Rosemary More Than Just Your Average Kitchen Herb

Rosemary contains volatile oils which are antiseptic, with antibacterial and antifungal properties and which enhance the function of the immune system.

By increasing the circulation to the skin rosemary causes sweating and makes a good remedy to bring down fevers.

Its warming and stimulating properties help to clear phlegm from the head and chest, useful for relieving colds, flu, catarrh, coughs, wheezing, bronchitis and whooping cough.  Its additional relaxant effects help relieve spasm in the bronchial tubes as in asthma.

Rosemary is a wonderful tonic, particularly to the heart, brain and nervous system. By increasing the flow of blood to the head, it stimulates the brain and heightens concentration. It has been used for anxiety, tension, exhaustion, lethargy, depression, insomnia and as a tonic during convalescence and for the elderly.

Rosemary  makes an excellent remedy for preventing and treating migraines and headaches.

It improves vitality and stimulates digestion, relieves flatulence and distension, enhances the appetite and increases the flow of digestive juices.

It helps move food and wastes efficiently through the system, removes stagnant food, improves a sluggish digestion and helps absorption of nutrients.

Its bitters stimulate the liver and gallbladder function, increasing the the flow of bile and aiding digestion of fats.

Rosemary helps to detoxify the liver, and has anticancer and antitumour properties.

Rosemary is famous as a rejuvenating tonic and is said to slow down the aging process. It is a powerful antioxidant, preventing damage by free radicals.

Rosemary can be made into a tea, where you may use about one teaspoon of loose herb to make about 2 - 3 mugs of tea. Boil the herb for about 2 minutes. Let it steep for about 5 minutes and then drink.

You may also use Rosemary essential oil. Blend it with a base oil such as olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil.  The ratio is about 1 tablepoon base oil with 3 drops roseamry essential oil. Massage on body.

Uses: Exhaustion, poor concentration, mental fatigue, migraine, fainting, eadaches, anxiety. Raisedcolesterol, liver problems, constipation. Colds, flu, catarrh, sinusitis, asthma. Gout, rheumatism, arthritis, muscle tension and pain, sprains. Skin problems, aging skin, problem hair, poor circulation. Pain.

Rosemary in wine: Steep 6 sprigs of rosemary in a well-sealed bottle of sweet white wine for 14 days. Take 1 wine glass as a daily tonic. You may experiment and try it with different wines, red, white and rose.

Important Note: Do NOT use during pregnancy or if you are an epileptic.

Barbara is a qualified nutritionist and health and wellness expert offering one to one nutritional counseling in person or online. See Barbara's healthy lifestyle course with tips and support for a healthier lifestyle.

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