If I’m being honest, industry-driven holidays aren’t exactly my thing, per se. What I DO appreciate about them though, is their ability to give us a little reminder of the sentiments behind the holiday, sans the commercial appeal. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, I like to see it as an opportunity to really be present in love- in all its forms. Being present in love may mean giving yourself a compliment upon waking, appreciating the birdsong that serenades you in the morning, finding gratitude throughout the day, or spending time with your pet, family, or other loved one(s). Love can, and does, show up in so many ways and isn’t just about romantic love or partnership.

When it comes to working and communing with plants and nature, there are many herbs that may help promote heart health and joy, though I can’t think of any more ubiquitous than the lovely rose. In fact, rose is practically the symbol of Valentine’s Day and love, with many people rushing to the closest florist or grocery to buy the standard dozen red roses.

I’ve always been fond of fresh cut roses, and their delightful aroma. I remember receiving bouquets of roses and baby’s breath at my dance recitals growing up, and how much joy and love those moments brought me. But there was also always that association with rose-scented trinkets and toiletries that reminded people of the way their grandma’s perfume or makeup smelled- and it was often a powdery, faux-flower scent that could permeate an entire room. It wasn’t really until I began studying herbalism that my appreciation for roses fully blossomed. Once I was re-introduced to this flower in a healing way, it changed everything for me. I began to notice how rose made me feel, I experienced the petals as a healing embrace and the thorns as reminders of the importance of good boundaries. I began to open my heart more and more.

On a physical level, rose is sweet, cooling, and astringent. I love to work with rose in all forms- from teas to tinctures and elixirs, infused honeys, vinegars, and most all topical applications as well. In herbal medicine, we tend to work with the petals, hips, and sometimes even the leaves of the rose plant. Each part carries a slightly different energetic and healing aspect- the flowers are gentle and heart-opening, the hips renowned for their antioxidant and Vitamin C content, and the leaves can be used similarly to raspberry leaf as an astringent and nutritive tonic.

On an energetic level, and as a flower essence, rose allows us to feel held and nurtured, to open up to softness and vulnerability, while remembering healthy boundaries {hello, thorns!}. Rose can bring relief and healing to a sad or grieving heart, and can also provide the opportunity for expansion of the emotional heart and heart chakra, inviting more qualities of compassion towards the self and others. You may consider rose in times where you crave emotional support, when you’re feeling overheated or agitated, stuck in fight-or-flight mode, or when you just really feel in need of a big, soft {botanical} hug.

My Gift to You…

In the spirit of giving and receiving love, I'm offering up this delicious recipe incorporating rose with another heart-opening and bliss-inspiring plant, the infamous cacao fruit {aka chocolate}. Yet another representative of this heart-filled holiday, cacao is full of heart-healthy antioxidants, magnesium, and a bouquet of mood-lifting compounds including theobromine, serotonin, dopamine, and anandamide- also known as “the bliss molecule”. In this heartwarming hot cocoa, I’ve combined these two plant stars with dark cherries {also known for their heart-healthy benefits}, warming + sensual vanilla bean, and circulation-enhancing sweet cinnamon. Warm your hands, heart, and soul with a big mug of this today, or any day!

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Rose Hot Cocoa

{Makes 2 servings}

• 2 cups milk of choice

• 2 Tbsp pureed cherries {fresh or frozen, pits removed}

• 1 Tbsp unsweetened cacao/cocoa powder

• 1 tsp organic rose powder*

• 1/4 tsp sweet cinnamon

• 1/8 - 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, or seeds of 1 fresh vanilla bean pod

• maple syrup or honey, to taste

• rosewater, to taste {I used about 30-40 drops}

• 3 drops wild rose flower essence {optional}

• 1-2 droppers Damiana + Rose Elixir {optional}

Bring milk to a low simmer on the stovetop. Once warm, add in pureed cherries, cacao and rose powders, and cinnamon. Allow to simmer together for about 5 minutes; avoid bringing to a boil. Remove from heat, adding in vanilla extract, rosewater, and rose elixir and essences, if desired. Sweeten with maple syrup or honey to your preferred taste. I like to use a stick blender or electric whisk to give the finished product a nice frothy feel. Garnish with rosebuds or petals for an extra love-y vibe and aesthetic. Enjoy, and relax into love.

*A note on sourcing rose powder- most roses are heavily sprayed with pesticides and fungicides unless grown using organic practices. In light of this, I only work with organic roses, or those found growing in the wild where I know no spraying has occurred. Some reputable online sources for high-quality, organic dried rose petals include Pacific Botanicals, Mountain Rose Herbs, and Starwest Botanicals.