Rose is lauded for its beauty and light, sensuous aroma. No wonder it has a long tradition of symbolism in love, beauty, war and politics. In beauty, rose water and other rose-infused products promise Cleopatra-like results, and they deliver. Now, rose can forever be part of your cleansing routine. This rose Epsom salt bath recipe brings a sophisticated, spa-like twist to your otherwise simple bath time ritual.

Some 5,000 years ago, roses began to be cultivated in China. During the Roman period, they were grown extensively in the Middle East, where they continue to have a strong foothold in beauty and medicine. It wasn’t until the 18^th century though when roses were introduced to Europe for cultivation.

The color, shape and size of roses vary, making the flower visually fit for just about any occasion, even tub time! When you soak in this rose-infused salt bath, all you’ll notice is the incredibly calming aroma and luxuriously nourishing sensations. But the appeal doesn’t stop there. Rose’s medicinal properties deem it quite the stunner, boasting antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, antibacterial, cleansing, antioxidant, hepatic, laxative and nerve-strengthening properties.

Meanwhile, the Epsom salt backdrop brings its own set of benefits, from easing body aches to ridding your skin from toxins.

You can have it all, and you’re just a mere ingredients and minutes away form entering bliss-dom.

DIY Rose Salt Bath Recipe

Good for 3 baths

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Epsom salt
• Petals of 1 or 2 roses
• 3 drops essential oil of choice
• 3 tablespoons water

Directions: Use a food processor to pulse the rose petals with 1 tablespoon of water. This step breaks up the petals, releasing the natural oils. In a small bowl, add the salt, rose petals, essential oil and water. Fold until all is evenly combined. Place in a mason jar and store in a dark, cool place in your home. Use for three separate occasions.

When ready to take a bath, while the tub is filling with water, add 1 cup of the bath salt under the running water to help it disintegrate and disperse before you take a dip. Soak for at least 30 minutes for the full effect. Enjoy!

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Rose salt from Shutterstock

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Why a dozen roses isn’t necessarily the best way to show your love, especially if you love the planet as well. Say no to the dozen roses pressure and instead choose creative crafty ideas this Valentine’s Day. 

The tradition of giving flowers made sense in the ancient world because love letters were impractical to a largely illiterate population. During the Victorian Era, the practice of giving flowers reached new heights when we began attributing different meanings to different flowers, creating a language of flowers. The number 12 for example, represents a complete cycle of 12 months or the 12 signs of the zodiac. But today, over a century later, the practice of giving a dozen roses is largely outdated, especially when you consider the impact that a bunch of roses has on the environment.

In fact, the 100 million roses grown for a typical Valentine’s Day in the U.S. produces an estimated 9,000 metric tons of CO2. Flowers are hauled across the continent in temperature controlled trucks so the precious red petals don’t wilt before reaching their destination. Depending on where they’re grown (such as in Holland), they may require artificial light and heating. In the U.S. for example, they’re largely grown in climate-controlled greenhouses.

Then there’s all the water that’s used to grow the flowers, considering in the U.S. drip irrigation is used much less often. And then there’s pesticide use, which can make workers sick and pollute soil and ground water for years to come.

Choosing sustainable and organic blooms is better because the flowers are likely grown using less pesticides as well as drip irrigation, rainwater collection, air pollution filters, and sustainable waste disposal. Fair Trade certified blooms means those that grow your dozen roses can expect higher than average wages and shorter than average work weeks. Buying locally grown flowers means you can choose blooms grown by people that you know so you can ensure better environmental practices. But no matter where your flowers are grown they require water and they’re grown in fields that could produce food. That’s why you may want to pass on flowers entirely.

Instead of flowers, think of the wide variety of ways that you could show your love this Valentine’s Day. Maybe you can plan to make a meal for your special someone. Or consider your craftier side and make your love a DIY card or DIY Valentine’s Day craft. The language of love doesn’t have to be about flowers. Especially since it’s become such a mega-industry.

Step outside the box this Valentine’s Day and find creative ways to spread the love while reducing your carbon footprint. And saving some cash as well. Flowers, especially quality flowers, can be a pricey endeavor.

Do you live to get flowers on Valentine’s Day? If not, what would you prefer from your special someone this holiday?

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Image of a dozen red roses from Shuttershock

The post The Carbon Footprint of a Dozen Roses is Huge appeared first on EcoSalon.

Rosewater adds a subtle, feminine scent to lingerie, flavor to cakes, and anti-inflammatory moisture to a range of beauty products.

Cleopatra so loved the scent of roses, she impregnated the sails of her ships with rose water, and doused her face in it for a flawless complexion. It’s been a Persian beauty secret since at least 800 B.C.E., and an Ayurvedic health tonic for even longer. Today, the essence of rose petals can be used in everything from aftershave to martinis. Here are 20 unusual uses for rosewater, including beauty applications, culinary delights and household recipes that take advantage of its calming, classic aroma.

The best quality rosewater is obtained either by distilling rose petals yourself, or purchasing a bottle of pure rosewater created as a byproduct of the commercial rose oil distillation process. Quality brands include Mymoune, Elma Sana Moroccan Rosewater and Organic Bulgarian Rosewater. Avoid rosewater with lots of unnecessary ingredients, and those made using artificial fragrance, which won’t have any of the soothing benefits of the petals.

1. Moisturizing, Pore-Reducing Facial Toner

Rosewater naturally helps skin retain moisture content and tightens pores, so it’s a great toner for dry and mature skin when simply wiped on the face with a soft cloth at full strength. It can also be used to balance combination and oily skin, with the addition of 3:1 witch hazel for a bit more astringent, oil-fighting power.

2. Makeup-Setting Mist

Pour full-strength rosewater into a small bottle with a fine misting nozzle. After applying your makeup and allowing your mascara to dry fully, spritz your face. The rosewater will eliminate any unnatural ashiness from face powder, giving you a youthful glow, and help hold your makeup in place throughout the day.

3. Relaxing Bedtime Drink

In Malaysia and Singapore, rosewater is mixed with coconut milk, sugar, and pink food coloring to create a relaxing drink called bandung. Mix a couple tablespoons of edible rosewater like Cortas (or homemade rosewater made with organic rose petals) and a tablespoon of sugar or honey into a cup of coconut milk, and warm if desired. You can use the kind of coconut milk beverage that comes in a carton for a lighter drink, or the canned stuff for a special, extra-creamy treat.

4. Pillow Spray

The same mood-enhancing benefits that make rosewater a relaxing addition to a bedtime drink will help you drift off to sleep at night. Just spritz your pillow right before you go to bed and you’ll be ready for pleasant dreams.

5. Acne Relief

Rosewater has an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect, so it can help reduce redness, swelling and irritation from bothersome acne. Mix one tablespoon of rosewater with one tablespoon of lemon juice and apply to affected areas after washing your face. Leave it on for ten minutes, then rinse. If your skin is too sensitive for the acidity of lemon juice, use honey instead.

6. Hair Rinse

Make your hair extra soft and shiny (and of course, infused with an absolutely amazing scent) by applying a final leave-in rosewater rinse after  you’ve washed and conditioned. Add three tablespoons of rosewater to two cups of cool water and either pour it over your hair, or mist it on with a spray bottle.

7. Cocktails

Rosewater – or rose syrup, made at home with rosewater and simple syrup – makes for an exotic twist in cocktails. Try the Cardamom Rose Cocktail by Design Sponge, the Ginger-Rose Sparkler by Eat Boutique, or the Rose Martini by Renee Rodriquez.

8. Lingerie & Linens

Beds aren’t just for relaxing, after all, and rosewater is an enticingly feminine scent. Use that same spray bottle full of rosewater to mist your lingerie and sheets when you’re expecting some company.

9. Aftershave

The same benefits that make rosewater great for acne control help soothe skin after shaving. Use it straight on your legs, underarms and bikini line, or mix it with distilled water, a little bit of 100 proof vodka and a few drops of rose oil for a more conventional aftershave product.

10. Rosewater Clay Face Mask

Mix 1/3 cup of powdered clay like bentonite of French green clay (Mountain Rose Herbs has several options, or check your local health food store) with 3 tablespoons of rosewater and 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply to your face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on until fully dry. This rejuvenating facial mask will clear pores while infusing the skin with moisture.

11. Cookies and Cakes

Infuse sweet treats with a little bit of the scent and flavor from fresh rose petals in the form of rosewater shortcake cookies, English rose cake or fluffy rosewater frosting on dark chocolate chiffon cake.

12. Sunburn Soother

The anti-inflammatory action of rosewater makes it a soothing topical treatment for sunburn. Mix it with a little bit of aloe, let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes and then apply with a cotton pad.

13. Bag-Reducing Eye Compress

Reduce swelling and water retention around your eyes with a cold compress of frozen rosewater and witch hazel. Mix 1/3 witch hazel to 2/3 rosewater in a small container, soak cotton pads or a terrycloth eye mask in the mixture, and then place the pads or mask in the freezer for ten minutes before applying to the eye area.

14. Rosewater Bath

A cup or so of rosewater really enhances the scent of a bath, even more than simply adding fresh rose petals to the water. It also makes the water softer on the skin.

15. Rose Syrup

Add rose flavor to pancakes, drinks, or anything else you’d use syrup on. Making your own rose water syrup is very simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Get the recipe at Epicurious.

16. Rosewater Glycerin Skin Balm

Nourishing rosewater combined with glycerin, an ideal oil-free moisturizer, makes for a lightweight skin balm that smells beautiful. Mix 1 cup of rosewater with 3 teaspoons of glycerin in a sterilized jar; store it in the refrigerator and use within a month or so.

17. Room Freshener

While rosewater doesn’t quite pack the odor-quashing punch of, say, white vinegar, it’s a great way to temporarily infuse a room with a pleasant scent. You can either spritz full-strength rosewater wherever you’d like to smell it, or add a few teaspoons of it to a spray bottle of vinegar and mist away.

18, Lemonade

A teaspoon of rosewater adds a subtle floral flavor to a pitcher of fresh-squeezed lemonade (or, if you feel like cheating, a bottle of the pre-made stuff.)

19. Leave-In Conditioning Spray

If your hair needs a little extra moisture and detangling, or you prefer light leave-in conditioners, try diluting some of your normal conditioner with 60-70% rosewater in a spray bottle. The ratio of conditioner to rosewater will vary depending on the viscosity of your preferred conditioner.

20. Ice Cream

This might be one of the most delicious uses for rosewater of all: adding it to homemade white chocolate ice cream. Get the recipe from Yuppie Chef.

Photos: audreyjm529, bali mandira

Related on Ecosalon: 

The Essence of a Rose: How to Make Rosewater

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Spread the love this Valentine’s Day by dressing up in head-to-toe red, and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

However you feel about Valentine’s Day this year —  giddy writing love letters or turning up the volume on that breakup-tunes mixtape — it gives us a chance to break away from the ordinary. And when it comes to fashion, it’s a good excuse for dressing head-to-toe in red and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

Orla Kiely Prom Dress
This sweet little sleeveless dress by Orla Kiely has a gathered skirt and bow. The pattern, which is actually small coffee cups keeps it from being too cutesy. Made from 100% organic, Fair Trade certified cotton in India.
Approx. $94, People Tree

Tiny Heart Necklace
This tiny heart necklace is sweet and simple, a discreet way to whisper to the world that you still believe in love. Handcrafted in San Francisco, by designer Kris Nations, using recycled 14k or sterling overlay.
$35, BTC Elements

Erica Weiner Sweetheart Necklace
When Erica Weiner found a small quantity of these vintage heart necklaces from the 70s, she thought they seemed to just ache to be inscribed with a message. Make your perfect Valentine’s statement and write your message with teeny tiny letter stamps.
$65-80, Erica Weiner

Apple & Bee Hearts Tote
With inside pockets and lots of great compartments, this super practical organic cotton tote will make a great shopping companion, spreading the message of love wherever you go.
$37, Apple & Bee

Hovey Lee Allott Necklace
This elegant heart-shaped pendant is designed for everyday wear, yet the genuine pink peach shell, lends it a unique glowy sheen. Available with 14kt gold-filled  or sterling silver chain.
$76, Hovey Lee

Alkemie Single Rose Ring
Roses are the ultimate symbol for love, and unlike a dozen red ones this ring will not fade. Handmade in Los Angeles, using 100% reclaimed metal and Austrian Crystal. Available in silver patina as well.
$154, Alkemie

Pink/Red Heart Lady Dragon Shoes
These new Anglomania Lady Dragon shoes by Vivienne Westwood and Melissa brings a more glitzy side with gold edged mirrored hearts that make your feet ready to party. Made from Melissa’s signature earth-friendly rubber.
$230, Vivienne Westwood

The post On Trend: Valentine Hearts appeared first on EcoSalon.

U.S. flower giants are beginning to respond to criticism over abusive labor practices.

For conscious consumers, the hypocrisy is striking every Mother’s Day: those colorful blossoms given to brighten Mom’s day are most likely produced under a dark cloud of abuse that often harms female workers most. Before buying a bouquet, consider selecting a Fair Trade-designated arrangement from either FTD or 1-800 Flowers.

The U.S. Labor Education in the Americas Project reports that in Colombia and Ecuador, the two largest flower exporters to the U.S., workers earn poverty-level wages. What’s more, 55% of women workers in Ecuador have been victims of sexual harassment, and 66% of all workers suffer from work-related health problems due to handling dangerous pesticides. This exposure causes workers to experience higher rates of premature births, congenital malformations, and miscarriages. The stress heightens during the busy season, when workers can put in 70-80 hour work weeks with no overtime pay.

In February, Change.org drew a bulls-eye on 1-800-Flowers, calling for a boycott of the flower provider for Valentine’s Day due to these barbaric practices. More than 50,000 members signed a petition urging the flower giant to offer fair trade selections by Mother’s Day.

The company responded, offering six new, clearly labeled arrangements (Change.org called for five), and three fair trade gift baskets. The “Planet Friendly Smile” prices are only slightly higher than the conventional choices. The flowers in these selections were grown and picked in accordance with fair trade criteria and are certified by Fair Trade USA.

1-800 Flowers is now reportedly working to increase its transparency and is moving towards partnering with more fair trade-governed flower farms. Customers need to encourage a full-scale operational transformation by buying these newly available selections. Consumers always have a vote by deciding where and how to spend their money.

Change.org has also turned its eye on FTD, but the company needed little urging before it followed 1-800 Flowers’ lead. FTD hasn’t come as far as 1-800 Flowers yet, but they offer five fair trade arrangements and, we hope, will move toward greater transparency in sourcing soon. 1-800 Flowers and FTD are both major U.S. flower vendors, so if their lines are successful, it will set a powerful precedent.

image: Pink Sherbert Photography

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