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For Memory

Rosemary is famously called the herb of remembrance and has long been used as a symbolic way to
remember a loved one or an event such as weddings or funerals. It was traditionally used to improve
memory and herbalist often recommended that a student smell of Sprig while studying and then again
while taking their exams. I’ve read the tradition goes as far back as ancient Greece. Science has since
validated that smelling Rosemary essential oils reduces test anxiety and can significantly enhance
memory. Not only does rosemary help with short-term memory it may also have a role in preventing
and addressing Alzheimer’s which affects an estimated 1 and 9 people in the United States over the age
of 65 and nearly 44 million people worldwide. In one short term study as little as 750 mg dose of dried
rosemary had a significant beneficial effect on cognitive function in an elderly population another study
showed that Alzheimer’s patients experienced cognitive benefits by simply smelling the essential oil
Rosemary along with a holistic protocol shows promising results for addressing this debilitating disease.

 

For Mild Depression and Anxiety

It is currently believed that inflammation acts as a central part in the pathophysiology of depression. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental sickness featured by loss of interest, disturbed sleep, lack of energy, and suicidality, which gives rise to the highest ratio of worldwide burden according to mental disorders. MDD has been strongly associated with gut microbiome diversity. According to a 2013 study the effects of Rosemary extract(RE) as an antidepressant (remember Rosemary increases the uptake of oxygen on a cellular level, has a reputation as the queen of antioxidants and has mild pain relieving properties) this study showed the antidepressant effects of RE are mediated by anti-inflammatory effects in hippocampus, serum and BV-2 microglia as well as rebalancing gut microbiota.
Nicholas Culpepper (1616-1654) gives us a recipe to ease “maladies of the mind" or for someone grieving…. Original Recipe: take one pound rosemary flowers and 3 pounds honey mix them in a glass with a narrow mouth set them in the sun keep them for use. It has the same Virtues Of The rosemary flowers. Rosemary is believed to be governed by the Sun, Culpeper believed herbs governed by the sun comforted the heart and could counter melancholic states such as grief, depression, and sadness.
Adapted Recipe: fill any size jar with rosemary (leaf and flower) cover with honey,
and cap. Set in the full sun all day. Strain and use. 1-2 tablespoons daily, for best
results add to an herbal tea such as Rosemary, Lemon, and Thyme.

 

For Skin Protection

Rosemary extract have been shown to be helpful against the Sun’s UV damage. We all know about the importance of covering up or using safe sunscreens to protect against sunburn but in one interesting study researchers showed that taking an extract of Rosemary and lemon internally decreased UV damage in humans people taking these extracts saw some good results after 8 weeks and even stronger results after 12 weeks. Note the word extract not essential oil big difference. I do not support the internal use of essential oils. An extract (contains many of the constituents mainly triterpenes) can be made with many things honey, vinegar, and alcohol among them.

 

For Heart Health

Rosemary can be used to increase circulation and decrease inflammation in the cardiovascular system. British herbalist Jeremy Ross recommends Rosemary combined with Hawthorne for people with cardiac weakness alongside depression. Well known as a circulatory stimulant long used for treating poor circulation and low blood pressure.

 

For Reducing Pain

Rosemary is high in antioxidants which can decrease oxidative stress and inflammation it has been used historically for inflammatory pain such as arthritis and joint damage. Herbalist recommend both taking it internally and using an externally over the affected areas. Rosemary is a mild analgesic which does give it some gentle pain-relieving properties.

 

For Digestive Issues

Rosemary is renowned as a digestive Aid facilitating the digestion of fats and starches. One reason that Rosemary is often paired with fatty Meats like lamb is for its ability to support the liver and help digest the fat. Recently has been studied for its use on balancing the gut microbiome, with positive results. Rosemary made into a tea can ease slow or cold digestion that is causing gas, nausea, cramping, or bloating. This herb is warming and its milder energetic qualities allow it to be enjoyed in moderate quantities with fewer adverse effects versus the hot energetics of ginger, garlic, and cayenne.

 

For Colds and Flu

Delicious and warming rosemary tea can bring welcome relief during cold and flu season. Relieve a sore throat with sips of rosemary tea or a spoonful of Rosemary infused honey. Drinking hot rosemary tea helps to warm you up during the first stages of a fever when you feel cold and are shivering. It can also be a supportive herb and helping with stagnant congestion in the sinus and lungs for this effect it combines well with ginger.

 

For Hair Loss

To encourage hair growth herbalist Leslie Tierra recommends a blend of two teaspoons of Rosemary essential oil to teaspoons of lavender essential oil half an ounce of cayenne tincture and a pint of sesame oil she suggests regularly massaging a bit into the scalp and letting it sit for a while. I personally have used Rosemary essential oil diluted in avocado oil as a scalp rub and hair oil, and my extremely dry and curly hair breaks much less often.

 

 

Key Constituents:  flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, essential oil, tannins, resin, bitters, camphor, beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, triterpenes.

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Magical Attributes  

Gender: Male      Planet: Sun        Element: Fire

Powers:  protection, love, lust, mental Powers, exorcism, purification, healing, sleep, and Youth

 

The magic of Rosemary; historical uses and lore:

Rosemary has long been tied to the Virgin Mary, it is said that on her family’s flight to Egypt a rosemary bush sheltered and protected them. When Mary laid her cloak upon the bush the white flowers turned blue and thus became the “rose of Mary.”
Rosemary when burned emits powerful cleansing and purifying vibrations and so is smoldered to rid a place of negativity especially prior to before to performing Magic it is one of the oldest incense.
Rosemary placed beneath the pillow ensures a good sleep and drives away nightmares. Laid under the bed it protects the sleeper from all harm. Hung on the porch and a door posts keep the thieves from the house. Rosemary is carried to remain healthy. Place in the bath to purify the water and ensure youthfulness of the bather.
Adorn yourself with rosemary to Aid your memory, dispel depression, and make the emotions light and merry. Smell the wood often to preserve youthfulness. Rosemary has long been used in love and lust incense and other mixtures including healing puppet to take advantage of its Curative vibrations. Rosemary infusions are used to wash the hands before healing work and the leaves are mixed with juniper berries to be burned in sick rooms and promote healing. If you wish to receive knowledge or the answer to a question burn Rosemary on charcoal and smell it smoke Rosemary is also grown to attract elves. Rosemary is generally used as a substitute for frankincense.

 

Using Rosemary:

Rosemary is often used as an essential oil and I often use it for cleaning my body and my home. In the kitchen rosemary leaves can be enjoyed fresh or dry. Using culinary amounts of Rosemary is a great way to enjoy its flavor and improve your overall digestion. We make and enjoy Rosemary Vinegar and Rosemary Honey for marinades and dressings regularly.
 

Recommended amount for therapeutic usage as a tea is to 2-4 grams up to three times daily.

As a tincture of 40% alcohol 2-4 ml up to 3 times daily.

 

Precautions: During pregnancy and breastfeeding it is safest to avoid Rosemary in
large quantity. Normal culinary amounts should be fine. The essential oil should be avoided. Rosemary May lower blood glucose those taking insulin should continue to monitor their blood glucose levels. A very small percentage of people have skin dermatitis when exposed to Rosemary.

 

Sources: Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Foret , Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Recipes by Rosemary Gladstar , Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs pg 200, herbmentor.com, Academy of Herbs, Old Farmers Almanac, Susan Weed podcast notes

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For your enjoyment here is one of my favorite teachers and mentors talking about Rosemary in more depth than I can... Susun Weed 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7oa2GpKvfI

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