Lavender’s Corner

Rosemary essential oil

[Rosmarinus officinalis]

 

Rosemary was one of the first herbs to be used for medicine, food, magic and healing. It was sacred in some civilisations. Used as tussie mussies in medieval England; to protect against evil and to heal from the plague. Sprigs of Rosemary were burnt in ancient Greece, at shrines. Used in soaps, cookery, detergents, cosmetics, cleaning sprays, perfumes and cologne, as well as soft and alcoholic drinks. When burnt, Rosemary is said to have strong purification properties and once seen as a good way of exorcism. It is one of the oldest Incenses. It is carried for health, and placed above a property to stop thieves. Generally used as a substitute for Frankincense.

 

Correspondences of Rosemary;

 

Colours~ pale yellow- colourless.

 

Medicinal/holistic uses~ Acne, Dandruff, Eczema, Greasy hair, Dermatitis, Insect repellent, Lice, Flu, Promotes hair growth, Gout, Varicose veins, Fluid retention, Muscle pain, Poor circulation, Asthma, Bronchitis, Flatulence, Leucorrhoea, Colds, Headaches, Stimulates the scalp, Scabies, Palpitations, Rheumatism, Whooping cough, Colitis, Jaundice, Mental fatigue, Nervous exhaustion, Neuralgia, and Flu.

 

Rituals~ Protection, The conscious mind, Love, Lust, Memory, Mental power, Exorcism, Purification, Healing, Sleep, Youth, and Longevity.

 

Other names~ Compass weed, Dew of the sea, Elf leaf, Polar plant.

 

Blends with~ Basil, Bergamot, Camphor, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Citronella, Cypress, Lavender, Lemongrass, Neroli, Oregano, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Sage, and Thyme.

 

Parts used~ Steam distillation of the fresh leaves; in certain places the whole plant is used. Part of the Lamiaceae family of oils.

 

Any Precautions? Do NOT use if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant, or epileptic.

 

This month’s blends [extra things to do with Rosemary oil]

 

Blend to rid lice and insects

Grapeseed oil x15ml

Evening primrose oil, x5ml or one broken capsule of oil

Rosemary oil x10 drops

 

You can add this blend as a massage head oil over night, covered with a towel. Or massage your skin where your cat/dog has been leaving fleas.

You can also add this to shampoo for kids, as it’s less chemically smelling then the products on the market for head lice. You may like to add it to liquid conditioner and comb through the hair with a lice comb [this method can be very beneficial]. You can use tea tree for this also, however it may seriously sting an itchy head so what you use is up to you.

 

Hair rinse

In a small jug, place a couple of sprigs of Fresh Rosemary [about one handful].

Cover the jug with hot water, and leave it to go cold.

After shampooing your hair, add the jug of cold Rosemary water to your hair as a final rinse. [It’s known that a cold wash of water to the hair, gives a natural shine].

This works well for greasy hair types!

 

Rosemary Vinegar [as a gift] Memory/nerve relief/ headache vinegar

[You can heat the vinegar, but you don’t have to. You can also keep the sprigs of herb inside the bottle of strain them and add a single fresh sprig of herb.]

 

Wash the herb and make sure all bugs have ‘left the building‘. Then pat the herb dry.

Sterilise a glass bottle with air tight lid. [flip-lid or Roma bottle are great for this]. Heat the vinegar to just below boiling point.

Add a couple of sprigs of Rosemary to the bottle.

Fill the rest of the bottle with red/white wine vinegar, place the lid back on the bottle. Leave in a cool dry place for a few weeks and shake occasionally. Keep it in the fridge.

Create a label add it to the neck of the bottle, and send as a gift.

 

Asthma oil blend and incantation [when breathing is hard]

Grapeseed oil x30 ml

Rosemary oil x5 drops

Clary Sage oil x2 drops

Orange oil x3 drops

 

If there is spare oil, place in a dark bottle and store away from light. Use the next time you need it.

 

“Goddess there’s a natural place,

Goddess I have this congested space, [place right hand on chest area]

Please clear my pain, And leave the gain,

Where free breathing can remain”.

 

Water blend for colds and flu

When we get ill, it can disrupt our lives when we know we need rest but are too busy. This is an old way to cure sinuses, colds and flu and coughs. Firstly, pour a kettle of hot water into a plastic or glass bowl. Add a cup of cold water-so it’s not too hot [if very sick, stick to just hot water]. Then add the oil blend below, Place a towel behind your head and back. Cover your face above the bowl and breathe in the blend.

Do this as often as you feel appropriate in the day, followed by rest and recuperation, Orange juice and plenty of water.

 

Rosemary oil x7 drops

Eucalyptus x5 drops

Bergamot x3 drops

 

This blend can also be added to water on top an oil burner. Place it by the bed, if feeling unwell and unable to move much-make sure you don’t leave the candle flame unattended, you may be tempted to nod off to sleep J

 

Thanks for reading,

Blessed be.