The O-town Scene

Rose has always been a sym- bol of love, with its healing quali- ties imbued in all its remarkable forms. I found a book by Almira H. Lincoln in an old Cobleskill bookstore some years ago that has a section on the "Languages of Flowers." Published in 1829, "Familiar Lectures on Botany" includes auite a dedicated seg- ment on roses, and goes on to decipher all the various rose parts and species with their meaning: Rose Bud – Confession. Thou hast stolen my affections. Rose, Burgundy – Modesty and innocence united to beauty. Rose, Damask – Sweeter than the op'ning rose. Rose, Red – The blush of mod- esty is lovely. Rose, Moss – Superior merit. Rose, White – Let me be, in maiden meditation, fancy free. Rose White, withered – Emblem of my heart. Withered like your love. Rose, wild – Simplicity; Let not your unsophisticated heart, be corrupted by the intercourse with the world. Rose cinnamon – Without pretension. Such as I am, receive me. A rosewater (aka a hydrosol or distillate water) is a water-based cold infusion of rose petals. My favorite rose species to use for this is the rugosa rose, due to its intense fragrance. Be it an es- sential oil, cream, steam-distilled rose or a sun-infused water, rose has the following properties: • useful for all skin types • regulates sebum (oil) produc- tion in the skin • treats many types of ailments, from dry skin to eczema, psoria- sis, rashes, sunburns, etc. • increases blood flow to the surface of skin, which assists our skin cells to renew and heal • restores skin surface acid- base (pH) balance • reduces skin redness • has a calming and heart- opening scent. Essential oils have further properties to alleviate anger, soothe anxiety, promote empa- thy, combat fear and sleepless- ness, soften the emotions and enhance sensuality. To make a wild rose water to use as a skin toner and facial freshener that will double as any of the above feel good actions, all you need is the following: 1 quart Ball mason jar, cleaned well 3 cups distilled water 2 handfuls rose petals ½ cup alcohol (high proof) Fill mason jar with 3 cups distilled water. Place rose petals deep in the water and mix well. Put cover on jar and place in sun for two to three days. Remove petals, add alcohol, shake well and enjoy. Place some in a spray bottle to spray on face after washing face and before moisturizing or after shav- ing. This can also be used as a room freshener, or to spark an intimate moment. Rose water will last for one year stored in a dark, cool place, or in the refrigerator, for two years. To share your thoughts or recipe ideas with Marguerite Uhlmann- Bower, email her at 3moonsisters @gmail.com. Fall In Love With Wild Rose Water 4 O-Town Scene July 10, 2014

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