Rose Infused Honey

for heart soothing tea, recipes or facials

Wild Nootka rose represents, beauty, love, grace and protection.

The blooming season is early summer and fills the air with a gentle sweetness that soothes the nerves and nourishes the heart. Here are some ways to gather this gift of the season to savour during the dark days when you need lightness, grace and protection.

• Gather aromatic petals and let wilt until they are half dry – usually about a day.

• Place petals in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.

• Warm honey gently on the stove top so that it is very fluid but well below boiling.

• Pour enough honey into the jar so that it completely covers the flowers. Cap tightly and place in a warm spot.

• Stir and wipe moisture off the underside of the lid every few days. This will help remove excess water from your honey.

• Strain with muslin cloth after 2-3 weeks. The pressed petals can be made into tea and drank or place in a bath for a luxurious “rose honey bath.” Store honey in a glass jar in a cool dark place. Some people like to keep it in the refrigerator but this is not necessary as long as your honey does not have too much water in it.

• Add to tea, cooking recipes, cough syrup and other creations. Rose honey makes a great balancing face wash. To use it, wet your face wet with warm water. Place about a quarter’s worth of honey in your palm. Massage into your face until it begins to get tacky. Rinse with warm water.
  (Source: Wild Foods & Medicines)

Tea

Wild rose tea clears nasal passageways, helps with allergies, reduces inflammation, tones the uterine muscles and reduces pelvic congestion that may lead to painful periods.

Flower petals and leaves can be used for tea.

Use 1 tablespoon per cup and steep for 5-10 min.

Mix rose petals with other herbs as you please. For example: mix with green tea for an energy and antioxidant boost or with raspberry leaf, rose hip and lavendar (Fall Femme tea) for calming and grounding.