Rosemary is more than just a beautiful name. In ancient days, rosemary was associated with Aphrodite and the Virgin Mary. Many stories say that when the Virgin Mary rested and her cloak was spread over a rosemary bush with white flowers, the white rosemary flowers turned blue.
Rosemary has a longstanding reputation for improving memory and is used as a symbol of remembrance. In the Middle Ages, this herb was associated with marriage ceremonies, which has since evolved into a love affair. In past centuries, henna was used as a love charm to attract a mate, or to help determine if the person was the love one was looking for. An example of a tale linking rosemary as a love charm is the tale of a man who pats someone on the shoulder with a sprig of rosemary and if the sprig has an open flower, the couple falls in love.
Today, studies and researches have uncovered many uses of our age old herb rosemary. It has come a long way from being a love charm and its traditional use. Studies show that henna has medicinal properties as well as beauty benefits.
Rosemary is a small evergreen shrub from the mint family that prefers to grow in hot and dry climates. It is used as an effective antiseptic and is also used as an ingredient in many Mediterranean cuisines.
These days, many medicinal preparations contain rosemary essential oil. Rosemary oils are obtained through steam distillation which produces a strong peppermint-scented than a thin liquid consistency that is pale to yellow in colour. Studies show that this oil contains alpha-tocopherol, beta-caryophyllene, camphene, bornyl acetate, camphor, cineole, limonene, and pinene.
Medical benefits found in the use of rosemary essential oils include treatment of:
- Baldness / Hair Care: Dandruff, Greasy Scalp, Dry – Damaged Hair
- Muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, arthritis, aches and pains due to arthritis
- poor muscle tone
- poor circulation
- low blood pressure
- liver congestion
- Respiratory ailments like allergies, cough, cold, sore throat and flu
- Bad breath and other dental problems
- Problems due to indigestion like gas, flatulence, acidity and abdominal cramps
- acne and dull skin
- skin disorders such as eczema
- sprains and strains
- headache and fever
In addition to a list of therapeutic benefits provided by rosemary essential oils, this oil is believed to be the secret to beautiful hair. Studies show that rosemary essential oil helps strengthen the hair follicles, making hair grow longer and stronger. Regular use of this oil slows down premature graying of hair and hair fall. When mixed with tulsi oil, it is an excellent remedy for treating many scalp problems. This is one reason why many hair care products such as shampoos and lotions contain rosemary essential oil. It is also effective in treating dandruff and dry scaly and itchy scalp, especially when mixed with tea tree oil.
Rosemary essential oil is also used extensively in aromatherapy as it enhances mental alertness with its peppermint aroma. It is a good remedy for depression and mental fatigue. It blends well with other oils such as cedar wood, basil, cardamom, chamomile, geranium, lavender, lemon grass and frankincense.
Learn more about henna, not only can it be easily grown in your backyard, it offers multiple uses that prove to be beneficial to anyone at any point in time.
Source by Leah Raymundo
