A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Blog. It’s been a long and difficult year, yet here we are on the brink of another summer and diving into the warm days of June.
Not only does the month of June signal the arrival of summer, but it’s also National Rose Month. Accordingly, this Blog is devoted to the rose, its significance in cultural history, and its amazing health benefits for flower lovers everywhere.
Of all the garden-variety flowers, the rose holds a special place in everyone’s heart. Of course, it has always symbolized love, cheer and affection toward others and is often the flower of choice for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.
Yet the rose also holds a special place in history where it has been a symbol of hope, perseverance, and victory in wartime. In fact, in America a portion of the White House property was transformed into a rose garden in honor of this flower. In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan named the rose the national flower of America, and it remains the state flower in five states today.
But what we really want to explore today are the health benefits of the rose, because a rose really is more than just a pretty face.
IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
Whether one is male or female, a flower can spark happiness. Roses increase feelings of positivity and wellbeing. A bouquet can boost brain activity helping people to think more creatively and to be more productive. A few roses with their beautiful aroma can improve our mood, relieve stress and transform a chaotic environment into one of peaceful retreat. Roses are indeed the original aromatherapy treatment.
REDUCE INSOMNIA
Roses can help us get a good night’s sleep. When placed on the bedside table, they create a quiet and sublime space so important to getting some ZZZZs. They can reduce hypertension and headaches, which also contribute to insomnia. And their fragrant scent adds a touch of tranquility to our space, which relaxes the body and clears the mind. The result is a perfect environment for relaxing and getting our recommended 8 hours of shut-eye a day.
AID MEMORY
The sense of smell is an important facet of our human psychology. Our sense of smell triggers our memory even more than our sense of sight or sound. In fact, a recent study revealed that our sense of smell is linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Using different scents, one suffering from Alzheimer’s can actually improve her or his memory, while other scents can be used to reveal signs of the disease. The scent of a flower can tap into one’s memory faster than just about anything else. So, the next time you smell a rose, see where the scent takes you and what memories it triggers.
IMPROVE THE HEALING PROCESS
There’s a reason people send flowers to someone who’s sick. A bouquet of roses in a hospital room fills the space with color and mood heightening aroma. Flowers indicate that another person cares and is sending love and good wishes. This alone improves the psychology of the patient by nurturing a positive outlook and emotional stability, both of which are instrumental in the healing process.
ADD SIZZLE TO A RELATIONSHIP
It’s tradition to exchange flowers on special occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and dates are the perfect time to show another how you feel about them. Even a single rose communicates to another that they are loved and cherished. Those on the receiving end feel more compassionate, relaxed and loving. Moreover, a gift of roses can make a person see their partner as more desirable and attractive. Flowers have always been a part of the dating game, and none is more persuasive or popular than the rose.
PURIFY OUR AIR
Plants help clean indoor air by absorbing airborne toxins like formaldehyde. Similarly, flowers also help purify the air by neutralizing toxins and adding a fresh, sweet aroma to the atmosphere. A rose or two will go a long way in keeping our indoor space clear of harmful compounds and fresh-smelling for days.
What’s more, roses are edible! The extract of a rose contains flavonoids, which can fight depression. Rose oil is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and can be sued to treat nausea, ulcers and urinary infections. Rose hip tea can reduce the symptoms of bronchial infections and sore throats, and rose water can help relieve constipation and aid digestion.
Finally, roses come in a variety of colors, all of which have their own healthy benefits. Red roses have a positive effect on the immune system, and increase energy while reducing fatigue. Pink is similar to red in that it stimulates energy and fights depression. Orange increases one’s sense of wellbeing and optimism. And yellow stimulates brain functioning, memory, and the nervous system.
But, don’t wait for a special occasion. Send some roses to someone you care about today. No matter who they are, a bouquet will make them feel better, more positive, and loved. After all, it’s National Rose Month.
Thanks for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay safe, stay in Good Health and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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