Essence of Rose & Cardamom Hearts

Tenderness • Warmth • Soft Courage

Old-World Origin

Along the caravan routes, rose was not only perfume - it was comfort. Buckets of petals were steeped in spirits to soothe hearts homesick for familiar air. Cardamom seeds travelled in pouches meant for trade, but women kept a small portion aside for emotional warmth. Together they made a drop that settled nerves, steadied love, and returned heat to the chest.

This essence honours softness as strength - the kind that survives travel, separation, and change.

Ingredients (120 ml)

Botanicals

✶ 1½ tbsp dried Damask rose petals
✶ ½ tsp crushed green cardamom seeds (about 4-5 pods)
✶ Optional: ¼ tsp vanilla bean scrapings (for deeper comfort)

Alcohol Base

✶ 150 ml vodka or French eau-de-vie
light, clear, preserves floral scent beautifully

Non-Alcohol Base

✶ 120 ml raw apple cider vinegar or floral hydrosol
✶ ½-1 tsp raw honey (to soften acidity)

Creates a gentle, heart-focused essence for children or non-drinkers

The Preparation

Lightly crack your cardamom pods - just until the scent lifts.
Combine rose petals, vanilla scrapings (if used), and cardamom in a clean glass jar.
Cover fully with your chosen base (alcohol or vinegar/hydrosol).
Wrap the jar in a cloth or scarf. Keep it tucked away from noise and sunlight.
Steep for 21-28 days, shaking lightly every 2-3 days.
Strain through muslin cloth into a dark glass bottle.

If using honey, add it after straining, and shake gently to dissolve.

How to Use

Use in moments of emotional tightness, anxiety, shyness, grief, coldness, or loneliness.

3 drops under tongue
1-2 drops in warm tea
Dot on wrists, heart centre, and behind ears
4 drops in bath or foot soak
1 drop on pillow before sleep

Botanical Symbolism

Rose - softness, devotion, emotional warmth

Cardamom - heart-fire, courage, comfort

Vanilla - trust, reassurance, safety

Shelf Life

Alcohol base: up to 3 years
Vinegar/hydrosol base: 6-12 months
Keep away from heat + direct sun.

Intention

"A drop of warmth when the heart forgets its strength."

CaravanSerai Gypsy