One of the first herbs to be used for medicinal purposes, rosemary was traditionally used to ward off evil and offer protection from the plague. Also used as a flavouring for food, it offered antibacterial properties to food too, allowing it to stay fresher for longer. The oil is extracted from distilling the fresh flowers of the aromatic rosemary bush.
It has a distinctive aroma, which is instantly recognised. Today, it’s used for its powerful antibacterial properties, helping to treat coughs and colds, and clear acne and dandruff. Rosemary is also used in many natural hair care products to help degrease the hair, make it shiny and help prevent hair loss.
Rosemary can be used to help relieve stress related headaches, lift mild depression, promote mental clarity, ease mental exhaustion and improve memory. It can also help relieve indigestion and reduce excess wind. In women, rosemary can help prevent painful periods, reduce water retention and clear vaginal discharge.
Added to vinegar, rosemary makes a powerful disinfectant that is a useful addition to a natural cleaning cupboard.
Try rosemary in our – not in Brendan’s notes