LOVE & HEALING
It’s No Coincidence That The Humble Rose is the Star of Valentine’s Day
Ever wondered why this gentle and unassuming flower became the gift of the heart?
As we approach Valentine’s Day, and single red roses, or whole bunches of the blessed flowers, will be gifted in the millions, it’s time to give this humble blossom its well-deserved moment in the limelight.
It’s no accident that roses are the flower of choice to express love. Beautiful as they are, it’s not merely the beauty, nor the pleasant scent that renders the rose an expression of love, care and connection. The rose’s reputation goes back centuries, and we can find evidence of her powers in mythology and herbal medicine knowledge from West to East.
The emotional healing power of roses
Many spiritual and medicinal traditions quote the power of the humble rose for its abilities to lift the spirits. The aroma instantly calms the nerves and soothes worries.
The nervous system is always dominated by our centre, our heart, and the rose is said to connect us directly to our heart awareness as soon as we inhale its beautiful scent. It can help us to feel a sense of clarity emerge, just by smelling it, and immediately the weight of our worries starts to dissipate.
It is for this reason that roses and the essential oil made from them is commonly used to treat depression. In Chinese medicine, roses are seen as a form of “Qi”, the vital energy that pulses through our vast energy systems.
The physical healing power of roses
Eat them, drink infusions made from them, or smother your skin with their petals. Whatever you choose, your body will thank you for it.
Nutritionally, they are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, therefore serving as a powerful boost for the immune system. They also are known for their anti-inflammatory qualities. When ingested, they can help to alleviate arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions. And when used topically, they can hydrate and soothe sensitive skin.
The beauty of the rose is infectious
There’s a reason why a rose’s beauty is celebrated, and why the softness of their petals feels comforting to touch.
The humble rose transfers its beauty to anything it touches. Using the petals as a compress or a mask, they will tone, soften, hydrate, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The compounds in roses rejuvenate the skin to appear brighter and more youthful.
Combine the effects of this with the mental and emotional lift on a person’s psyche, and the impact can be profound.
The heart and the rose
The connection between the humble rose and the heart has long been documented in literature and legend, not to mention early scientific documents from the East. According to many early texts, the rose was a symbol of purity and divine status in the early Muslim societies, and something that all aspired to. Yet way before that, there is evidence that roses were cherished in Ancient Egypt, and Cleopatra always appeared adorned with roses, determined to be always associated with their scent.
Ancient Greek mythology tells us that the rose was invented by the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love. They apparently grew from a combination of her tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis. Blood from the heart and tears induced by love, they became a symbol of the heart’s greatest achievement — love.
This connection with the heart is what inspires the gesture of romantic love on days such as Valentine’s Day. But the connection that grows in the heart as a result of smelling the divine smell of the rose goes far deeper than romantic gestures.
When grief has rendered a heart broken, and a person has lost that sense of joy that the heart can bring, the scent of the rose can instantly open up the channels of connection between the mind, the emotions, and the heart centre, giving way to a reconnection with the self, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of inner strength and joy.
There’s no such thing as an “overdone” gesture when it comes to roses
The moment we draw in the powerful and soothing scent of the rose, every nerve ending, whether physical, emotional or spiritual, is stimulated. Such is the impact of the gentle, humble rose.
So if you ever think that gifting a rose to a loved one is cheesy or overdone, think again. Far from being so, it is the simplest yet most powerful gesture of love you can give anyone whose heart centre you wish to touch and uplift in any way whatsoever.
And that includes yourself. So if you’re ever at a loss for some worthwhile self-love and self-care, go and soak in a hot bath of dried rose petals, crush a few fresh petals and smear them on your face, and place a drop of rose essential oil on your clothing so that the scent is forever surrounding you.
Of course, Valentine’s Day can prove overwhelming when you get too much attention from admirers. Here’s some useful advice I shared last Valentine’s Day when such things occur:
And when it comes to suddenly having your own mortality looking straight back at you, that’s often the point at which self-care becomes non-negotiable, as Nina Sklansky discovered:
