“Rose is sent to earth by the gardeners of paradise for empowering the mind, the eye and the spirit.” Rumi

 

“Roses are good for the skin and the soul.”

 

Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine and wellness, which translates loosely as “life-knowledge”, tells us Rose is soothing and profoundly balancing to the emotions.. it’s pacifying effect on anger is attributed to it’s cooling effect.. however its peace-inducing properties run much deeper than that, and after experiencing its ability to bring about calm almost instantly for myself, I of course wanted to know what science was behind this magic.. What do we know about this most worshipped flower, this poetic plant, that can give us some insight into its sweet influence on the human emotions and physiology.

The answer, when it comes to more modern sciences, is not a lot, as it has yet to be studied.. however the “science of life”, Ayurveda, is deeply intricate, and maps the energetics and working of the human body in a completely different way… and it does offer some insight into the subtleties of action and the reason behind Roses famed affinity with the human heart.

 

In Ayurveda, Sadhaka Pitta is the subdosha of Pitta (one of 3 core energies) associated with the heart and the processing of emotions. Ayurveda tells us we “digest” experiences and associated emotions just as we do food. Many people are aware of the importance of “Agni” or “digestive fire” in metabolising our food and effectively extracting and utilising that which is nourishing, and removing that which is not. When our digestive fire is low, these processes are impaired, and the result can be the accumulation of a toxic by product of improperly digested food, Ama, which clogs the subtle channels in our body causing various symptoms of dis-ease.

 

Sadhaka Pitta is like the digestive energy for emotions and is present in both the heart and the brain.

It is related to the neurohormones that are located in the brain and all over the body, including the heart. The neurohormones located in the heart send signals to the brain to register depression or happiness, depending on how the individual processes an experience.

 

Sadhaka Pitta is also responsible for intelligence and memory. It regulates aspects of the hypothalamus ultimately to maintain balance and homeostasis of the whole body. It can be looked upon as neurochemistry involving certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin responsible for cognition and understanding. Consider Sadhaka pitta as the brilliance, able to make sense from digested incoming information. This pitta accomplishes dynamic transformation of thoughts into

feelings and feelings into emotions. The pathological manifestations are lack of concentration, dullness of mind, sleep deprivation, etc. 1

 

So we now know when we take these subtly sweet powdered petals, we are strengthening our Sadhaka Pitta.. Our agni or digestive fire for our emotional experiences. This allows us to fully feel and process thoughts and emotions thoroughly and in a timely manner so that negative impressions do not remain and effect us in the present.

 

“Emotions are like mangos. We have to learn to ripen them and then juice them. When emotions are juiced, they are deeply nourishing. Even sweet.” Dr Vasant Lad

 

 

MORE HERBS FOR HEALTHY SADHAKA PITTA;2

 

Arjuna (Arjuna Myrobalans) is an excellent remedy for calming Sadhaka Pitta. It has a reputation for strengthening the physical as well as the emotional heart. It is used for angina, heart failure, arrhythmias and high blood pressure and useful when we feel disheartened, downhearted or even heart broken. Find it in our BHAKTI blend.

 

The sweet cooling properties of Sariva (Hemidismus indica) are also specific to Sadhaka Pitta. This delicious herb calms and nourishes the nervous system and is used for irritability, anger, over ambition, feelings of inferiority and low self esteem disturbing the inner equilibrium. Find it in our YIN YANG.

 

Gotu kola (or Brahmi) is the most important herb for treatment of Sadhaka Pitta disorders. It is an excellent herb for promoting brain function, for poor concentration and for calming an angry or agitated mind. Oil prepared from coconut oil and Gotu kola can be massaged onto the soles of the feet and the head to calm the mind. Find it in our NERVE NECTAR, RISHI, and as a single herb (BRAHMI)

 

Jatamansi or Indian Valerian is the source of the essential oil spikenard, as it is highly aromatic. It has a balancing effect on all three doshas. It is an excellent sedative and brain tonic, enhancing concentration and memory. It is one of the best herbs for stress related headaches, low self esteem and depression. Find it in our LUNA blend.

Amla is another excellent herb for balancing Sadhaka Pitta and nurturing the physical as well as the emotional heart. It lowers cholesterol and protects the arterial system and is rich in antioxidants. It promotes a calm and clear mind and enhances confidence and self esteem. Find it in our SHAKTI blend.

 

Shatavari is another excellent herb for nourishing and calming Sadhaka Pitta. It acts as a brain tonic, promotes energy and vitality, eases insomnia and helps to relieve pain. Find it in our SHAKTI blend, and as a single herb HERE.

 

MORE INTERESTING AYURVEDIC FACTS ABOUT ROSE;3

 

Enhances brain health: rose is known to be a medhya, that is, it enhances dhi dritti and smriti. These are the 3 primary functions of the brain for the actions of registering, storing and recalling knowledge and information. When they are operating in a balanced and coordinated manner, the brain is in a stress-free state of bliss.

 

Uplifts spiritually: A unique property rose has is called “Som Nasya Janana.” This means that rose creates good coordination between the mind and Sattva, the light of the soul, so it’s an instant bliss generator!

 

Supports everlasting youth: Rose is also known by the name “taruni” – ever young. Because it pacifies pitta dosha, soothes our emotions, supports the metabolic fires, aids in elimination, and acts as a hridya – rasayana for the heart – it is commonly known to help keep us younger and healthier.

 

Gives radiance to skin: One of the most important uses of rose is for the skin. When taken internally, it purifies toxins that cause harm to the skin, balances ph and moisturizes from within.

 

Heart Tonic: In Ayurveda, rose is also used as a remedy for the physical circulatory system. It is a cardio-tonic, called a “hridya.”

Rose is also known for its vajikarna properties: we find a lot of recipes in Ayurveda that use Rose to enhance as a remedy to support romantic conjugal life.

 

Rose is great for vata and pitta doshas. Kapha body types can use less of it, and can sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top.

 

 

1 “A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS – AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE AND ASSESSMENT OF SATHVA IN SPECIFIC PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS” – Dr. Athikajan B.A.M.S

2 http://annemcintyre.com/books/articles/herbs-for-low-self-esteem/

3 Adapted from information from https://www.svayurveda.com/