Rosemary – an ancient natural remedy

Rosemary, whose name is derived from “ros marinus” (“the dew of the sea”), is a perennial shrub native to the rocky areas of the Mediterranean.

Since ancient times, rosemary has been recognized as an important medicinal plant, mainly for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective, energizing, and digestion-promoting properties.

The outstanding virtues of rosemary became popular during the 14^th century due to the story of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary. An old hermit has allegedly given the queen the rosemary alcoholate to cure her rheumatism and gout. The “Angel’s water” marvelled her not only for the healing effect on the joints but also for its overall rejuvenating properties, which allowed her to retain her beauty and give her longevity till 80 years.

Rosemary is traditionally perceived as a symbol of friendship, fidelity, and remembrance. In ancient Greece, students adorned their heads with rosemary wreaths in order to enhance their memory capacity before exams.

Apart from its favourite culinary employment, rosemary is used for different medical ailments including digestive troubles (mainly of the hepato-biliary tract), respiratory infections, joint inflammation, muscular pain, and hair-loss. Also, the anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-spasm, and neuro-tonic effects are attributed to this herb.

Rosemary is used in various ways, from infusions, tinctures, and steam inhalations, to baths, massage oils, and ointments.

Rosemary essential oil has an overall energizing, muscle tension-releasing, and digestion-promoting effect. Diluted in a vegetal oil, it can be used for an abdominal massage to relieve digestive troubles, muscular tension, and menstrual pain and discomfort. Added to a steam inhalation, rosemary essential oil relieves flu symptoms and purifies and rejuvenates skin.

Other forms, how to use the precious ROSEMARY plant:

• Mediterranean herbal tea: 1 sprig of rosemary, 3-5 olive leaves, 1 twig of lavender and 1 mint sprig infused in one liter of hot water for 10 minutes. Excellent for digestion and strengthening of the metabolism.
• Massage oil: rosemary (+ lemon) essential oil added to any vegetal oil presents with an overall invigorating effect. Releases muscle soreness and supports regeneration after exercise. Massage of the abdominal area relieves digestive discomfort after heavy meals.
• Aromatherapy (several drops of rosemary essential oil in a vaporizer): promotes decongestion of the respiratory ways and acts as a nervous tonic. Presents also with mood-lifting effect and enhances mental concentration.

You are welcome to check our Mehana Herbarium Mediterranean Edition and experience the outstanding properties of the precious Rosemary Essential Oil originating from the wildly grown plants in the pristine nature of the Mediterranean islands.

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Author Kristina Höschlová

posted on Sept 15th, 2024