I found this Rosemary branch by the road side in Biarritz, where it grows wild and it’s common in areas of the Mediterranean, especially along the coast. The genus name Rosmarinus derives from the Latin words ros and marinus which together translate to “dew of the sea.”
It’s been used since the time of the early Greeks and Romans for health, vitality and prosperity.
It have a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and can help improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.
~
Shamanic and Magical uses, Rosemary is seen as a protecting, magical herb.
When grown in a pot close to your house it’s believed to protect that dwelling, plus all its inhabitants. It also said that a bush of Rosemary growing by your door only allows love to enter and in turn, was also given as a token of friendship, reflecting its qualities of mental stimulation and remembrance.
Considered sacred by many, this herb was burned for its dense smoke (smudge) during religious and mystical settings when frankincense or myrrh were not available. Naturally antibacterial, Rosemary’s smudge was also used during times of plague to clear airborne infections and given to mourners as a protection from illness.
~
You can make a herbal tea with Rosemary that are good for digestion and you can also mix dried Rosemary leaves with thyme leaves for expelling cough. Take a tsp each of thyme and rosemary and other ingredients like ginger and cardamom to brew it into a tea. Consume this tea before bed time to improve lung health.