Roses

Roses bloom in the Spring and Summer. As well as looking and smelling amazing rose petals are safe to use both internally and externally on the body. When harvesting roses look for fresh, aromatic blossoms whenever possible. Please only harvest roses (and rosehips) that have not been treated with chemicals and wash before use.

For your skin - Rose is an excellent toner, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts. Rose is a powerful antioxidant, this can help protect skin cells from damage, such as from staying out in the sun too long. The calming properties of roses can also help soothe rosacea and eczema. Keep rosewater in a spray bottle in the fridge over Summer to reduce redness, cool and soothe the skin. Add dried rose petals to bath salt recipes, or the fresh petals can be added to your bathwater for some bathtime luxury.

For your hair - Rosewater has nourishing and moisturizing properties which help improve dry itchy scalp, promote hair growth, thickness, shine and the overall health of hair. Rosewater is slightly acidic which makes it pH-friendly to hair strands, this contributes to moisture retention. which is especially beneficial for dreads and natural curls prone to dryness and hair fall (like my hair!).

The aroma of roses is good for mental health - Rose is a mood enhancer. The smell of roses can help to relieve anxiety and depression, as well as promote restful sleep. Drink rose as herbal tea, smoke the dried leaves, use the essential oil or simply put some fresh roses in your living space, to help lift the mood of yourself or your loved ones.

Rosehips

Rosehips are the fruit of the roses, they are red and orange in colour and oval in shape. Rosehips appear after the flower has fallen from the plant and the temperature begins to cool down. Rosehips get sweeter as they age (from the first frost of the season), and the dark red and wrinkled ones are still good! Harvested rosehips can be used fresh, kept frozen, or dried in a dehydrator. Fresh rosehips have more vitamin C than citrus fruits! However, a lot of the vitamin C is lost during dehydration so opt for fresh rosehips if possible.

For your skin - Rosehips are rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce wrinkles, heal burns and scars, leaving skin looking vibrant clear and healthy. To find out how to make your own rosehip infused oil check out the video on Sixth House Tiktok.

Supports your health and immune system - Rosehips are high in vitamin c and have good levels of iron. They also contain vitamin E and vitamin B1 and B6 and 23 minerals including phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. These healing properties can boost the immune system during cold and flu season which is why they appear at the beginning of Autumn - isn’t nature clever?!

May reduce inflammation and pain - Rosehips contain anthocyanins and polyphenols which are all helpful in reducing joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.

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