Natural Healing with Rosemary

 NATURAL HEALING WITH ROSEMARY

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a perennial herb with dark green, narrow, needle-shaped leaves and woody stems. The plant produces small purples flowers during the summer. Both the leaves and flowers emit an aromatic scent.

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean, but is cultivated wildly throughout Europe and North America. It has been used for centuries as a decoration for festivals and weddings, as well as in incense to keep away bad influences. Rosemary has also been used in folk medicine for the treatment of colds, headaches, stomach pain and as a heart tonic.

Health Benefits of Rosemary

Rosemary is rich in vitamin A, and C, B-complex vitamins, folate, iron and potassium, and contains calcium, copper, magnesium and manganese. It is used throughout Europe and North America to flavor a wide range of dishes. It is also often used in herbal medicine for the treatment of indigestion, muscle and joint pain and to improve circulation. As a scalp massage, rosemary oil is sometimes used to promote hair growth. At least one study shows that subjects who massaged their scalps with a combination of rosemary, cedar wood, thyme and lavender oils showed a significant regrowth of hair compared to those who did not use the essential oils.

Rosemary in Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential plant oils either in a carrier oil for massage, or added to baths. Essential oil of rosemary has a warm, pungent aroma and is one of the most popular oils in aromatherapy. It is said to be able to improve alertness, elevate the mood, and relieve pain. It also has antiseptic properties. Added to a steam inhaler, rosemary can help alleviate congestion and relive catarrh sinusitis. A rosemary facial wash can help revitalize and tone dull skin. In aromatherapy massage, rosemary essential oil can help relieve tension and relax sore muscles.

Rosemary blends well with a number of other essential oils, including tea tree, lavender, basil, lemon grass, thyme, black pepper, and peppermint.

Rosemary should not be used if you suffer from high blood pressure, epilepsy, or if you are pregnant.