rosemary

I’ve seen happy rosemary before, but on today’s walk in my neighborhood, there was a particular bush of this amazing herb that called to me, aching to be seen, appreciated and loved!

And, so, here she is, in all her glory…our friend, Rosemary.

Rosemarinus officinalis

Most of us have enjoyed this tasty culinary herb in our food from time to time.  In the Lamiaceae (mint) family, native to the Mediterranean and cultivated worldwide, this perennial is also amazing medicine.

Traditionally the herb of friendship and remembrance, rosemary has been used in ceremonies associated with marriage, love and death. It has been
known to strengthen the memory of love, and some say it was used to protect a soul throughout eternity from evil, so it was placed in a deceased person’s hands as they lay in their coffin.

Its actions are many.  It is astringent (toning), bitter, carminative (for digestion), antispasmodic, antidepressant, cholagogue (discharge of bile), diuretic, diaphoretic, hypertensive, nervine stimulant, rubefacient (dilates capillaries and increases blood circulation), antimicrobial, and emmenagogue (increases menstrual blood flow).

It has been used medicinally for mental fogginess, forgetfulness, alzheimer’s disease, depression with debility and mental fatigue.  It is also helpful for vertigo and headaches, including migraines.  For flatulent indigestion with tension, digestive fullness, cramps and spasms, it makes a great carminative, especially with equal parts licorice and lemon balm to settle the stomach.

Rosemary has been used for those experiencing heart palpitations, hypotension (especially after illness), dizziness, fatigue, poor circulation – especially to the legs, with cold limbs, and shallow breathing.

It has also been known to help with urinary spasms, pain and joint inflammation. Rosemary (like lavender and nicotine) sedates your system when you do a long slow pull of it; a short fast pull stimulates the system.

As a cellular rejuvenator, combine rosemary infused oil with helichrysum essential oil. Added to shampoo or conditioner, rosemary will help make hair shiny and stimulate growth.

So go clip some rosemary for your meal and for you health!

Resources:
Alfs. Matthew. 300 Herbs. 2003. Old Theology Book House.
Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. 2003. Healing Arts Press.
Mars, Brigitte, A.H.G. The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine. 2007. Basic Health Publications, Inc.
McIntyre, Anne. Flower Power. 1996. Henry Holt, and Company.
Moore, Michael. Specific Indications for Herbs in General Use.