Among friends, there is no secret by now that I am in love with blue. So there you have it another bluish blossoming plant that not only is heavenly beautiful, it is a feast for the senses and it is also tremendously important for our computing centre. The plant is none other than Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis or Salvia Rosmarinus new scientific name since 2017. There plant may have pink white or blue flowers depending on the cultivar.
Symbol of love, fidelity and loyalty rosemary has been connected to memory for centuries. Ancient Greek students were known to wear rosemary garlands around their neck during their exams.
So why writing this blog, since my splendiferous blue rosemary is not in season anymore. Well it is because the reason behind is REMEMBERING its beauty and colossal benefits that are attached to it. But more importantly it is because it is Christmas time again and the plant can be used as a little Christmas tree.
Again if you have a green thumb, go grab a seedling or two from Bunnings and plant it in your front yard. It will not disappoint you and you can even grow it next to your sage if you planted it already.
Properties: Rosemary has a unique aroma which is a mix of camphoraceous, floral and herbaceous depending on variety. The plant has highly medicinal properties, so that is why it has been used since ancient of times. B no means the list provided here is a complete one:
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic
- Anti-nociceptive: inhibits the sensation of pain which goes through nerves to the brain
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Digestive improver
- Cholerectic – improves the volume of bile produced, thus easing the digestion of fats resulting in better cleansing of the gut system.
- Cholagogue – stimulates the discharge if bile acids
- Carminative _ helps expelling intestinal gas
Benefits: In the following you will discover two of the most prevalent benefits of this marvellous plant.
#1 Rosemary as Anti-Rheumatic Pain Agent Fighter
This plant is packed with anti-oxidants: two of which are the caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid that can help our health system suppress unruly inflammatory enzymes and enable us to regain the balanced health. Knowing first-hand what rheumatic pain is and how it affects my daily activities, I have used the plant in both teas and essential oil as topical application. As it is well known that the mode of administration of chemicals make a significant difference in terms of the level of the response, the topical application worked better to alleviate my pains. This benefit comes from the fact that the rosemary essential oil is anti-nociceptive and analgesic in nature. It is also backed-up by science (Degner et al 2009). Topical application of diluted essential oil (5 drops of essential rosemary oil to one table spoon of carrier oil) massaging the aching joints or muscles. I also like grinding it and use it as a salt enhancer.
#2 Rosemary as Clear Mind and Increased Mental Awareness Agent
Mental fog is unquestionably exasperating. Confused… distracted… lacking metal clarity and focus… never knowing what on earth is happening that nothing gets finished. Although, “brain fog” is not a medical condition, it affects one’s daily life negatively and more often than not, the coffee machine is the one we tend to surrender to. Well interestingly enough, recent studies show that not only brain fog is fixable without the coffee boost but also it affects in a positive way the alpha brain waves leading to decreased depression. This can happen only resorting to inhaling the unparalleled rosemary fragrance (Sayorwan et al, 2013). Furthermore, consumed in culinary quantities, was found to be beneficial for improving the cognitive function in the elderly Pengelly, et al 2012).
Highly recommended for use as a diffuser in the car during this holiday season when one needs to stay super alert if driving on a long distance trip
Rosemary oil can be found at any chemist pharmacy these days; one drop of oil on a tissue will surely energise the brain better than a coffee.
Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil is usually regarded as nontoxic, non-sensitising and non-irritant when used in sufficient dilution. However, individuals with hypersensitive skin should manifest caution. Furthermore, it is safer not to be used in pregnancy. The plant, Rosmarinus officinalis has no known toxicity and has no contraindications in culinary preparations.
Disclaimer: I am a qualified holistic wellness, herbalist aromatherapist and nutrition Diva, I am not a medical doctor or nurse and do not play one on the internet. Always check with a doctor or medical professional if a medical need arises.
References
Degner et al, 2009, Complementary and Alternative Therapies and the Aging Population, pp: 541-562, Chapter 26:Health Benefits of Traditional Culinary and Medicinal Mediterranean Plants https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123742285000263
Sayorwan et al, Sci Pharm., 2013, 81(2): 531–542. Effects of Inhaled Rosemary Oil on Subjective Feelings and Activities of the Nervous System. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700080/
Pengelly et al, J of Med Food, 2012, 15(1) .Short-Term Study on the Effects of Rosemary on Cognitive Function in an Elderly Population, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2011.0005