Practical Magic: Rosemary—The Great Nervous System Healer

Name: Rosemary

Most Commonly Found: Rosemary is most commonly found in the Mediterranean region.

Stone Cold Facts: Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb and it is used for culinary means, to make bodily perfumes, and for its various health benefits. The name “rosemary” derives from the Latin for “dew” (ros) and “sea” (marinus), or “dew of the sea.” It is also sometimes called anthos, from the ancient Greek word ἄνθος, meaning “flower.” Rosemary also has a fibrous root system and is a great source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6.

How to Heal: Rosemary was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth, and is still being used for these reasons today.

Rosemary is beneficial in healing due to its rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, thought to help booth the immune system, and improve blood circulation. This helps it to fight free radicals, which can make it helpful in fighting various diseases, like cancer.

In Europe, rosemary was used to help treat indigestion, and Germany’s Commission E has approved it for the treatment of dyspepsia, though it still has yet to be majorly studied for these purposes. Studies have also illustrated rosemary’s effect on the brain, as it contains carnosic acid, which enables it to fight off free radical damage. This acid also has been shown to improve eye health.

In addition, a study in Cell Journal found that it “may be useful in protecting against beta-amyloid-induced neurodegeneration in the hippocampus.” Another study, published in Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, said that rosemary may be an effective herbal anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent.

How to Heal: Rosemary is either used as a herb in food or extracted as an oil to use in medicines, both topically and orally.

Related Chakras: It’s especially healing for the third eye chakra, helping to promote spiritual clarity.

Spirituality & Psychic Properties: Rosemary is considered to be one of the best tonics for the central nervous system, because it acts as a brain stimulant and has a long history of improving the memory, aiding psychic protection and intuition. It inspires the love of self and others and strengthens the willpower, according to Dr Glennis Rogerson, PhD. In his article, Davis suggests that “It strengthens the heart. It may be considered a middle-aged executives best friend.”

According to legend, it was draped around the Greek goddess Aphrodite when she rose from the sea, born of Uranus’s semen. The Virgin Mary is said to have spread her blue cloak over a white-blossomed rosemary bush when she was resting, and the flowers turned blue. From then on, the shrub was referred to as the “Rose of Mary.”

History + Lore: Rosemary’s healing powers have been celebrated throughout the world. In the Middle Ages, rosemary was associated with wedding ceremonies, where the bride would wear a rosemary headpiece and the groom and wedding guests would all wear a sprig of rosemary. From then on, it became associated with love.

There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray you, love,
remember. And there is pansies, that’s for thoughts.
-William Shakespeare (Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 5)

In addition, Hungary water, which contains rosemary, was first prepared for the Queen of Hungary Elisabeth of Poland to “renovate vitality of paralyzed limbs” and to treat gout.

Rosemary Christmas tree plants have also become a tradition throughout the world. Their warm aesthetic and festive aroma make them an excellent addition to your kitchen or dining room table.

For more recipes, or to learn how to incorporate your favorite ingredients into holistic, healthy meals, visit Play With Your Food on Wanderlust TV.