Rosemary oil is a treasured herb sporting a myriad of health benefits, boosting both the nervous & immune systems, thus providing the immune system with active defence against infections and fatigue both mental and physical.

Rosemary’s history.

Historically, Rosemary was considered sacred by the Hebrews, Romans, ancient Greeks & Egyptians, and was used for a myriad of purposes. For example, in the Mediterranean, the leaves and oils of Rosemary were used in culinary preparations, whereas the Greeks used Rosemary for garlands for headgear while studying (it was believed to improve memory)  Both the Romans and the Greeks have traditionally used Rosemary in religious ceremonies & festivals, including weddings (as a reminder of life & death), while in Egypt it was used for its aromatic properties in the form of incense and essential oils.

It has been used in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic & anti-oxidant properties. In medical care, Rosemary was a favourite alternative herbal medicine used by the German-Swiss physician, philosopher and botanist Paracelsus, who recognised its healing properties especially for its ability to strengthen the body and heal organs such as the liver, heart & brain. It has also been used in massage balms to relieve aching muscles & soothe digestive issues.

Uses of Rosemary oil.

• Improve memory & concentration – few drops in a diffuser for maximum 30 minutes, will aid improving concentration & reducing stress.

• Boost immunity & promote detoxification – dilute a few drops of Rosemary oil with a carrier oil, use topically, and enjoy the detoxifying and anaesthetic properties that can boost immunity by recharging the body’s detoxification system.

• Eliminate waste & toxins -  add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage into the lymph nodes, the body will be stimulated to eliminate toxins and soothe digestive ailments.

• Muscle aches & pains -  Rosemary’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make the perfect aches & pains massage oil, simply blend a few drops of Rosemary oil with Peppermint oil and Coconut oil to create a massage oil that reduces pain, by rubbing on aching joints & tender muscles.

• Natural cleaner – Rosemary oil’s anti-septic, anti-microbial & anti-viral properties make it the perfect natural household home-made multi-purpose cleaning spray, ideal for cleaning and eliminating harmful bacteria. Mix a few drops with distilled water & white vinegar to make a spray cleanser that is natural, fresh and effective and perfect for wiping surfaces such as bathrooms and counter tops.

Rosemary oil is best known for…

• Easing arthritis and rheumatism pain
• Relieving muscle cramps
• Reducing inflammation
• Improving circulation
• Alleviating respiratory discomfort; aids congestion & colds
• Reducing headaches
• Combating dandruff & benefiting hair growth

ROSEMARY

Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region, now cultivated worldwide in the Middle East, California, England, Russia, Portugal, Morocco, China, France, Spain, Yugoslavia, etc. Although the main oil-producing countries are Spain, Tunisia & France.

Aroma characteristics: strong, herbal aroma with a warm camphor undertone.

Therapeutic properties

• analgesic • antimicrobial • antiseptic • antispasmodic • carminative (relieving flatulence) • cicatrizing (helps wound healing and create scars) • decongestant • depurative (purifying) • diuretic • immunostimulant • restorative • spasmolytic (relieve spasm of smooth muscle) • stomachic (promoting the appetite or assisting digestion)  • stimulant.

Therapeutic uses

• muscular aches and pain, rheumatism, arthritis, muscular weakness, muscular injury aches and pains, joint pain headache, migraine, gastric upset, abdominal spasm,
• respiratory conditions sinus congestion asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, fluid retention, heavy legs, oedema,
• lymphatic system poor circulation, cellulite, detoxifying, memory enhancement, general debility,
• skin care especially effective for oily skin and scalp disorders, acne, pimples, boils, abscesses, dandruff, hair loss,
• nervous system debility, headaches, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion.

All the essential oils highlighted in this column are available at The Emporium of the Enchanted Forest (inside the VaVa Yoga Studio), and you can explore our Apothecary and discuss any questions you may have with me, Ashlí.

Rosemary

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