1. Want to boost brain power and support your entire cardiovascular system? Rosemary is your herb!
2. Great for cooking, medicinal use, and a potent natural disinfectant to use in your home.
3. Fun Summer Recipes!
Welcome to the Energetic Health Institutes “Medicine in your spice cabinet series.” No foraging required – chances are, you have some of the most potent natural medicines in your kitchen spice rack right now!
In this series, we will dive into the history of some of our favorite herbs and learn how you can begin growing them in your kitchen or garden today! It’s easy, and who wouldn’t like to add a natural boost of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties to meals or use them to spice up your cup of tea? (1)
Rosemary, our featured herb, has an intriguing history and uses that are far-reaching. Rosemary is safely ingested, inhaled, and applied externally as an ointment, shampoo, or aromatic herb for your environment. It is highly regarded as a healing herb for digestive issues, headaches, migraines, insomnia, and emotional distress or as a memory-boosting herb, to name a few. We will expand further on rosemary’s properties as a neuroprotective herb – a defender of the central nervous system against injury and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Keep reading to learn more.
Latin Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae / Labiatiae
Common Names: Garden Rosemary
Rosemary was considered a sacred herb by ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Hebrews as well as other cultures surrounding Mediterranean civilizations. Its lengthy history of medicinal use assists us in understanding why this herb is important today. Since ancient times, rosemary has symbolized love, loyalty, and friendship. Rosemary has been used for its aromatic, antiseptic, mood, and memory-enhancing properties, as well as ceremonies purposes. (2)
It has been highly regarded as an herb that can fight fatigue and enhance endurance and as a purifying herb used in cooking and cleansing the body. It is highlighted in the De Materia Medica, a book exemplifying the transfer of knowledge across centuries written by Dioscorides (50-70 C.E.), whose work is considered to have laid the foundation of modern botanical terminology.
As an herb associated with memory, in ancient Greece, the effects of rosemary were capitalized by students and scholars who wore wreaths of rosemary on their heads, hence, “herb of crowns” when having to take an exam to improve their memory and their results. It is fascinating to note this practice can still be seen today!
This beautiful aromatic herb has played an integral part in daily life for its medicinal and cleansing properties. “From then until now and continued from before” . Let’s take a look at how research is confirming the medicative healing properties of rosemary as we continue to explore more about this magnificent herb.
Rosemary shares natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties found in avocados, blueberries, mushrooms, and cauliflower, known as dietary salicylic acid, which has been found to have cancer-preventative actions. (3)
Its salicylic acid compound is a natural alternative to aspirin, which is known to soothe headaches and increase blood flow. Additionally, rosemary helps to relax muscles, including the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and uterus. Therefore, it soothes indigestion and is also known to relieve menstrual cramps. (2)
Promising research continues to support the use of rosemary as a neuroprotective antioxidant herb with therapeutic effects on health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, migraines, and cognitive disorders. According to scientists, the scent of rosemary alone is an effective memory stimulant. (4) (5) (6)
Another compound found in rosemary is cineole – an aromatic component in many plants known to cross the blood-brain barrier, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholinesterase – a key enzyme that plays a role in memory, learning, attention, arousal, and involuntary muscle movement. (7) (8) (9) (10)
Rosemary is your go-to herb as a restorative tonic for the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It contains flavonoids that strengthen heartbeat and capillaries and counteract blood vessel fragility, spider veins, and varicose veins. It has a long history of improving energy production and assisting digestive problems related to emotional disorders. Its health benefits don’t stop there! (11)
Here are some additional health benefits of rosemary based on Traditional Chinese Medicine – 5 Elements Perspective.
Rosemary has significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, it shows essential clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep. (12) (13) (14)
Rosemary or rosemary oil is safe for most people when used in regular food doses. However, for anyone taking medication or allergic to aspirin or is on any medication, consult with your primary health care practitioner before taking herbs or essential oils. (15)
Stimulating ways to rejuvenate with rosemary oil:
Note: When shopping for medicinal-grade essential oils, be sure to do your homework!
For Cooking:
Brighten your meals with fresh rosemary recipes that showcase this delightfully aromatic herb at its best. Add fresh rosemary to steamed or baked veggies, or add it to your favorite marinade for roasts, chicken, fish, or veggie rolls.
Due to its tonic and stimulant properties, drinking rosemary tea is also an invigorating tonic and astringent. Warm rosemary tea is diaphoretic (sweats out the toxins). Therefore, it is a good remedy for colds.
Rosemary Tea
Serves: 1
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Fill a mug halfway and add honey until dissolved. Serve and enjoy
Rosemary Lemonade Popsicles
A great treat for summer!
Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe modified from https://vanillaandbean.com/rosemary-lemonade-popsicles/
Rosemary-Lemon All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
In a one-quart jar, combine rosemary, lemon peels, water, and vinegar. Allow to rest 10-14 days in a cool location to allow oils to infuse. Strain lemon peels and rosemary and transfer liquid to a spray bottle for use. If desired, lemon peels and rosemary may be placed directly inside the spray bottle. The scent will intensify over time before breaking down, and the bottle will look great sitting on the shelf.
Are you ready to start your fresh herb garden? Our Oregano article details all the steps, or visit SeedsNow.com for more info!
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The history of rosemary and how it has an affinity for supporting your neurological system should be reason enough to add this beautiful herb to your spice collection and garden – known to clear away unwanted thoughts, lift negative thinking in favor of a positive attitude, and assist with concentration. Can it get any better than that? Rosemary essential oil is also great to use in potpourris and sachets, replacing those chemical-ridden dryer balls or sheets. Uplift your spirit today by surrounding your home or workspace with a potted rosemary plant!
Are you ready to start taking control of your health? Join Dr. Henele, founder of the Energetic Health Institute, for a FREE 9-Lesson Course and find out how we approach natural healing at EHI!
To Your Good Health,
M. Moriah Mor, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, is the owner of GreenSilk.com. The company is committed to helping individuals live a healthier lifestyle through education, nutrition, the research of life science, and the development of Professional High-Grade Premium health products.
Recognized for her outstanding dedication and contributions to the health and wellness industry for more than 18 years, Moriah is a graduate of the Energetic Health Institute and the University of Southern California. Her interest is focused on researching the latest scientific breakthroughs in the holistic health field. She is currently working toward her Doctorate in Natural Medicine.
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