Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, is the herb of festivities.  Historically, rosemary was used by Egyptians for ritual cleansing, healing and spiritual treatment.  Other cultures used rosemary at births, weddings, processions and deaths to celebrate every cycle of life.  It remains an herb of friendship and love.  Rosemary was even used to attract friendly ghosts.

                The essential oil of rosemary strengthens the physical body, clears the head and unblocks unresolved emotions.  An essential oil blend moves, drives and clears energy.  Its action is warming, especially increasing circulation and reducing high blood sugar in diabetics.  Rosemary blends with a wide variety of essential oils affecting many conditions and diseases.  The high odor intensity does not make it useful in perfumery.  However, if the aroma is appealing, it can be combined with synergistic essential oils into a favorite blend. Rosemary does not blend well with lavender aromatically.  They tend to cancel each other’s scent.  Also, rosemary is not recommended in high doses for pregnant women or epileptics.  Children do not respond to the pine scent of rosemary.  It may encourage over activity.  A small amount infused into a room may aid concentration.  Use cautiously.  One drop may be sufficient.

                Previously, rosemary has been featured to improve hair growth, balancing combination skin and reducing acne.  Its refreshing scent enhances short term memory and increases endorphins.  Medicinally, rosemary is one of the best herbs to enhance circulation.  Many problems may resolve, including sciatic pain, gout, muscular and rheumatic pain.  Arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular problems respond well to rosemary massage oils.  Warm compresses may be applied to the right side to reduce hepatic and gallbladder problems.  Cirrhosis, or hardening of the liver has also responded over time to daily or weekly compresses.  Since it also stimulates the central nervous system, rosemary benefits those who have lost some of their smell, speech and eyesight.  I highly recommend a rosemary facial sprit, or shampoo to increase energy in the morning and reduce the use of caffeine.  I have used it to reduce vertigo in clients, lethargy and even partial paralysis.

                The following blends feature rosemary for a variety of ailments.

Heart and Circulation blend In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                15 drops of Rosemary

                                  5 drops of Lemongrass

                                  5 drops of Angelica root

                                  2 drops of Cinnamon leaf

Bottle in dark glass with a tightly fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours before applying as massage oil on the chest, back and legs.  Use this blend for poor circulation, cold legs and feet, low blood pressure and as a heart tonic.

                Rosemary also increases blood to the brain.  As a stimulant for the nervous system, it can be used to improve memory, increase concentration and alertness.  It aids those who suffer from chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, debility and related depression.  Weak and nervous people benefit the most from regular use.  Infuse rosemary essential oil into a room with a diffuser, or put a few drops in a bowl of hot water placed near the center of a room’s a blend for those who prefer to wear it.

Rosemary Restorative  In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                10 drops of Rosemary

                                  5 drops of Spearmint

                                  3 drops of Lemongrass

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage the neck, temples or forehead.  Avoid eye contact and use sparingly.

                Gastrointestinal problems can be aided with a rosemary bath or blend.  Symptoms include diarrhea, colitis and colic.  Rosemary’s antiseptic and antispasmodic properties enhance bile flow and reduce digestive complaints.  It especially helps a “nervous, anxious” stomach.  Rub the abdomen with the following blend to abate symptoms and increase immune power.

In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                15 drops of Rosemary (Spanish is stronger.  The whole plant is distilled)

                                  4 drops of Angelica Root

                                  6 drops of Marjoram, Marjorana hortensis (optional) for spasms

                                  5 drops of Pink Grapefruit

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage several drops onto the abdomen daily or as needed to abate symptoms.

                Rosemary is one of the main detoxifying oils enhancing lymphatic drainage throughout the body.  The abdomen is a major source of lymphatic tissue.  However, the lungs and upper respiratory system is another major source.  The following blend supports chronic lung and respiratory health.  Use it daily or as needed to abate symptoms.  In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                10 drops of Rosemary

                                  3 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus citradora

                                  1 drop of Thyme

                                  2 drops of Cedarwood, especially if coughs or bronchitis occur.

                                  1 drop of Pine

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap Allow to cure 3 hours.  Massage several drops on the upper back, and or the chest.  Avoid eye contact.

                Rosemary alleviates sore muscles, rheumatic pain, painful feet and accelerates healing from sports injuries.  This blend can also be used to reduce and regenerate paralyzed vocal chords and paralysis from surgery.  It is helpful for paralysis due to spinal chord injury when massaged onto the back, legs and arms.  Nature is a great healer.      In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                20 drops of Rosemary

                                10 drops of Peppermint

                                  4 drops of Juniper berries

                                  4 drops of Vetiver

                                  2 drops of Ginger root

                                  2 drops of Clove

                                  3 drops of Angelica root

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage affected areas daily or as needed.  Follow with a warm compress for extra comfort.

                Rosemary is well known as a remedy for headaches and migraines.  Multiple reasons for these problems make it difficult for 1 plant to be a cure all. Here’s a blend that helps many people who suffer from headaches.  Lavender can be added to reduce spasms.  The blend has a very medicinal scent.

Headache and Migraine Blend in 1 ounce of carrier oil add the following essential oils:

                                10 drops of Rosemary

                                  2 drops of Clove

                                10 drops of Roman Chamomile

                                  5 drops of Marjoram

                                  5 drops of Lavendula

                                  3 drops of Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis

                                  1 drop of Clary Sage absolute

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage gently onto the base of the neck, sides of the neck and temples or forehead.  A cool compress on the forehead or base of the neck may help.  Avoid triggers such as orange, chocolate, alcohol, cheese and inhalants used in commercial and home repair.