10 excellent benefits and uses for rosemary
Most of the garden plants we use today owe their popularity in the past to their centuries-old usefulness in the home, and in the medicine chest. While I won’t try and pass myself off as an herbalist, I have found some great, and creative uses for Rosemary that you might want to know about, to rejuvenate your outlook on this common garden plant! Here are my top 10 ideas that anyone could try!
1. Repel mosquitos
Rosemary is a natural repellent for bugs and other insects, so it is great to grow around guest entertaining areas. Humans love the smell but other creatures hate it.
2. Hair rinse
Rosemary boiled in a few cups of water can be used for a moisturising hair rinse that has been linked to hair re-growth, and dandruff elimination. Use half a cup of rosemary boiled in 2 1/2 cups of water and apply to your hair. Leave in for 5 minutes then rinse.
3. Improve memory
Scientific research has showed that rosemary assists memory, whether eaten with food, used in oil form on pulse points and temples, or simply smelled. It is currently being examined as a possible pharmaceutical ingredient in future drugs that will battle Alzheimer’s.
4. Ease congestion
Have a cold? Inhaling some rosemary can assist with easing congestion. Simply put a couple of drops of rosemary essential oil into a bowl of boiling water and place a tea towel over your head and inhale. The oils in the plants gently soothe sore throats and lungs, and open up air ways temporarily to provide natural relief of common symptoms.
5. Protect against macular degeneration
A study published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, revealed that a major component of rosemary, carnosic acid, can significantly promote eye health, when taken orally.
6. Soothe painful arthritic joints
If you have pain and inflammation around your joints, massaging rosemary oil into these parts can provide relief. Otherwise, taking a bath with rosemary oil added will also help to ease the pain.
7. Natural air-freshener
Pop a small handful of rosemary leaf, a sliced lemon or orange, and a splash of vanilla into a sauce pot and simmer on low all day (watch the water levels). It smells amazing and freshens the house for days.
8. Increase intake of antioxidants
Fresh rosemary leaves are a good source of vitamin C and contain about 22 mg per 100 g – around 37 per cent of your recommended daily intake. The vitamin is required for collagen synthesis in the body, in turn maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones.
9. Help poor circulation
For poor circulation, take rosemary regularly. It is a useful addition for conditions associated with cold and poor circulation. Use as an infused oil for massage of cold limbs, aches and pains.
10. Boost your spirits
One of the properties of rosemary is to lift the spirits and it is useful in cases of depression. Add 15 drops rosemary oil to a warm bath to ease muscular tension, improve circulation and boost your mood.
Tell us, do you have rosemary in your garden? Which of these tips will you give a go?
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