Herb library

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Rosemary, Salvia rosmarinus, is a warming kitchen herb long kept for household use. It is handy as a brisk tea, steam, or aromatic rinse for tired heads and for supporting digestion in simple home remedies.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a warming digestive aid after heavy meals, taken as a light tea to ease sluggishness of the stomach and to brighten appetite.
• •Traditionally used as an aromatic steam or compress for headaches and a tired, congested head, inhaling the vapors to help clear the senses.
• •A long-standing household use is rubbing infused oil or cooling vinegar on the temples and back of the neck for tension and to refresh the mind.
• •Traditionally used as a hair and scalp rinse to add shine and a pleasant herb-scented freshness to hair, and to soothe an itchy scalp.

Simple preparations.

• •Rosemary tea: steep 1 teaspoon fresh chopped leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried leaves per cup of just-boiled water, cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes, strain and sip warm after meals, up to 2 cups a day.
• •Aromatic steam for head congestion: pour 2 cups just-boiled water into a bowl, add 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh or dried rosemary, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, rest afterward.
• •Rosemary hair rinse or scalp compress: make a strong infusion by steeping 2 tablespoons fresh or 1 tablespoon dried leaves in 2 cups boiling water for 20 minutes, strain and cool; use as a final hair rinse after shampooing, or soak a cloth in the cooled infusion and apply as a warm compress to the scalp.

Cautions.

• !May be stimulating to the nervous system in large amounts, avoid heavy internal use if you have a history of seizures.
• !Essential oil and concentrated extracts can irritate skin and mucous membranes, do not apply undiluted to skin or use near the eyes.
• !Avoid high internal doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and if you take prescription medications or have a chronic condition, check with your doctor.

Often kept beside.