A Healing Herb - Rosemary
Rosemary has earned its reputation for being a miracle herb over the centuries, especially for maintaining metabolic health
Hi, I’m Sue and I write about the beauty and ingenuity of Nature, and how we can deepen our connection for our optimum health and wellbeing. Discover more Nature-inspired content on Spiral Leaf and my video Nature Channel.
A Healing Herb Guide
Rosemary is the third herb to feature in my new Healing Herb Guide.
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean. It is used as a culinary condiment, an ingredient in perfumes, as a cleanser and for many health benefits. Rosemary is a member of the Mint family just like Oregano, Thyme, Basil and Lavender,.
Rosemary has shapely, leathery leaves that resemble pine needles which have a dark green upper surface and powdery white, hairy underside. The small, pale blue, pink or white flowers grow in clusters of two or three along the branches and provide an important early nectar source for emerging Spring bees, like Bumbles and Masons
I hope you enjoy discovering the life-giving and healing benefits of Rosemary as part of a healthy diet for your good health and wellbeing.
Folklore
Rosemary is associated with Aphrodite as Greek artwork often depicts the Goddess of Love with images of a plant thought to be Rosemary. This highly valued herb became the subject of many poems and is mentioned in five of Shakespeare’s plays.
For centuries, Rosemary has been dried to make herb bundles that, to this day, are burned to keep harmful and negative energy from making their way into the home. The practice of smudging is used for purification and for creating a sacred space.
Rosemary Wood was once used in Pagan rituals. It was made into an ointment used to purify the hands of priests or to use as an incense. In Medieval times it was used to make talismans against poisoning and was revered as a sacred plant in which Fairies were known to hide or make their home.
Nutrition
Rosemary can be used as an antiseptic, antidepressant, analgesic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, aphrodisiac and expectorant. It is also used to condition the scalp and skin.
This remarkable herb has earned praise for alleviating nerve-related conditions, boosting the repair system, fighting off infections, aiding respiratory ailments, strengthening digestion and improving circulation.
Rosemary has the ability to stimulate memory, improve concentration and help overcome mental fatigue by increasing the blood flow to the head and brain. It is also known to alleviate depression and sadness and can decrease anxiety brought on by stress.
Rosemary is also high in manganese, an essential nutrient for metabolic health. Manganese helps the body to form blood clots that enable injuries to heal faster. Rosemary also contains carnosic acid, a compound known for its powerful antioxidant cleansing properties.
SOURCE: Medical Medium - Rosemary
Remedies
Rosemary is a potent and effective herb that has provided a myriad of health benefits through the centuries.
Rosemary Essential Oil is a natural conditioner with the ability to cleanse and nourish the scalp, and to heal, nourish and repair the skin. Make your own skin moisturiser and hair treatment by mixing 1 part x Cold-Pressed Castor Oil, 2 parts x Johoba Oil and several drops of Rosemary Essential Oil.
Rosemary Essential Oil can be added to your bathwater to help your body relax and to clear your mind. It can be used in steam vaporisers to disinfect the air in homes, habitats and work places. Rosemary's cleansing and antimicrobial properties are especially beneficial to ward off colds in the Winter Season.
Fresh or dried, Rosemary makes a powerful and gentle healing Herbal Tea (see below). It is often consumed during the day tas an alternative to tea and coffee, as it improves mental cognition, focus and clarity. It also makes a healthy addition to home cooked meals, roasts and salads.
Recipes
Rosemary Herbal Tea
Fresh (or dried) Rosemary makes a powerful healing herbal tea and a perfect pick-me-up if you are feeling tired or unable to focus.
Ideally, steep a handful of fresh sprigs in hot filtered water for at least 10 minutes or soak overnight in a pitcher of filtered water to sip throughout the day.
Add organic Raw Honey and fresh Lemon juice for added nutrients, sweetness and flavour.
Rosemary Roasted Vegetables
A delicious main meal or side dish made with carrots, parsnips, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, onions and bundles of fresh Rosemary.
COMING SOON!
A growing collection
I hope you enjoyed the third in an ongoing series of posts about the healing powers and health benefits of herbs that can be grown in any sized garden - and in pots too!
Thank you for joining me on this journey of herbal delights and discovery. I hope it will become a helpful resource that you can rely on for well-researched and well-tested information - and as a starting point for further learning.
I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Other Herbs to explore …
A Healing Herb - Lemon Verbena
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Excellent info. Thank you, Sue!