Rose for Grief Support
Amid grief, we often long for comfort, gentleness, and something to hold onto. The rose—delicate yet strong, beautiful yet thorny—is the perfect plant ally in times of loss and sorrow. More than a symbol of love, rose offers deep emotional healing, helping us hold space for our heartache while encouraging gentle movement through it.
Rose has long been used in herbal traditions for heart healing. It's not just its scent or beauty—it's the plant's energetics. Rose helps to:
- Open and protect the heart
- Ease emotional pain and sadness
- Encourage self-compassion and forgiveness
- Soothe anxiety and overwhelm
Its actions are considered cooling, calming, and uplifting, making it a beautiful support during grief, especially when emotions feel hot, raw, or intense.
Simple Ways to Use Rose for Grief
You don't need a lot of time or ingredients. Rose can be woven gently into your day through small, soothing rituals.
1. DIY Rose Tea for Comfort
Sip a warm cup of rose tea to invite calm and softness.
Basic Rose Tea Recipe:
- 1 tsp dried rose petals (organic and unsprayed)
- 1 cup hot water
Steep for 5–10 minutes, strain, and sip slowly. Add a little honey if desired.
Optional additions:
- Chamomile to support feelings of peace and calm
- Lemon balm for its uplifting nature
- Lavender for nervous system support
- Motherwort for grounding and steady support when emotions feel especially scattered
This DIY Grief Support tea recipe from the Herbal Academy includes rose, motherwort, and a few other herbs. I found it supportive throughout my grieving process (and it tastes good, too!).
2. Rose-Infused Bath
Turn your bath into a healing ritual with rose petals.
Rose Grief Bath Soak:
- 1 cup Epsom salts
- 1/2 cup dried rose petals
- Optional, add lavender or chamomile flowers, if desired.
Place in a muslin bag and tie to close. Hang over the faucet so water flows through as the bath fills. Once the bath is full, remove from faucet and allow bag to float in the warm bath water. Light a candle and soak. Let yourself feel what you need to feel. No pressure to fix or change anything.
3. Rose Glycerite (Alcohol-Free Extract)
A rose glycerite offers gentle emotional support—especially helpful if you feel raw and vulnerable.Taking 1–2 dropperfuls as needed when emotions rise may be helpful for grief support. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
You can purchase one or make your own with vegetable glycerin and dried rose petals.
4. Heart-Opening Rose Oil
Massage a bit of rose-infused oil over your chest or wrists. As you apply, take a moment to breathe deeply and say something kind to yourself, like:
“I am held. I am loved. I am allowed to grieve.”
Simple DIY Rose Oil:
- Fill a clean jar half full with dried rose petals
- Cover with jojoba or sweet almond oil
- Let sit in a sunny window for 2–4 weeks, then strain and use
5. Rose Pillow Mist
Spritz rose hydrosol on your pillow before bed. Create a soothing bedtime ritual by spritzing rose hydrosol on your pillow before sleep. The gentle floral scent of rose can help create a calming environment, encouraging relaxation and emotional ease as you wind down for the night. Simply pour rose hydrosol into a small spray bottle and lightly mist your pillowcase and surrounding linens. This simple practice invites a sense of peace and softness—especially comforting on nights when grief feels heavy or rest is elusive.
A Note From the Heart
Grief doesn't follow a schedule, and healing is not linear. Let rose be a gentle friend. It won't rush you. It won't try to fix you. It simply sits with you, heart open, petals soft, and says, “It's okay to feel.”
