Color of the day: White Incense of the day: Mint Incense of the day: Mint Some call them sweetbrier and some know them by their European name eglantine, but they are also known as wild roses. No matter what you call these plants, their small pink flowers and apple-scented foliage add beauty to rural areas during June. Herbalists of long ago prized them for their magical properties; for example, when their foliage is crushed, it releases an apple fragrance that was used as an aphrodisiac. For a powerful love mixture try this: Leave a handful of wild rose petals and a few leaves to dry at least a week. Pulverize them with a tablespoon of crushed blanched almonds. Place these in a small pouch and you'll have a powerful love sachet. If you want a romance to lead to marriage, old herbalists advise adding some orange blossoms to the mixture. And, for a real delicacy, purchase a jar of rose petal jam, which can be found at Greek and Middle Eastern grocers. Serve on toast or English muffins for a romantic breakfast. |