by Tamara McIntee

Earthy, sweet, aromatic rosemary is one of the best known and easily grown common herbs. Her Latin name is rosmarinus officinalis. The magical name is ‘dew of the sea.’ Guardrobe and rose marie are two of her folk names. Incenser was an old French name for dried, powdered rosemary which was then rolled together with sugar to make a mixture burned as purification incense. First known to be used in ancient Egypt, rosemary was valued for beautification and purification.

There are several important caveats about using rosemary.  First, never ingest rosemary essential oil—its potency has a toxic effect on the body. Rosemary may also interfere with iron absorption, so should not be used by anyone with an iron deficiency. (To boost your body’s iron, drink stinging nettle tea regularly.) Rosemary will raise blood pressure; so individuals with a history of high blood pressure or hypertension should avoid it.  Steer clear of rosemary while pregnant, especially during the first trimester. Watch for skin reactions when using rosemary topically. Do not rub rosemary oil onto varicose veins because the oils increase blood circulation.  To use rosemary medicinally, listen to your body.  Use with care; do not overdose. Take in small doses throughout the day, not exceeding 8 ounces of infusion daily; in tincture form take only 40 drops, twice daily. Ms. Rosemary warns, “Moderation is the key.”

Famous for beautifying properties, rosemary when used as a wash is antiseptic, toning, and cleansing. In shampoos or hair rinses, rosemary can de-grease hair and bring lovely luster to brunettes. While keeping hair healthy, Rosemary can even slow hair loss: a preparation of this herb rubbed into the scalp stimulates hair follicles. Include rosemary in your toilette routine. It’s a pleasant mouthwash for sore gums and a gargle for halitosis and sore throats.

Rosemary has many external therapeutic uses. A rosemary salve eases sprains, rheumatism and arthritis. A strong rosemary wash helps heal bruises, wounds, and eczema. An oil made by infusing rosemary in olive oil, rubbed directly over the heart, can increase blood pressure by stimulating the blood under the skin. For post-partum moms, rosemary provides a healing sitzbath and a perineal spray, blended with calendula petals and witchhazel, to prevent infection. For newborns, powdered rosemary or rosemary tincture can be applied to a mildly infected umbilical stump to dry it out and kill bacteria. For a headache, blend essential oils of rosemary, lavender and peppermint, mix together in a carrier oil and rub into the temples and behind neck and ears before putting up your feet and relaxing in a dark, quiet room. (Wash your hands well after this rub to avoid getting essential oils into your eyes and mouth.

Medicinally, rosemary contains potentially biologically active compounds, including anti-oxidants such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. Carnosic acid may shield the brain from free radicals, lowering the risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Japanese research concludes rosemary is a brain stimulant, which can improve concentration and memory. Try an  infusion of rosemary before writing a test or giving a speech.  Rosemary can ease psychological tension and headaches, blending nicely with oats and lemon balm to alleviate depression. For nursing moms, rosemary can increase milk flow; add calcium to the diet and  it may help with post-partum depression when blended with skullcap and licorice root. Drinking a hot cup of rosemary tea, once in the morning and once at night, may strengthen weak eyes. Rosemary contains flavonoids that can protect the liver from damage by increasing beneficial enzymes. Studies show that rosemary can also inhibit the production of the harmful enzyme urease, which contributes to the formation of kidney stones.  White wine infused with fresh rosemary is an age-old remedy that has been used for centuries to treat poor circulation and low blood pressure.  When used as a flavoring agent, rosemary simultaneously aids digestion, eases gas, and fights cholesterol. 

Steeped deep in ‘the ways of old,’ I’ll share some fun folklore and magical uses of rosemary. The lovely dew of the sea is said to have magical influence in matters of  love, protection, purification and intellectual strength. Making a simple of rosemary is a quick way to cleanse your hands before working magic.

Dealing with a fearful child at night, put a fresh sprig of rosemary under the pillow or hang it by the bed, as a charm  to chase away nightmares and enhance inner power. It is said that a big, healthy rosemary bush in your yard will protect you from harm. Rosemary is said to thrive in a household where the woman is a very strong element. Folklore advises hanging up rosemary in your house to keep away thieves; when hung inside a boat, it ensures safe passage. Traditionally, rosemary welcomes springtime. Burn the herb and smudge with the smoke to set a clear spiritual pathway for the new season. The smoke washes away emotional baggage from the wintertime, while keeping the lessons of winter intact.

When cultivating rosemary, plant during the moon’s first quarter. In companion planting, rosemary alongside carrots can repel aphids. A hardy evergreen, rosemary can be harvested anytime. The most potent picking time is the early flowering stage. Luckily for us in this mild climate, rosemary yields delicate, pale indigo flowers at least twice per year.  

For culinary use, rosemary works well with root vegetables, meats and soups. Delicate flowers of rosemary can be added to ice-cube trays and used as a summer thirst quencher.  Shakespeare’s Hamlet knows this herb: “There’s rosemary for remembrance….”