rosa species

There are several species of wild roses growing in our area.
The main one is a naturalized species, Multiflora Rose.
Originally planted for use as a natural fence
it quickly spread to all farms and fields.
I have seen specimens growing up into the top
of a tree, and another one engulfing an abandoned house.
These are the extremes, of course.
The Multiflora Rose bushes on our farm,
are somewhat more self-contained.
We also have the delicate pink wild Pasture Rose
in our meadows, and a few
Hybrid Tea Roses and an Apothecary Rose in our gardens.

TRADITIONAL USES
Petals and fruit from all species of Rosa are equally edible.
Petals are distilled into rose water, infused into tea (headaches),
added to salads, and candied.
Or dried for potpourris, beads & sachets.

Rose hips, the fruit of the rose bush, can be used
in jams* and for making herbal tea.
They are rich in vitamin C.
Because rose hips often hang on the bush all winter,
they are an excellent emergency survival food.
The pulpy exterior of the hips can be eaten raw.

Rose petals are strewn in the paths
of brides, and showered on honored leaders.
The flowers are given as love tokens.


A SACRED WOOD

FOLKLORE

MAGICAL PROPERTIES OF HERBS




References
Advanced Witchcraft, Edain McCoy
Blackberry Cove Herbal*, Linda Ours Rago, includes recipe
for a magical Rose Hip Marmalade
Edible Wild Plants, Lee Allen Peterson
Shamanic Journeying, Sandra Ingerman

To read this newsletter on line, with links to references,
and transcripts of trances, please
go to http://www.sevensacredwoods.com and scroll
down to the newsletter link.

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Blessed Be,
Lynn

Seven Sacred Woods
http://www.sevensacredwoods.com

© 2005 Arcadia Studios
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