- Jasmine Kurys aka Mycellium Bubbles
@cooking_uprooted
My obsession with rosemary started when I was at work having an emotionally rough day and we had freshly cut Hemp Butter Soap. I decided to smell it by taking a long inhale and I felt my lungs open up making it easier to breathe. It also felt like something happened in the front of my brain that made me feel physically lighter. That shift I carried the soap bar around with me and every time I took a long inhale, I got that feeling. I started researching rosemary and my mind was blown away by the value of this herb that grows in almost every climate around the world. I encourage you to always research for yourself and keep learning about natural tools we have available to us!
For thousands of years, rosemary has aided our ancestors in food preservation, an array of medicine, protection from nightmares and depression, pest repellent, love charms and even for cognitive function. When we think of the image of a Roman or Greek philosopher, chances are we see an herbal crown or garland around their head. This was called a “Laurel Wreath” and it wasn’t a fashion statement or decor. It was made of evergreen herbs including rosemary to aid concentration and memory, and to symbolize becoming a Master. Back then they didn’t know the science behind why rosemary improves memory recall speed and focus (it inhibits acetylcholinesterase, boosting the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine which helps with our focus, memory, sleep, muscle contractions and the release of short term and long term “happiness” chemicals: dopamine and serotonin). They did know wearing rosemary helped with testing, writing, lectures and was a symbol of intellect that was to be respected. It became a symbol of remembrance and was common at funerals to honor the memory of loved ones. In ancient Egypt it was a sign of immortality, not necessarily of flesh, but rather that the dead were not forgotten.
In 1235, Queen Elizabeth of Hungary was paralyzed (mostly likely from gout, extreme inflammation/arthritis) and was cured by soaking in rosemary wine, which became known as “Queen of Hungary Water.” Rosemary is exceptionally great for fighting inflammation and disease because it is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic herb that stimulates the circulatory, digestive and nervous systems. It has been used for everything from cramp relief to sanitation and even protection from the plague. Yes, THE Bubonic plague known as “Black Death” that killed millions. During the 1600’s, rosemary became a life saving herb that went from costing 1 shilling to 6 (for perspective, in that time an entire large pig was worth 1 shilling). It wasn’t a superstition or greed of capitalistic ventures driving the cost, the herb worked; as a disinfectant, decongestion, infection fighting protection. It was used in hospitals as late as World War II as an antiseptic (mixed with juniper berries) and often hung above doors of operating rooms.
One of the coolest things about rosemary is that its benefits can be absorbed through the skin and the smell alone can immediately aid in concentration and stress relief. Rosemary has an anxiety inhibiting property known as an “anxiolytic” which activates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter, that reduces parasympathetic nervous system activity (the body’s ability to relax, or rest and digest, including regulating heart rate, metabolism, and oxygen levels). This means that rosemary supports our adrenal glands, helping fight adrenal fatigue (an overproduction of hormones like cortisol, AKA, “stress”) that can cause aches, drowsiness, nervousness, poor sleep and G.I. problems. It also soothes the muscle lining of the digestive tract, making it antispasmodic and beneficial for stomach pains and body cramping. Because rosemary helps balance hormones, improves circulation, and is an anti-inflammatory, antifungal/bacterial, it helps stimulate hair growth. Research is showing positive long term results for thickening hair (outside of chemotherapy and hair pulling), so stick with it for a few months!
This sacred herb has been buried with Pharaohs, at the center of ceremonial celebrations of love and worn by Greek Scholars to improve concentration. It has been used to repel mosquitoes, mice, cockroaches, and, according to the middle ages, witches. In medicine it has been put under pillows to fight nightmares, used for pain relief of muscle aches, toothaches, menstrual cycles, arthritis and depression, used to cure bad breath, gout and anxiety, as cancer prevention, a liver detoxification, stimulating hair growth and for sanitation. In the culinary world it is an admired spice and tea providing Vitamin A, B6, Iron, Calcium, Potassium and food preservation (fighting infection causing bacteria/fungi). It is also a beautiful, aromatherapeutic addition to anyone's garden or home decor as it is easy to grow and take care of. Whether digested, absorbed through the skin or as aromatherapy, Rosemary can be a useful tool for a healthy life.
A few noteworthy cautions:
-concentrated oil can make you sick if you take too much. Memory studies have shown that over 6000mg can actually dampen memory recall speeds and the sweet spot is around 750mg. This is only something you need to worry about if you are using oils rather than raw (dried or fresh).
-Rosemary soothes the uterus and is not advised for pregnant women.
-allergen contains the natural chemical “salicylate” found in aspirin, mints, coffee, apples, avocado, blueberries, dates, eggplant, cruciferous vegetables, eggplant, pistachios, licorice, and more.
The Hemp Butter Soap is my favorite rosemary product, great for sensitive skin (and dogs too!). I also love the herbaceous tea (which we use to infuse our herbal intimate line that you can read more about in “Herbal Intimates Blend- a Closer Look”). Check out all the goodies from the Rosemary and Lavender line including deodorant, all over butter, soap, beeswax candle, shower steamer, sugar scrub, laundry/dish soap, all purpose household cleanser bar or liquid soap!
Happy Healing!
This article was written by Jasmine Kurys @cooking_uprooted
References
- Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines. 1st ed., Bantam, 1991, pp. 311–13.
- Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “Laurel Wreath - Wikipedia.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 20 Feb. 2006, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurel_wreath.
- Cronkleton, Emily. “What Is Camphor? Health Uses and Precautions.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19 June 2018, https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-camphor.
- Groves, Maria Noel. Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care. Storey Publishing, 2016, pp. 173, 175, 264.
- The Editors of Prevention Health Books. Natural Prescriptions for Women. 1st ed., Rodale, 1998, pp. 330, 331, 349, 406.
- Fieldhouse, Rachel. “Feature Plant Friday: The Rich History of Rosemary — PlantingSeeds.” PlantingSeeds, PlantingSeeds, 20 July 2018, https://www.ps.org.au/content/articles/2018/7/20/feature-plant-friday-the-rich-history-of-rosemary.
- “Rosemary - New World Encyclopedia.” Research Begins Here - New World Encyclopedia, https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Rosemary. Accessed 25 May 2023.
- “Use the Parasympathetic Nervous System to Lower Stress | HSS.” Hospital for Special Surgery, https://www.hss.edu/article_parasympathetic-nervous-system.asp. Accessed 1 June 2023.
- Weston-Green, Katrina et al. “A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 12 583211. 26 Aug. 2021, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211
- ---. “Feature Plant Friday: The Rich History of Rosemary — PlantingSeeds.” PlantingSeeds, PlantingSeeds, 20 July 2018, https://www.ps.org.au/content/articles/2018/7/20/feature-plant-friday-the-rich-history-of-rosemary.
Photo “Xenophon of Athens, c. 430-354 BC, an ancient Greek philosopher, historian, soldier” courtesy of Alamy Stock Photo
All other photos courtesy of @cooking_uprooted