The esteemed herbalist Juliette de Bairacli Levy once advised that if you could plant just one herb near your house, it should be rosemary. I am fortunate to have a beautiful, large rosemary bush growing at the entrance to my home. Rosmarinus is a remarkable herb with a myriad of medicinal properties.
Rosemary is fantastic for gut health: it reduces bleeding and diarrhea, has antimicrobial qualities, stimulates appetite and digestion, relieves flatulence, stimulates bile flow, aids in fat digestion, and protects the liver. As a brain tonic, rosemary increases blood flow to the brain, heightening concentration and improving memory. It also calms anxiety, lifts depression, and is beneficial for insomnia, migraines, and headaches. Rosemary can be used for varicose veins and to improve circulation.
As a hot tea, rosemary relieves fevers and sore throats and acts as a decongestant to remove phlegm. It can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and alleviate painful periods. The volatile oils in rosemary bolster the immune system to combat viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Its antioxidants stimulate liver enzymes, aiding in detoxification. Rosemary is also anti-inflammatory, relieving pain and swelling in arthritis and gout. Juliette de Bairacli Levy often added it to baths for its almost “cure-all” properties.
Rosemary is a popular remedy for students during exams. Just a couple of drops of rosemary essential oil can calm the mind and stimulate the brain for better focus and efficiency. If you haven’t seen the film “Juliette of the Herbs,” I highly recommend watching it!