By the Seed SistAs
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love, romance—and roses. Do you buy roses for your loved one, or perhaps receive them yourself? Have you ever paused to wonder why? Beyond their beauty and symbolism, the journey of these blooms from farm to florist holds a deeper story, one that deserves a closer look that thinks beyond roses for Valentine’s Day.
The Hidden Cost of Valentine’s Roses
Each year, millions of roses are purchased to express love. But where do these flowers come from? The majority of Valentine’s roses originate in Kenya, one of the world’s largest exporters of cut flowers. Every day, farms there pack over a million stems, which are transported in refrigerated trucks to planes, flown thousands of miles to Amsterdam, and then auctioned off to wholesalers before finally reaching florists and supermarkets worldwide.
This global trade comes at a cost. The carbon footprint of airfreighting roses is immense, contributing to climate change. The industry also places significant pressure on local water supplies, with flower farms using vast amounts of water in regions already prone to drought. Additionally, workers—many of whom are women—often endure low wages, poor conditions, and exposure to harmful pesticides.
A More Sustainable Way to Say ‘I Love You’
If you love roses, there are more ethical and environmentally friendly ways to enjoy them. Sustainable floristry is gaining momentum, encouraging people to choose locally grown, seasonal flowers rather than mass-imported ones. Look for florists who prioritise organic, pesticide-free blooms and support ethical working conditions.
It’s also important to recognise that roses are not in season in the UK in February—they are summer flowers. Instead of buying artificially cultivated or imported roses, consider gifting rose-infused tinctures, beautiful rose creams, or syrups, which capture the essence of summer’s bloom while being available year-round. Alternatively, seek out flowers that are naturally blooming at this time of year, such as daffodils, which celebrate the beauty of the current season.
Better yet, why not reconnect with rose in a more meaningful way? Our Austrian grandmother, Elsa, adored her rose garden—a place of sanctuary and healing. Roses have a long and rich history, not just as symbols of love but as powerful plant allies. Rather than buying imported flowers, consider working with roses in a deeper, more personal way.
The True Gifts of Rose: Healing and Connection
Roses are more than just a pretty gesture. They offer potent medicinal benefits, supporting the heart, soothing the nervous system, and uplifting the spirit. Our favourite way to work with rose is through tinctures, syrups, teas and our very own luxury rose cream.
Simple Rose Tincture Recipe
- Harvest fragrant rose petals (preferably organic and free of pesticides) on a dry, bright day.
- Fill a jar to the brim with petals, setting an intention for their use.
- Cover the petals with high-quality vodka and seal the jar.
- Let it sit in a cool, dark place for a full lunar cycle.
- Strain the petals and enjoy the tincture as a heart-nourishing remedy.
Drops of Love
One of our favourite remedies is a blend of rose tincture, rosehip syrup, and peppermint tincture that supports the nervous and digestive systems. Drops of Love is perfect for moments of stress or simply when you need a gentle, floral embrace.
This Valentine’s Day, Choose Love—For Yourself & The Planet
Instead of purchasing imported roses, why not honour the spirit of rose in a more thoughtful way? Take a rose-infused bath, sip on fragrant rose tea, or craft your own rose medicine. Let the scent of rose remind you to nurture yourself, to slow down, and to spread love—first to yourself, then to the world.
These blog articles are herbal education resources, produced by the Seed Sistas. Gain insights and join us in the evolution of healthcare, please do leave a comment or question. Wellbeing empowerment for all…
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