Apothecary Oil: Rose Petal

ROSES: A WOMAN'S ALLY

Of all the many ways Rose brings healing, one of the most important is reminding us that softness and strength co-exist. Alongside her silky petals are Rose's sharp thorns, reminding us to keep our boundaries in tact and to balance our soft openness with a strong sense of perception and good judgement.

Power without vulnerability isn't strength. True strength always contains an element of vulnerable openness to life, to others, and to sharing our truth with the world. Likewise, softness without structure and strength will collapse under the weight of other people's demands and expectations.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Roses are excellent for inflammation of all kinds, so it could be used for anything from a sore throat to more chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Rose is an excellent cardiac— excellent for helping to tone the blood vessels and support the heart in general.
- Nutritionally, wild roses are loaded with vitamin C, K, and B-complex, carotene, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
- Wild rose hips contain vitamins A, B, D, E and C. They contain 20-60 times more vitamin C than an orange.

EMOTIONAL BENEFITS:
- Helps one embody courage and live the most sincere and vulnerable version of themselves, trusting that they are always protected.
- Encourages tenderness and compassion for yourself and others.
- Opens, cradles and nourishes the emotional heart and nervous system.
- Quiets an overactive mind and connect us to our essential nature, boosting feelings of self-worth.
- Uplifts us when our energy is depleted and we’re feeling beaten down by the daily grind
- Thorns symbolize a level of energetic protection
provide loving support during transitional or tough times

Olea europaea (Olive) oil, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) oil, Sesamum indicum (sesame) oil, Rosa hybrid (Rose) petals, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rose essential oil.

Apply as needed, to hydrate, nourish, soothe and repair skin, and to calm and comfort the nervous system, and open the heart. Body oiling: Apply to damp skin and massage in long strokes on arms and legs; in circular motion toward your heart on joints, and in broad circular motion on abdomen and chest. Allow to absorb. Store in a cool, dark place. Keeps for 12+ months with proper storage. Do not ingest. Discontinue use if reaction occurs.

Herbal body oiling is a simple yet powerful ritual of care—one you can feel almost immediately. Through self-massage, these plant-infused oils sink deeply into the tissues, nourishing the nervous, lymphatic, and immune systems. When the skin is well-hydrated, these systems remain resilient and supported.

BENEFITS OF BODY OILING:
- improved musculoskeletal and nervous system health
- softer, stronger, and healthier skin
- relaxed muscles and pain relief
- improved quality of sleep
- increased mobility
- stimulates internal organs
- lubricates joints, tones tissues, and strengthens limbs
- improved circulation and lymph drainage
- clearer thinking
- increased energy and stamina
- a well nourished whole body

HOW TO PERFORM SELF MASSAGE:

Perform this ritualin the morning for a day of vigor and increased energy; or before bed, for a more restful sleep.

Heat oil by placing the jar in a pan of hot water, until it is a pleasant temperature for you.

Sit quietly and slow your breathing. Applying the oil, generously to your body, working your way down:

- Crown of your head: work outward in a circular motion. spend some time here, to focus on your vital energy

- Face: upward, circular motion on forehead, temples, cheeks, jaw, ears

- Limbs (arms and legs): long, circular strokes, toward your heart

- Joints (elbows and knees): circular motion toward your heart

- Abdomen & chest: broad, clockwise, circular motion. On the abdomen, follow the path of the large intestine by moving up on the right side of the abdomen, then across, and down on the left side

- Feet: spend a few minutes here, there are many nerve endings

Leave oil on to penetrate for 5-15 minutes. Take a hot shower or bath to help expand the pores, so the oil is absorbed even more. Avoid vigorous application of soap. It’s okay to leave some of the oil on.

Gently pat yourself dry.