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Rosemary an Effective and Valuable Memory Stimulant

By Viola Woolcott

Rosemary’s botanical name Rosmarinus comes from the old Latin meaning “dew of the sea” which is a reference to its pale blue dew-flowers and the fact that the flowering shrub is often grown close to the sea. The pale dew-flowers last throughout spring and summer in a warm and humid environment. Rosemary is a woody, perennial herb that grows up to the height of between 3-5 ft. Forms range from upright to trailing. It is an eye-catching evergreen flowering shrub with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves that are like pine needles.

Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance as well as friendship. Wedding couples often carry it as a sign of love and loyalty. Some people claim to place sprigs of the flowering shrub under their pillows whilst sleeping, to keep bad dreams as well as bad spirits away. Traditions claim that rosemary grows for 33 years where it will die, once it has reached the height of Christ when he was crucified. For Lutes as well as certain musical instruments the wood of the stem has been used.

Rosemary has been used for centuries in the same way that our ancestors have, such as air fresheners, cosmetics, disinfectants and shampoos, toiletries and of course potpourris.

Various studies confirmed that the oil derived from the plants could be uses as a spice, which may assist in the prevention of developing certain cancerous tumours. The oil should not be used internally, as even small doses could cause stomach, kidney and intestinal problems. Large doses may even be poisonous. Rosemary essential oil is potentially toxic if ingested. As a substitute, it is best to drink rosemary as a tea.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not make use of the herb for medical purposes, even though they can use it as a seasoning. (I have used it in SMALL quantities during pregnancy as a herb in cooking also).

The fragrance of rosemary has been said to be an effective and valuable memory stimulant and therefore a plant on the desk could be useful.

Also known as a muscle relaxant, rosemary can be used to ease digestive upsets and also relieve menstrual cramps as well as tension. Using big amounts of rosemary may possibly have reverse effects by causing irritation and cramps of the intestines. Tea can be made from the leaves, which can be drunk as a tonic to calm nerves and can also be used as an antiseptic.

To condition, strengthen and tone all hair types as well as lightening blonde hair, use an infusion as a rinse and also use an infusion as an invigorating toner and astringent.

After an illness, add rosemary to your bath water as it refreshes and strengthens.

In traditional cooking, the fresh as well as the dried leaves are extensively used as an herb. The bitter an astringent taste complements oily foods. According to research rosemary is a useful food preservative.

In the Mediterranean climate and since it is also attractive, rosemary has also been used for landscaping. It is quite easy to grow and look after for beginner gardeners as it is easily pruned into shape.

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Filed under: Health and Diet on February 2nd, 2008