April 2026 Full Moon

Happy Full Moon! Today’s full moon is known as The Pink Moon and what better herb to highlight than one of my favorite pink plants - Rose. We’ve had a slew of beautiful days this past week that have had me happily digging in the dirt and waking up the garden. Just yesterday I was giving my Rose bush a much needed heavy pruning.

There are more than 300 species of rose with thousands of cultivars. They have been cultivated for millennia and hundreds of gardens around the globe are dedicated to this one plant. They have long been valued as important medicine, food, and fragrance.

Energetically Rose is cooling and drying with a sour flavor that is astringent. Those qualities make it helpful for inflamed and hot conditions in the body. Medicinally we use both the petals and the hips. The hips are incredibly high in antioxidants, bioflavonoids and vitamin C making them great allies to the cardiovascular system. There are several studies showing rose hips decrease blood pressure and cholesterol. The petals also have a positive effect on blood pressure and blood oxygen levels due to their impact on the nervous system. Smelling and drinking rose tea makes a person calmer and more relaxed.

Long associated with the emotional heart Rose is one of my top herbs for folks navigating heart break. Many herbalists, myself included, combine Rose and Hawthorn in blends to address sadness, grief, and depression.

Topically, Rose makes a sensual addition to creams and ointments. The astringent nature of the plant helps to tighten and tone skin. I love to infuse Rose (both petals and hips) into Almond Oil for a nighttime serum.

When looking to use Rose medicinally the less showy, more aromatic old fashioned wild and dog roses tend to be the best. The roses bred for show are lovely indeed but pack less of a healing punch.

Magically, Rose is all about love and lust! You’d be hard pressed to find a love spell that did not include Rose. I personally like the idea of using Roses for boundary magic. The plant is so generous in it’s aromatics and beauty; and yet if you handle it roughly you will get the thorn. I try and bring that philosophy into my life. I will be a good and generous friend whois not afraid to protect my space and peace should it be disrespected.

I wish you all an amazing Full Moon and a day of beauty and peace!