Rosemary Facts and Uses

Thank you for the feedback regarding my last gardening blog. I am delighted to hear that I am not the only one inspired by the link between literature and the joy of the garden.

This week I am starting with a quotation rather than a poem - I hope that you enjoy it too.

I count my blessings with the flowers,

never with the leaves that fall. - Lady Johnson 1912

I had an email from Mrs Kenton in London asking about rosemary, which she enjoys looking at in her garden as well as using it in her cooking.

The name 'Rosemary' comes from two words ‘Ros Marinus’ meaning ‘Rose Of The Sea’ and was considered a sacred plant by the Romans. Christians believed that the flowers were originally white but turned blue when the Virgin Mary hung her cloak on a bush on the journey to Bethlehem. Throughout the ages rosemary has been carried to ward off evil spirits and protect against illness. It's medicinal properties were documented as early as 1370 and it has been used throughout the ages since.

In the west rosemary has always been associated with the love of friends as in Ophelia's much quoted line from Hamlet “That's rosemary for remembrance". As an aromatherapist I use rosemary because it has a stimulating effect on the mind and body. It is helpful for work related fatigue and it can improve concentration whilst driving or studying.

Rosemary is also an effective hair tonic and is reputed to promote growth and improve condition. The scent of rosemary essential oil is very similar to eucalyptus but it is gentler so it is excellent for treating colds, flus and clearing the sinuses. It is also a warming oil which is helpful in treating muscular aches, pains and arthritis. I like to blend rosemary with lavender, geranium, cedarwood or bergamot.

When using essential oils choose any of the following methods:

1. Add 4-10 drops to the bath after it has finished running.
   
2. Add 2 drops to a tablespoon full of sweet almond oil or fragrance free moisturiser and massage into the affected area or back.
   
3. Put 2 drops onto the pillow or the front of night clothes or onto a handkerchief.
   
4. Put 4 drops into a small dish of water on top of an aromatherapy burner.
   
5. In a car or bedroom or whilst travelling oils can be dropped onto a hanky and kept close by.

Please Note: Avoid in pregnancy or if epileptic.

If you have any other views or questions you would like to share with me please email me at julie@potions.co.uk.

Julie