Rosemary, The Dew From The Sea
Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis is native to the sea cliffs of the Mediterranean. Its Latin name come from the word” ros” ( dew) and “marinus” (sea). This woody, herbaceous, citrus-like, Dew from the Sea was considered a sacred plant by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews and Romans. Many Greek students would wear a garland around their head while studying as it was thought Rosemary would improve with memory.
The leaves and oil were used as a popular flavourant for food preparation in the Mediterranean, in Egypt it was used extensively in incense. In the middle Ages in Europe it was used to ward off evil spirits and to stop Bubonic Plague infection. Rosemary branches were commonly thrown across floors and left in doorways to keep disease away.
It has powerful antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties and so is used extensively in cosmetics, aromatherapy and for medical benefits.
Due to its highly anti-oxidant properties fresh leaves are used as a tea, and in food and in aromatherapy to help with memory. It is also well known for its stimulating, soothing, and pain relieving properties.
The active properties of Rosemary are anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, expectorant, bronchodilator, cough suppressant, decongestant, febrifuge, anaesthetic, anti-microbial, analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, nervous system stimulant, psycho-stimulant, mood balancing, detoxifying.
Using Rosemary Essential Oil in a burner or vaporiser helps to
- Reduce stress levels and nervous tension
- Boosts brain activity and helps with clarity and insight.
- It relives fatigue
- Supports the respiratory system so it helps with coughs and sinus, sore throats
- It stimulates appetite
- Reduces stress levels and boosts the immune system due to the high anti-oxidant levels fight against free radicals
Using Rosemary Essential oil blended in carrier oil one can use it topically to
- Stimulate hair growth, prevent hair loss, moisturize dry scalp , conditions hair to look healthy
- Used in massage it helps with digestion, relieves flatulence, bloating, constipation and stomach cramps.
- Great addition to skin care products that soothes dry skin, relieves eczema, inflammation and acne
- Cosmetically it can be added to soaps and facial skin care products in washes, toners and creams.
Some useful recipes to use Rosemary Essential Oil in.
Antisceptic Vinegar
15 drops African Wormwood Essential oil
15 drops Rose Geranium Essential oil
15 drops of Rosemary Essential oil
15 drops Clove Bud Essential oil
1 Litre of vinegar
Add all the essential oils to the vinegar. Pour into a glass bottle with tight fitting non-metal lids.
This makes an effective anti-viral, anti-sceptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal mixture to use on surfaces.
Rosemary Hair Rinse
Rosemary stimulates hair growth and helps to repair damaged hair.
10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
5 drops Clove Bud Essential Oil
5 drops Lemon Essential Oil
2 litres of water.
Mix all the above ingredients together into a
bottle and shake the bottle well before use each time.
Use this mixture as a final rinse after shampooing your hair. Rub the mixture well into the scalp.
Leave your hair to dry. Use this treatment daily.
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