“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.” Says Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The history of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) goes back into the annals of time, it has a long reputation as an aid to memory. It certainly is a stimulant and a deep breath of it will clear your head. It is one of the oils known as a cephalic oil, in other words, it stimulates the brain and mental activity.
Rosemary is a lovely plant of the Labiatae family and is very popular as a landscape plant in warmer climates. It is grown as a potted plant in the colder regions of the country, and adapts to indoor winter living. It is native to the Mediterranean areas, where it is grown extensively for commercial production. The oil is extracted from the flowering tops by steam distillation. There are a number of chemotypes of rosemary, which are chemical variations depending on the climate and elevation at which it is grown. It has a sharp, camphory, herby scent that was a popular incense throughout medieval Europe. The French burned it for centuries as a fumigant and disinfectant in sick rooms and hospitals.
It is an important oil in aromatherapy, having a wide range of uses. It is a tonic for the heart, liver and gallbladder and helps to lower cholesterol levels and improve circulation. It is a good analgesic, easing muscle and arthritic pains, and is particularly good for tired, overworked muscles. It is frequently used in liniments and is excellent for baths and massage. It is used for all variety respiratory problems, (colds, sinusitis, lung congestion and asthma) usually as a steam inhalant. It stimulates the nervous system, motor nerves and adrenals. Its therapeutic actions are analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, hypertensive, nervine, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic and sudorific. It is also considered antidepressant and uplifting.
Rosemary has a tradition of use for hair and skin care. It helps sluggish, underactive skin and is used on dry, mature and couperose skin problems. It is an ancient remedy for dandruff and hair loss and is a good conditioner for the hair. Put a few drops on your hairbrush and brush it through your hair to increase health and shine. Try adding a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner.
Rosemary is a good room deodorizer. You can use it with any diffuser or just few drops in hot water and it will spread throughout the room, deodorizing and sanitizing.
There are some cautions for rosemary use. Do not use it if you have epilepsy, it may trigger seizures. Do not use it if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Used straight on the skin, it can cause skin irritations for some people.