and Turkey produce the best quality oil which has a geranium-like scent whereas the oil from Egypt and Morocco smells more like the flower itself, but has a different chemical composition. Rose essence is also widely used in the perfume and cosmetic industry as well as in food flavouring. And what can be more elegant than a simple chocolate cake decorated with rose petals? 

Take time to stop and smell the roses...