Backroads mom

Have you ever researched the healing properties of all the plants that grow naturally around you?

We live in zone 6, and around mid May all the wonderful smelling wild roses started to bloom. Taking a walk through my yard I realized what a wonderful treasure trove of natural healing properties that grew within my reach! I had been researching the act of foraging, healing herbs and flowers. Here I am just leisurely walking and I literally stopped and smelled the roses! They were very strongly scented! I was shocked! I guess I had walked past these same roses and hadn’t realized what they were. I had read about the power of roses, rose hips and rose petals making me want to take advantage of this gift. I knew I had a short window to gather and dry them for later use! I found white, and pink roses growing along side of my yard.

Scientific Name: Rosa multiflora

Wild rose oil has been used for centuries in the treatment and prevention of various diseases and disorders in folk medicine. It is believed to have antidepressant, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, probiotic, smooth muscle relaxation, lipid-lowering, and antiulcerogenic effects.

Wild Rose calms skin irritations, improves overall hydration and lessens the appearance of scars and fine lines.

Roses are packed with antioxidants to help regenerate skin tissues and delay the signs of aging. The antioxidants neutralize free radicals that quicken the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and freckles. The antioxidants in rose strengthen skin against environmental elements by creating a barrier for your skin.

Wild roses are considered invasive so they grow wild! I’m a firm believer that wild is better! Any plant that is tough enough to root itself into my landscape for me to use is a treat from Mother Nature! Side note, only forage roses where you know they haven’t been sprayed with insecticide. Avoid plants along the side of highways and country roads!

I harvested as much as possible and dried the flowers in my garage.

Once the flowers were dried I made a wild rose oil.

• Dried roses( the more potent the scent, the better)
• A mason jar
• Carrier oil of your choice (I used coconut oil and avocado oil)
• Cheese cloth for straining

Directions:

• Fill the mason jar 3/4 full with plant material.
• Then cover with carrier oils immersing dried flowers.
• Store tightly covered for 4-6 weeks in a cool dark place. Occasionally shake or stir jar contents.
• Then Strain oil from jar, using a cheese cloth. ( make sure to squeeze out all that oil) discarding plant material.

Boom wild rose oil! You can then use this oil in many Beauty products!

Check out my Rose and Geranium face cream recipe below!

DIY Wild Rose and Geranium face cream

Supplies/ingredients

• 1 cup rose infused oil
• 1 cup of shea butter
• 4 tbsp bees wax
• 10-20 drops of essential oil ( I used geranium lavender and lemon
• 5 drops Vitamin e oil
• Optional 1 tsp arrow root powder (makes cream less greasy)
• 2 ounce jars with lids or if preferred small tins.
• Double broiler

Melt or heat up your carrier oils, shea butter and wax in a mason jar over a double boiler. You can also use a small sauce pan with a few inches of water and place the jar directly in.

Once all ingredients are melted add the rose oil. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

Add in essential oils and stir.

Poor into jars and let set.

Go out and forage, you never know what might be growing in your area! Have fun!

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