Wild rose
As I mentioned earlier, this past year has been a doozy for grief. Fortunately, I was studying under a herbalist near me as we began saying goodbye to three beloved family members beginning last summer.
My teacher, Amanda Howe (huge shout out to Black Bear Herbs in Cumberland - go study with her), had us make Wild Rose infusions with honey using the abundant Wild roses we foraged from the woods around us. The petals of the Wild rose plant are supportive for both the physical and emotional heart. We were taught that the rose petals are soothing and calming for anyone suffering from grief, loss, sadness, or any other kind of broken heart.
She made us each a cup of this tea and the effect on me was immediate. Nothing had changed externally. My loved ones were not returning in physical form and yet somehow this warm mug of rose petal magic met me right there in the midst of it. Almost whispering, I know how much this hurts and I am so willing to love and support you here. I am only a boiled kettle away whenever you need me…
Totally woo woo. I know. And yet, it is true. If you do not believe me, I beg you to try it yourself and see how effective this plant is for walking with you through the sad days.
Right now (where I am) is the perfect time to begin foraging the petals. We harvest them straight into a jar and then infuse them into honey by pouring it over the petals collected. We make sure the honey covered all of the petals. I then make a tea of Lemon Balm or Mint or whatever is available and sweeten it with this Wild Rose Petal honey. So easy. So nurturing. Such a great way to access the support of Wild Rose petals long after they have finished blooming.
Here is the recipe from Black Bear Herbs:
1/2 cup of honey in a large jar
Fresh Rose petals
Warm the honey gently in a large jar. Be very careful not to boil or overheat. Take the jar of honey to the Rose bush. Carefully harvest a few roses, leaving lots for the bees and other pollinators, and leave lots for the rose hips that will form in fall. Add the roses to the warm honey and immediately put the lid on the jar. Allow to infuse for a day or two and add new rose petals as you wish.
Add a teaspoon of this honey to tea whenever you need some support or want a beautiful treat from nature.
Handle the roses with care as they bruise easily (don’t we all with matters of the heart). Be sure to approach the rose bush with respect and only take what you need. I love to bring some compost or a drink of water as an offering of thanks to the plants I harvest. This keeps me in right relationship with the plant. My intention is to always harvest and forage in a good way…
There is much to be grieved in our world at the moment. A mug of this goodness will support your heart with whatever it is you are feeling the feels about.
Plants are magic. That is what is in my mug these days…
P.S. My Nana loved roses. And tea. Just wanted you to know.
Wishing you peace and love in your mug!