The aroma of rosemary has been reported to sooth the senses and help improve mood and even memory. It is purported to relieve headaches and sinus pressure, cure depression and improve the function of the circulatory system.
The scent may help cure mild insomnia in some people. Keeping a spring of rosemary or a sachet under the bed pillows is supposed to help ease people to sleep. The scent can help relax the mind and allow one to drift off and according to ancient legend can chance away bad dreams.
For a mood booster during the daylight hours, steep a tablespoon of lightly crushed rosemary in hot water to create a tea. While the woodsy concoction can be drank, simply inhaling the steam from the tea an allowing it to penetrate the sinuses can be beneficial.
Freshly snipped and crushed rosemary emits the most powerful fragrance but dried versions of the herb can also be used effectively. A few drops of essential oil of rosemary can also be used, externally, for a relaxing massage.
Refreshing the Body
Rosemary can also be used to provide a revitalize the body. Add the essential oil of rosemary or some crushed sprigs of the herb to a warm bath to relax the body and sooth sore muscles.
Steep sprigs of rosemary in hot water to create a soothing facial steam. Place the rosemary in a steaming cup of water and allow the steam to penetrate the pores of the face.
Use it in a hair wash or rinse to stimulate the hair follicles, help smooth hair and alleviate dandruff.
The rosemary tea is purported to have a plethora of health benefits that range from improving circulations to increasing liver function to relieving bad breath.
Scented Sachets
Create sachets filled with dried rosemary to scent drawers, closets or even an entire room.
Snip stems of rosemary, including flowers, from the plant and rinse them in warm water. Shake to the sprigs to remove excess water and hang them upside down for several days until they dry. Twist ties make easy and effective hooks for drying herbs – simply wrap one end of the twist tie around the herb’s stem and bend the other end into a hook for easy hanging. After the herbs have dried completely, remove them from the stems.
To create a sachet, sprinkle one to two tablespoons of rosemary in the center of a square of a breathable fabric like cotton. Bring the edges of the fabric together to create a pouch and secure the top using a ribbon or string.
Gently crushing the herb before placing it in the sachet will release more of its aromatic oils. To increase the sent of a fading sachet, lightly roll or squeeze it. Stash them in drawers, closets, potpourri pots and other cubbies.
Sprigs of rosemary can also be woven into a decorative wreath to hang inside the home or on the front door. It provides a welcoming aroma for visitors.
Rosemary for Remembrance
Rosemary is also a well known symbol of remembrance. Include sprigs of the herb is arrangements for funerals, weddings and other special events.
