Rosemary ~ Rosmarinus officinalis
"Rosemary Medicine has been popular for centuries. The 'bard' himself mentions Rosemary for remembrance in several plays! In herbal traditions, this pungent, flavourful herb has been connected to the idea of 'remembering' and 'memory', as well as' improving memory' ~ but there is MUCH more to our friend, Rosemary.
Definitely one of my favourite herbs, I use Rosemary both as a culinary herb and in my apothecary for some of the reasons below:
Rosemary Medicine HIGHLIGHTS:
Anti-anxiety
Antidepressant
Anti-fungal
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-microbial
Circulatory stimulant
Disinfectant
Expectorant
Rich in many B-complex vitamins ~ folic aid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin
Good source of Vitamin A ~ excellent for vision support
Good source of Vitamin C ~ immune boosting
Rich source of Minerals; Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium
Excellent source of IRON
Rosemary is a powerful nervous system herb, as well as a
fabulous digestive herb (stimulates bile secretion + elimination in the intestines) It can be used in cases of digestive 'distress', with good results.
Rosemary improves blood flow, energizes the mind.
Studies indicate that Rosemary is an ideal memory stimulant and a valued nourishment for the mind and offers excellent brain support.
At the same time, this stimulating herb also has a calming effect on our 'system' in general, supporting us against anxiety, fatigue and sadness. The idea that Rosemary can bot stimulate AND calm ~ may seem 'at odds'. This is another example of the magic of our plant world.
Sometimes, called "amphoteric" ~ the ability of a plant medicine to seemingly "know" when each component is needed!
Rosemary can transform into a wonderful "hair rince". Check out this easy recipe here.
Why not try some of these easy ROSEMARY recipes? Add ROSEMARY to your day!
Rosemary Medicine: Rosemary 'RUB'
Rosemary Rub
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 4 tablespoon Rosemary freshly chopped
- 6-8 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup Olive oil approximately; enough to form a thick paste with other ingredients
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Hot Pepper flakes I always add this for a little 'heat'
Instructions
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Mix black pepper, salt, fresh rosemary and garlic together in a bowl.
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Gradually stir in enough olive oil to form a thick paste.
Recipe Notes
This mixture is delicious and flavourful and works well when roasting vegetables.
If using with meats, rub into the meat an hour or so before grilling for best results.
Rosemary Medicine: Rosemary Salt
Use it on roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes and other root veggies
2 tablespoon kosher or coarse sea salt
Store in a clean glass jar. Label.
Stores well at room temperature ~ best in a dark cupboard.
Olive Oil infused with Rosemary
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup fresh rosemary 5-7 sprigs, coarsely chopped
Instructions
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Pour the olive oil into a small sauce pan and warm slowly. High temperatures can destroy the healing properties in olive oil.
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Put the chopped Rosemary into a Mason jar.
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Pour the warm olive oil into the bottle, covering the Rosemary.
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Place the jar in a dry, cool place for at least one week.
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Decant, straining the Rosemary, into a bottle with a tight-fitting lid
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Refrigerate and use within 1 month.
Sometimes, when time permits, I use a slow cooker -- and gently infuse the olive oil with the Rosemary. Simply use the low setting. Allow the oil and herb to spend some time together and then strain after a few hours.
I tend to tincture rosemary in late summer. It can be an important part in tinctures for memory improvement and focus enhancement. Rosemary is used as a "potentizer" (my beloved teacher Michael Vertolli from Living Earth School) is a big fan of using a small amount of Rosemary to 'bump up' the intentions in a formula, using it's circulatory stimulant powers.
Carol and Rosemary @ International Herb Symposium. under the topic: FAVOURITE ROSEMARY!!
May your days be healthy + fun-filled...
Myra
I am going to make the "rub" - sounds promising!!!