Rosemary is one of those herbs that most people are familiar with, and probably even have at home on hand, in their gardens, or at the very least, have accessibility to in nearly all grocery stores in the fresh herb section. It is a highly regarded culinary herb, in the mint family, and has been cultivated for centuries for both its culinary and medicinal uses. Rosemary claims a long list of beneficial medicinal properties, and paired with its wide accessibility, make it an important herb to utilize.
Family: Lamiaceae
Parts used: Leaves
Biochemical constituents: Volatile oils including borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole, limonene linalool; Flavonoids, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid,
Properties: Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal
Uses: Rosemary has been approved by the German Commission E for the treatment of digestive upset, as it has been shown to be effective against many bacterial strains (including Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and others) that frequently cause digestive signs and symptoms. Rosemary is also as effective as aspirin for combatting headaches, and other inflammatory pain such as arthritis, and even toothaches. It is also known to help memory and is neuroprotective. Because of its stimulant properties, rosemary has been used as a hair rinse to increase hair growth, delay graying, and can also improve scalp itching and decrease dandruff. According to Michael Tierra in The Way of Herbs, rosemary can also be smoked to treat symptoms of asthma.
History and Folklore:
Rosemary has been used for cleansing and purifying since ancient times. Rosemary is associated with Venus, and the greek goddess Aphrodite. It was grown in many kitchen gardens and was said to represent the dominance of the lady of the house. At one time, rosemary was worn by bride and groom to represent their fidelity, and given to wedding guests as well. Ancient Greek scholars often wore a sprig of rosemary around their necks to improve their memory. Roman priests used rosemary as an incense for protection and to ward off evil spirits and witches. In magickal workings, Rosemary is used for love, handfastings, memory, protection of the home and warding off of negative energy.
Magickal Associations:
Deity: Aphrodite
Zodiac sign: Leo
Planet: Sun (sometimes Venus)
Element: Fire
Healing Energy: Cooling
Some ways to utilize this magickal medicinal herb:
- Cook with rosemary! It is lovely on meats or on sweet potato fries for my vegetarians or vegans.
- Make a Rosemary tincture to have on hand for colds, fevers, headaches, and memory.
- Make a Rosemary Tea (add some mint, lavender, and orange for a lovely blend).
- Make a Rosemary hair rinse with almond oil to fortify and nourish your scalp and hair.
- Make a Rosemary wreath to keep at your door to ward off negative spirits or energy.
- Burn Rosemary incense or smudge sticks when studying to improve memory. Bring a sprig of rosemary into your test with you to smell it during your exam to really boost the effects. Channel the ancient Greek scholars and wear it on a necklace.
- Burn Rosemary smudge sticks during past life meditations to improve memory and connections.
- Incorporate rosemary into your love spells or handfasting ceremony or wedding.
- Grow Rosemary in your garden to assert your dominance of the household (just kidding)
Tell me in the COMMENTS if you use rosemary in your medicinal or magickal practices, and what your favorite things to do with it are!
Resources:
Herbs in dentistry
Natural Remedies: An Everyday Guide To Herbal Teas, Infusions & Decoctions
Potential of rosemary oil to be used in drug-resistant infections.
Rosemary
Study of the antimicrobial properties of the essential oil of Rosemary.
The Way of Herbs. By: Michael Tierra (pages 79-80, 187-188)
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