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Let’s talk about the ever so popular herb… ROSEMARY.
Rosemary: ubiquitous, beloved, and ever-present. Its bushy form lines sidewalks, its fragrance perfuming the air. A staple in our kitchen, fresh rosemary infuses dishes with a sublime flavor, enhancing without overpowering. It has always been a must have.
Yet, it wasn’t until my Jason fell ill with a relentless flu that the true significance of this herb became clear. Join me as we uncover 6 remarkable reasons why rosemary deserves a cherished place in your life.
Table of Contents
- Growing rosemary
- Should You Mulch Your Rosemary?
- 6 Benefits to Rosemary
- High In Antioxidants
- Strengthen Memory
- Reduces Upset Stomachs
- Pain Reliever
- Detoxifies The Body
- Mood Stabilizer
- Reduces Symptoms of ADD/ADHD
- 5 Ways To Use Rosemary
Growing rosemary
Rosemary also known as Rosemarinus Officinalis is a woody herb that has small needle like leaves. It grows small purple, pink or white flowers. It is part of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. While any form of rosemary is useful, fresh is by far the best way to utilize its fragrance and medicinal properties
Rosemary is an evergreen perennial shrub that thrives outdoors. While you can make rosemary an indoor plant, you will find it will take off and be happiest when situated in the sunniest sport in your yard.
However, ours is not in the sunniest part of our yard and it is just loving life, so pay attention to what makes your plant happy and move it around if necessary. Sometimes it is best to keep plants in a pot, this way you can move them around to find their happy place. Then you can permanently plant them right where they need to be.
It is best grown in zones 8 or higher and will reach 3-5 feet in height. It will grow in zones 7 and lower but the plant will be just smaller in size. If you’re not sure what your growing zone is click here. Start seedlings in the spring when the danger of frost has passed. Plant 2-3 inches apart. In hotter zones, you can chance planting it in the fall.
Should You Mulch Your Rosemary?
Just like any plant, remember: mulch, mulch, mulch! Using materials like straw or wood chips as mulch helps retain moisture in the soil during scorching summer days. When winter’s chill sets in, mulch acts as a cozy blanket, insulating the plant roots and keeping them snug and warm. Let’s emphasize it once more: mulch, mulch, mulch—it’s the gardener’s best friend!
6 Benefits to Rosemary
High In Antioxidants
But first let’s have a little side track moment….
Antioxidants are what rids our bodies of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that have an odd number of electrons. So, when they enter the body they begin stealing electrons from healthy molecules. Which in turn, leaves that molecule with an odd number of electrons. And so the chain reaction begins and soon enough all sorts of bad stuff starts accumulating in the body.
Antioxidants are so important because they go into the body and essential give electrons to the free radicals. This stabilizes the free radical so that it does not attack good molecules in the body. The more antioxidants you put in your body the better. Free radicals are inevitable. They are in the air, the grass, your car. So, give your body the right army. Increase antioxidants.
Ok back on track….
Strengthen Memory
By utilizing rosemary aromatically, one can stimulate cognitive function. Rosemary has been used to enhanced memory and focus by increasing the blood flow and stimulating the brain. This stimulation has also been known to decrease the feelings of anxiety, depression, insomnia and brain fog.
Reduces Upset Stomachs
Rosemary is also an anti inflammatory which is a huge part of relieving gastrointestinal issues. It can help with bloating, gas, indigestion, cramping and so on. It has also been known to relieve digestive issues brought on by anxiety, stress and worry.
Pain Reliever
It has been widely known to help reduce migraines, headaches and menstrual cramping. You can also apply it topically to minor scrapes to relieve pain. Rosemary can be used topically on sore muscle, muscle spasms, achey bones, inflamed joints and bruises to help provide relief.
Detoxifies The Body
Rosemary has diuretic properties which help flush out nasty toxins from the body mostly through urination. So, increase that water intake as well to support the process.
Mood Stabilizer
It is know to be a restorative, stimulating and warming herb that directly connects to the central nervous system which, brings feeling of joy, calmness and clear mindedness to an individual. It promotes feeling of contentment and has been known to be Mother Natures natural antidepressant.
Reduces Symptoms of ADD/ADHD
Rosemary has so many properties that can have a direct effect on lessening symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Because rosemary can increase blood flow to the brain its results are feelings of alertness, extreme focus, relaxation, and a decrease of brain fog.
5 Ways To Use Rosemary
- The easiest way to use rosemary is in your cooking. It adds such a flavor that just enhances all the other flavors with in your dish.
- You could make tea with it. When we discovered rosemary in tea, our lives literally changed forever! It is absolutely amazing in tea. Just take a fresh sprig and allow it to steep in your water for 3-5 minutes.
- You can diffuse in a diffuser rosemary using essential oils. (Revive essential oils are our new go to. Their oils are top notch and so much more cost effective)
- Use rosemary oil in salves. By steeping rosemary (dried or fresh) in a carrier oil for 6 weeks. Then making a salve.
- You can use it as a tincture. Tinctures are a great way to obtain herbal benefits in a concentrated form. You simply place a full dropper under your tongue and hold it for 30 seconds, this will allow the properties to enter into your blood stream faster. You can always place a full dropper in 4 oz of water too. Besides essential oils, this is our go to when utilizing any herbal properties.
You can download our Complete Guide to Tinctures ebook and learn everything from how they work to dosages for you, your kids, even your pets, to actually making them.
It’s clear that rosemary is truly something special. From its origins to its practical uses in the kitchen and garden, this herb has become an indispensable part of our lives. Whether we’re seasoning our favorite dishes or tending to our backyard plots, rosemary adds that extra something that we all appreciate.
Just like lavender, rosemary is a must have in our garden. So, let’s keep enjoying the simple pleasures that rosemary brings, and remember to savor every moment it gives us. After all, with rosemary around, life just tastes better.
Until next time…
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