Essential Oil Profile: Rosemary

“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance” –Ophelia

The quote above was one of my first glimpses at the wonderful powers of the magical Rosemary. I was watching Helena Bonham Carter’s wonderful portrayal of Ophelia in English class when I first heard it. I then researched and found that not only does Rosemary represent memories, but it can help increase one’s memory. Needless to say I used it whenever I studied from then on.

I hope you fall in love with this oil as much as I have.

The Properties of Rosemary: (See Herbal Terminology Page for Meanings of Words)

Analgesic, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Cytophylactic, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Decongestant, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Hypertensive, Nervine, Parasitic, Restorative, Stimulant, Tonic

Uses for Rosemary Include:

Physical: Helps gout, headaches, rheumatism, fatigue, skin infections, muscular aches and pains, sprains, dandruff, alopecia, obesity, and spinal injuries. Can be used as a nerve stimulant, heart tonic, liver decongestant, and analgesic.

Emotional and Mental: Counteracts loss of memory, learning difficulties, lethargy, disorientation, fatigue, indecision, nervous exhaustion, feeling overburdened and overworked, strain, emotional exhaustion, and sluggishness.

Nourishes energy, upliftment, confidence, creativity, clarity, structure, concentration, stability, sincerity, awareness, and can help one feel fortified and pure.

Spiritual and Energetic: Rosemary is an herb belonging to the element of Fire and is in tune with the planetary energies of the Sun. It is masculine in nature, and has a very strong energetic field about it. It is most often used for protection, and purification. Hanging branches and sprigs of Rosemary around the home can help protect it from unwanted guests, and a sprig under the pillow helps little ones with nightmares. This wonderful herb is also a very good substitute for Frankincense.

Applications of Rosemary Oil: (Never use essential oils internally unless instructed by a qualified health care professional)

Handkerchief/Tissue: add one or two drops of the oil on a tissue or handkerchief and sniff often. This method is useful for the emotional and mental problems listed above, as well as headaches and helping to increase the memory.

Vapor: add 1-2 drops into a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapors deeply through the nose for one minute (be sure to close your eyes to avoid irritation.) This method is helpful for treating headaches, fatigue, and the emotional and mental problems listed above.

Massage Oil: add a maximum 3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil and massage over the affected area. This method is helpful for gout, skin infections, muscular aches and pains, sprains, and helps stimulate the body. (remember to massage the abdomen in a clock-wise movement)

Baths: add a maximum of 3 drops to a warm bath and soak for at least ten minutes, breathing deeply and relaxing. This method is helpful for mental and emotional problems, gout, skin infections, muscular aches and pains, sprains, and helps stimulate the body.

Showers: wash as normal then add 2 drops to your washcloth, luffa, or sponge and rub over yourself briskly while standing under the running water. Breathe Deeply. This method is helpful for mental and emotional problems, gout, skin infections, muscular aches and pains, sprains, and helps stimulate the body.

Diffusers: add 1-4 drops to a diffuser and light the candle, or turn the diffuser on. Sit, relax, and breathe deeply for one minute. This method is helpful for the mental and emotional problems listed above, headaches and fatigue.

Humidifiers: add 4 drops to the water added into a humidifier. This method is helpful for the mental and emotional problems listed above, headaches and fatigue.

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, if you have a history of high blood pressure or epilepsy, and do not apply to damaged or sensitive skin.

Information Pulled from:

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
The Fragrant Mind by Valerie Ann Worwood
Aromatherapy a Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils by Valerie Gennari Cooksley
The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham