HISTORY of ROSEMARY

 

• The name “rosemary” derives from the Latin for “dew” (ros) and “sea” (marinus), or “dew of the sea.” This is likely in reference to the herb’s preference for growing along the coast in its native Mediterranean region.
• Ancient texts document the medicinal properties of rosemary. Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) , a Roman philosopher and naturalist  and Galen of Pergamon (129-210 AD) a Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher both wrote of the benefits of rosemary. It was once thought to be a cure for poor digestion, migraine, joint disorders, and muscle aches.
• Those living during the Middle Ages believed rosemary could drive away negative energy. You could prevent nightmares by tucking rosemary under your pillow. People also thought burning rosemary in your home could prevent the plague from entering.
• Rosemary has long been renowned for strengthening the memory. Greek scholars wore rosemary wreaths on their heads while studying to aide their memory. Many cultures included rosemary as a symbol of remembrance in bridal ceremonies and burial rites.
• For centuries cultures discovered the healing properties of plants through experimentation and experience. Today we can look at the chemical make up of a plant to prove that they were right all along.

USING ROSEMARY TODAY

 

Today we can use scientific methods to determine the benefits of herbs and their essential oils. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is used to test the chemical makeup of essential oils. If we look at the benefits of a few of these components, we can determine the best ways to use the oil. A few of the main components of rosemary are 1,8-cineole, a-pinene, and camphor.

• 1,8-cineole is antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic, and increases blood flow to the brain.
• A-pinene exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and acts as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It also functions as  a bronchodilator as well.
• Camphor is an antiseptic, decongestant, anesthetic, sedative, and nervous pacifier. It’s also anti-inflammatory, a disinfectant, and an insecticide.

 

Rosemary’s powerful essential oil has been gaining popularity for many of the same reasons it was used in ancient times. It goes without saying, something that has been used for thousands of years can’t be disregarded. This holds true for many natural healing remedies of the past. As pharmaceutical companies advertise their latest laboratory creations with a long list of terrible sounding side effects and price tag match, I would rather look to the wisdom of our ancestors and trust what Mother Nature has given us to use all along.

 

Here are a couple of ways to try use rosemary to help improve your health and wellness naturally:

 

• Diffuse rosemary essential oil  help reduce mental and emotional exhaustion while stimulating focus and improving mental clarity.
• When inhaled, rosemary essential oil is beneficial for respiratory ailments such as coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis.
• Add a few drops of rosemary oil to any homemade cleaning product to benefit from its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.
• Rosemary oil increases circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair growth so it  makes a great hair tonic and can be added to shampoo.
• Rosemary essential oil is promoted for its ability to relieve pain, which is why it’s widely used in treating headaches, muscle pains, and even arthritis. Massage the affected area with the essential oil, or add to the bath for the treatment of rheumatism. Its anti-inflammatory qualities make it a good way to address pain from sprains and joint aches. (source)

 

Caution: Avoid Rosemary oil if you have been diagnosed with epilepsy or high blood pressure. Pregnant women should also avoid this essential oil.