Roses are mostly known these days as a symbol of beauty and romance but they have been used for thousands of years around the world in many different ways. In Ayurveda, roses are said to not only uplift the spirit but to reduce inflammation, act as an aphrodisiac, benefit skin, menstruation, liver, spleen, kidneys and eyesight as well as slow the aging process. With its cooling nature, we can use roses both internally and externally to calm our mind, body and soul. This is especially recommended in the early fall season as pitta is at it’s highest in the atmosphere. 


3 Ways to Keep Cool w/ Roses 


Rose Lassi

Ingredients:

½ cup whole milk yogurt

2 cups of water (previously boiled and brought back to room temperature)

1 tablespoon rose water

3 tablespoons sucanat, turbinado or other raw sugar

pinch of cardamom (optional)

1. Hand whisk/churn yogurt with a molinillo (Or use a blender / immersion blender)
   
2. Add water to yogurt
   
3. Add rest of ingredients
   
4. Churn until frothy
   

Calming Rose Facial Mask

Ingredients:

3 dried rose buds

½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds

¼  teaspoon turmeric

2 tablespoons besan / chickpea flour

Milk

Rose water (optional)

1.  Grind the rose buds & fenugreek seeds to a fine powder
   
2.  Mix in turmeric & chickpea flour
   
3.  Add milk and/or rose water to make a smooth paste
   
4.  Apply on face for 10-15 min 
   
5. Rinse off with tepid water 
   

Rose Pudding

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk or coconut milk

1 cup water

6 tablespoons kudzu root starch powder

⅓ cup sucanat, turbinado, rapadura or coconut sugar

¼ teaspoon cardamom powder

½ teaspoon rose powder

¼ teaspoon vanilla powder

2 teaspoons rose water

1 tablespoon lightly toasted shredded coconut (optional)

1. Mix dry ingredients in saucepan
   
2. Add milk, sugar and mix again 
   
3. Heat over medium heat for 5-10 min while stirring constantly
   
4. Turn off heat when reached desired thickness
   
5. Mix in Rose water and toasted coconut
   
6. Serve and eat warm 
   

Many of us are on a budget these days, but that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice taking care of our skin. Using simple ingredients found in your kitchen and/or local grocery store, this inexpensive mask only takes minutes to whip up.  Since I started using this mask once per week over the past year, I have noticed that the redness in my skin has reduced, and I have a more noticeable glow. I created this recipe using my knowledge of Ayurvedic principles based off of a recipe handed down to me from my teachers ancient lineage. 

Ingredients- (Will make enough for 2 people)
2 Tablespoons Chick Pea Flour
1/4 Tablespoon Turmeric Powder
1/4 Tablespoon Sandalwood Powder
1    Tablespoon Rose Water
Purified water as needed. 

Directions- Mix all dry ingredients in a small bowl. Add rose water. Mix well. Then add purified water slowly mixing it in until you have the consistency of a thick smooth mustard.

Apply to freshly cleansed skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a fresh towel. 

Notice the difference in your skin tone and texture after applying this mask! Please share this with your friends who might be interested in making their own skincare products! 

Shared with love from Britt, just your local Ayurveda nerd.