ROSEMARY

Ancient medicine to protect the brain
Sharp thought, concentration, and memory
Protect the space, protect the body
Keep away stress and anxiety
​For the love, for remembrance
Aphrodite gives the Dew of the Sea

I find it amazing and informative that the herbs that are the most beneficial in my life are the ones that I crave.  Rosemary is one of these.  I love the flavor of rosemary in meat dishes, vegetable dishes, drinks, and condiments.  This strong flavored herb is very adaptable in its use.

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, originates from the mountains around the Mediterranean Sea where its name translates to Dew of the Sea.  In this region, it has a long history of culinary, spiritual, and medicinal uses.  According to one legend, Aphrodite emerged from the sea wearing rosemary.  According one source of information, rosemary was used to make lutes.  Rosemary was so highly regarded that the wall gardens were designed for rosemary.

While most people are familiar with rosemary as a flavoring for Italian and Mediterranean cooking, it has also long been known as a medicinal herb.  It has beneficial effects for the nervous system and for peoples ability to handle stress and anxiety.  It seems to be beneficial for brain health and to aid concentration and focus.  It is often used in hair tonics and ointments for skin conditions and inflammation.  I use it as one of the ingredients in an ointment that I make for myself.
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Link to buy me a coffee. Manitu's Answer ointment.

One of the ancient uses for rosemary was as a smudge or incense.  These are ancient practices that use smoldering herbs to create an aromatic smoke.  On a physical level, this smoke seems to clear viruses, bacteria, and fungus from spaces where they have accumulated due to illness.  Energetically, this smoke is believed to clear spaces of negative influences and energy.  It is used to clear bad luck and clear the energies from distressful events.  Once the space is cleared, rosemary smudge can serve to protect the space.

Rosemary, rosemary oil, and rosemary smoke can have a similar effect on the human body, mind, and emotions.  As you cleanse the space with this herb, it tends to clear your body of negativity.  It is known to help lift the emotions and may help break up anxiety and depression.  This is one of the herbs that is used to cleanse auras before and after energy work.  Energetic healers often use rosemary tincture or tea to cleanse their hands before energy work.

When used as aroma therapy, rosemary can calm the emotions and ease the impact of stressful situations.  Rosemary brings calm to the mind, aiding in thought, learning, concentration, and focus.  Some practitioners use rosemary aroma therapy as an aid to meditation.

As Shakespeare noted, rosemary is for love and remembrance in the language of flowers.  It is used in both wedding ceremonies and in funerals.  In the wedding, it is an herb of love, fidelity, and protection for the family.  As a ceremonial herb in the funeral, it represents the remembrance of love and to aid in the release of grief.  Magically, rosemary is used to attract love, strengthen bonds, and bring fertility.

And there is more.  If you want to encourage wisdom and memory, drink rosemary tea.  Rosemary is also in tea blends that may open the third eye and aid in psychic development.  Put a sprig under the pillow to keep bad dreams away and ensure good sleep.  If you grow rosemary in the garden or hang it around the house, it may protect the house from thieves and negativity.  Rosemary is believed to provide psychic protection.  It promotes self love and strengthens will power.

Rosemary is one of the herbs that I consider to be a staple.  Because I live in an area where rosemary will not survive the winter, I grow rosemary in a large pot and train it as the best as I can.  Rosemary tends to have a mind of its own.  I use clippings from my rosemary for flavor, tea, medicine, and just because I find the energy of this plant delectable.

You can take advantage of many of rosemary's properties by buying dry herbs and essential oil, but I find that growing live rosemary is a better fit for me.  It is an easy plant to grow if you can provide it with good light and air flow.

Here are some of the sources that I used for this article:
webmd.com
healthline.com
wikihow.com
learnreligions.com
Here is a link to my ointment recipe on Buy Me a Coffee:
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Manitu's Answer to a Life of Physical Labor