Rosemary is a small evergreen shrub indigenous to the Mediterranean. One of the best known herbs, rosemary has been used medicinally since ancient times. In some cultures, rosemary was burned to clear the air and evidence shows that it was also apparently used in some embalming procedures.

Rosemary is distilled from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis.

Traditional Herbal Uses

The ancient Greeks believed rosemary to be a potent treatment for digestive problems and many cultures embraced the idea of rosemary as a powerful mental stimulant. Medieval herbalists recommended rosemary for lethargy, palsy and "diseases of the brain".

Modern herbalists embrace rosemary's alleged healing properties as well. Herbal books recommend warm compresses of rosemary for gall bladder and liver problems.

Rosemary is among the most popular scents in handmade cosmetics. In skin care, rosemary is believed to be an excellent herb for hair and scalp problems. It's commonly added to natural shampoos and some herbalists believe it can stimulate hair growth. It's also added as a dandruff preventative.

In Chinese medicine, rosemary promotes the circulation of Qi and invigorates the blood.

Aromatherapy Uses

Rosemary has long been associated with everlasting love and some cultures prized it as a sacred herb. It's not uncommon for brides to tuck a sprig or two of rosemary into their bouquets.

Esoteric aromatherapists believe rosemary to be a powerful psychic protector. Rosemary is associated with the third eye (brow chakra). Aromatherapists will diffuse rosemary into the air to promote mental clarity, deepen concentration and increase retention during periods of learning. A study cited in the Aromatherapy Database found that mice exposed to rosemary showed increased loco-motor activity.

Blending With Other Essential Oils

Rosemary has a definite "medicinal" scent but the smell is more subtle than that of, say, eucalyptus. It blends extremely well with citrus oils and works equally well with herbaceous scents like basil or thyme. And a 50-50 blend of rosemary and lavender gives you a classic fragrance for linens.

Rosemary is considered a middle-note.

Safety & Warnings

Rosemary is generally considered safe though many essential oil experts warn against its use by pregnant women and those with epilepsy or high blood pressure.