Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary has been used for Centuries Rosemary has historically been used as a symbol of fidelity and often given to guests at a wedding. In France it was used as a disinfectant and often prescribed to restore youthfulness.  In Greece, students would put sprigs of it in their hair to help with concentration during their examinations. Modern science is validating that Rosemary is a stimulating herb, increases circulation and helps balance hormones.  The British Pharmacopoeia currently lists Rosemary as suitable for “depressive states and indications of cardiovascular weakness”.   Here are some practical ways you can fit it into your daily routines. 

Eat your way to health I personally like to eat my herbs. One of my favorite uses of fresh Rosemary is in a Rosemary Roquefort Sauce that is equally delicious on a grilled tenderloin or baked potato.  This satisfying recipe combines a savory rosemary blend with risotto and butternut squash.

Butternut Squash and Rosemary Risotto

Hungary water is made from Rosemary leaves and often used in the Perfume Industry. There are many recipes for making your own, I found a good one at NaKin Soap Blog.  It’s a wonderful blend of herbs, botanicals and vinegar. If you use your own plant materials it’s a great way to be sure you are getting the purest product. Use this water in place of synthetic fragrance to perfume your body, bath and linens. You can splash it onto your skin or put it into a glass spray bottle for a quick spritz of aroma.

Rosemary essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves.  Rosemary essential oil has been researched and historically used for many situations: as a memory enhancer, muscle relaxant, respiratory support, fungal defense (including Candida) and may help maintain normal blood sugar levels. It is a stimulating oil and has been researched against many bacteria. It has even shown potential to assist modern pharmaceuticals in fighting anti-biotic resistant bacteria and against mold spores like Aspergillus.  Consult an Essential Oil Desk Reference or holistic practitioner for specific usages.

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Khater H, Ramadan M, El-Madawy R. (2009). Lousicidal, ovicidal and repellant efficacy of some essential oils against lice and flies infesting water buffaloes in Egypt. Vet Parasitol. 14;164 (2-4):257-66.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304401709003501

Pintore G, Marchetti M, Chessa M, Sechi B, Scanu N, Mangano G, Tirillini B. (2009). Rosmarinus officinalis L: chemical modifications of the essential oil and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Nat Prod Commun. 4(12): 1685-90.

Szabo MA, Varga GZ, Hohmann J, Schelz Z, Szegedi E, Amaral L, Molnar J. (2010). Inhibition of quorum-sensing signals by essential oils. Phytotherapy Res. 24(5): 782-6.

Tantaoui-Elaraki A, Beraoud L. Inhibition of growth and aflatoxin production in Aspergillus parasiticus by essential oils of selected plant materials. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 1994; 13(1): 67-72.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. For medical treatment consult a doctor.