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Rosemary
Rosmarinus means “mist of the sea”. Isn’t that beautiful? I have loved rosemary long before I even knew what to do with it. I love to just rub my fingers along the sprigs and inhale deeply the aromatic essence that immediately calms and lifts my spirit.
Rosmarinus officinalis
Family: Laminaceae – mint
Parts used: leaves and blossoms
Antibacterial
Antimicrobial
Antiviral
Anti-Inflammatory
Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Antifungal
Antioxidant
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Carminative
Cholagogue
Diaphoretic
Emmenagogue
Nervine
Rubefacient
Mild Analgesic
Mild Stimulant
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Warming
Drying
Pungent
Bitter
Respiratory
Digestive
Nervous
Uses
Brain tonic; improves concentration and memory.
Improves circulation, invigorating, energy booster, good for headaches and migraines.
Canker sores, gum inflammation, mouth sores (gargle with tea).
Strengthens nervous system, helps with depression, lifts the mood.
Strengthens arteries, heart, digestive system, gall bladder, and liver.
Joint pain and inflammation, rheumatism, and joint damage.
Digestive aid, intestinal infections, gas, heartburn, colitis, etc.
Slows the growth of bacteria which makes it a great preservative and infection fighter.
Aids cardiovascular system, poor circulation, low blood pressure, and anemia.
Illness, cold and flu
Respiratory and sinus congestion
Liver and gall bladder support
Muscle and nerve pain
Mild pain reliever
Menstrual pain, PMS
Bruising and varicose veins
Calming
Hair tonic; stimulates circulation to scalp, encouraging hair growth,
Helps with dandruff and itchy scalp.
Improves skin tone; use for oily to normal skin
Cell regeneration
Fresh sprigs - put in baths, burn as incense, or lay on beds, under pillows, etc.
Bath, steam, foot soak
Tea
Honey, syrup
Tincture, liniment
Herbal oil
Salve, ointment, balm
Herbal pillow (sleep aid, headache, aches in body).
Powder, capsules, sprinkle
Cooking, marinating meat will slow spoilage, add to any culinary dish.
Hydrosol
Propagate from root cuttings or purchase a transplant from the nursery and plant after the last frost.
Loves rich, fertile soil in full sun.
Rosemary can be a picky little thing so do not let the soil dry out or have too much moisture. Because it is native to the Mediterranean rosemary likes it hot yet moist, so it is a good idea to mist the leaves weekly after all it is the “mist of the sea”.
Cover with a thick layer of mulch in the fall to protect from freezing temperatures. You still may lose the plant if temps go below freezing.
It can be brought indoors during the winter months but mine has made it through the winter as long it has full sun and is mulched well.
References
The New Healing Herbs
Essential Herbal Wisdom
The Herbal Kitchen
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide
The Green Pharmacy
Organic Body Care
