DIY Rose Glycerite

If you have been reading my posts for a while, you know I am an avid enthusiast of all things green!
My posts tend to focus on what's growing now, and ways we can enjoy our herbal friends in every way.
This week, my roses are at peak bounty and beauty!

I've shared about Rose Medicine, and why it's an important part of my life, and my herbal apothecary,
  with Rose Vinegar,  Rose Tincture and Rose Syrup. Another beloved way to preserve Rose's magic? Rose Glycerite. As with all of these preparations, it allows us to benefit from the uplifting soothing gifts of Rose. This is a favourite remedy for grief with a couple of additions.
Children benefit from this particular remedy as it tastes sweet and can be taken by a dropper bottle, which they love! Try this one. It's a keeper!

Rose Glycerite

It's simple to make. There are several methods. I use one of the following:

Rose Glycerite Method 1:
You will need:

Fresh Roses (un-sprayed)
Glycerine (vegetable glycerine is what I use)

Blender (or hand held blender!)
Spatula
Glass jar with good fitting lid

Pick Roses.
Remove stems so that only the blossoms remain.
Toss into a blender
Add good quality vegetable glycerine
Whirl.
Scrape down the sides with a spatula.
Whirl !!
Pour the resulting 'goodness' into a glass jar with a good lid.
Add more glycerine to ensure the entire mixture is covered, no rose fragments exposed.
Allow to mellow and infuse for a month.
Strain out the roses. Put the remaining glycerine into a dark bottle for storage.

Rose Glycerite Method 2:

You will need:

Fresh Roses (un-sprayed)
Glycerine (vegetable glycerine is what I use)
Spatula
Glass jar with good fitting lid

Pick Roses.
Remove stems so that only the blossoms remain.
Fill a jar ½ to ⅔ full with rose petals
Add good quality vegetable glycerine so that the roses are covered
I use wooden chop sticks to push the blooms down and ensure covered with the glycerine
Add a little more glycerine after all has settled, in an hour or two.
Allow to mellow and infuse for a month.
Strain out the roses. Put the remaining glycerine into a dark bottle for storage.

Note: I keep the majority of the glycerite in the fridge in an amber bottle.
I place a smaller amount into a dropper bottle.. and that is what is 'on hand' to use when needed or
when a little extra 'delight' is needed in my day.

Rose petals, and to a greater extent rose hips, are known to be high in vitamin C, and also contain vitamins A, B-3, D, and E, as well as bioflavonoids, minerals, plus malic and citric acid. Rose hips also contain pectin.

Rose medicine can be used to clear toxins and heat from the body, and relieve fluid retention or congestion. Rose creates “movement” in the body, so it can be used to help relieve heavy menstrual periods caused by uterine congestion. For this same reason, we can use Rose medicine to help when a diuretic is needed or when a laxative is indicated.
When children are over-heated in the summer, a few drops of Rose Glycerite can be a part of a healthy day right alongside extra hydration and some time in the shade!

 

 

Have a look at this ROSE book ~ truly a treasured member of my library. I contribute to these wonderful books each year. This was the International Herb Association's Herb of the Year for 2012! This comprehensive volume of 'all things rose' contains many pages of delicious recipes, as well as hints for growing, lists of varieties and thoughts about what goes best where.
This book is as delightful to read as the Roses in my garden!! (well.. Almost!! lol) 
It's available on the IHA website here.

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