The Jericho Rose is a desert plant with a reputation for its amazing ability to survive in extremely dry conditions. There are two types of plants commonly referred to as “Rose of Jericho” – the true Rose of Jericho, or anastatica-hierochuntica, and the false Rose of Jericho, or Selaginella lepidophylla. While both plants are used to produce oil, there are significant differences between the two.
The true Rose of Jericho is a small plant that grows in the desert regions of the Middle East. Especially in the Judean Desert in Israel, it has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for hundreds of years and is especially valued for its oil. The oil of the true Rose of Jericho is extracted from the seeds of the plant and is known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. It is also believed to have a soothing effect on the skin and helps reduce inflammation.
Cosmetic benefits of the Rose of Jericho oil , the oil of the true Rose of Jericho is also used in aromatherapy. Its sweet, floral scent is said to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Some people also use the oil for spiritual purposes, believing it can help open the heart chakra and increase feelings of love and compassion.
The false Rose of Jericho, or Selaginella lepidophylla, is a very different plant. Unlike the real Rose of Jericho, which is a real desert plant, the fake Rose of Jericho is actually a type of moss. It is found in the deserts of North America, where it is able to survive long periods of drought by curling up into a ball and becoming dormant. When water is added, the plant opens up and comes back to life.
Like the true Rose of Jericho, the false Rose of Jericho is sometimes used to make oil. However, the oil extracted from this plant is quite different from the oil of the true Rose of Jericho. Rather than being extracted from the seeds, the oil of the false Rose of Jericho is usually made by soaking the plant in a carrier oil, such as olive oil, and then filtering the plant material.
The oil of the unreal Rose of Jericho has several cosmetic benefits, including moisturizing and smoothing the skin. However, it is not as highly valued as the oil of the true Rose of Jericho, which is considered much more expensive due to its superior anti-aging and healing properties.
In addition to the differences in oil production, the true and false Roses of Jericho also differ in their spiritual meaning. The true Jericho Rose has a long history of use in various spiritual traditions, where it is believed to have protective and healing properties. The plant is often used in rituals to ward off evil spirits or to promote healing.
Warning
False Rose of Jericho, Selaginella lepidophylla
as a member of the spikemoss family, Selaginella lepidophylla may be toxic to cats, so it’s best to play it safe and keep your Rose of Jericho out of reach of your furry friends or choose a different plant like the Real Rose of Jericho anastatica-hierochuntica
On the left you can see the false Rose of Jericho