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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Rose - The Multi-Tasker

The rose is one of the most popular flowers in the world and the symbol of love, passion, and tenderness. The word rose comes from Greek rodon (red) and its colour is said to have come from the blood of Adonis, the god of beauty in the Greek mythology.

Ornamental roses have been cultivated for millennia (there is evidence from 500 BC) and the birthplace of cultivated Roses was probably Northern Persia. From here they spread across Mesopotamia and Palestine to Greece and then to Southern Italy. According to Horace and Pliny, the Romans used rose blossoms lavishly during nuptial events, banquets and royal ceremonies. Roses were scattered at feasts in the paths of victors, or beneath their chariot-wheels, and adorned the prows of war-vessels.

Rose contains tannins (tonic and astringents), flavonoids (quercitrin), anthocyanins, plus a volatile and very special essential oil: to make 1 gram of it you need 2000 rose flowers.

In the past, rose infusions have been used externally to treat ulcers (vulnerary), as mouthwashes or as eye drops and internally to clear catarrh and enteritis. By infusing rose petals with honey you create “mel rosatum” (honey with rose) which can be used to treat inflamed gums in babies during teething or as a boost for the immune-system.

Rosehips contain high levels of Vitamin C, and the British Government encouraged people to make Rosehip syrup during World War II, when other sources of Vitamin C were scarce.

The fragrance of roses can help depression, insomnia, nervous tension, stress, frigidity, and headache. Applied externally, rose extract/oil is excellent for treating wrinkles, broken capillaries, mature and sensitive complexions, and for dry skin.

Finally, I believe that rose opens the heart allowing love to flow, and helps to dissolve fears, allowing you to face life with courage and positivity.

Source: Dr Mariano Spiezia

Browse the fabulous Inlight Skin Care range creted by Dr Mariano Spiezia

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