by Lauren Mccarthy

Created on: September 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

The name Rosemary comes from the Latin word Rosmarinus, 'Ros' meaning 'dew' and 'Marinus' meaning sea. It originated on the Mediterranean coastlines and spread fast across Europe and eventually to the rest of the world; now some say Rosemary essential oil is second only in popularity to lavender essential oil.

In ancient times Rosemary was consumed for relief of abdominal pain, gout, insomnia and the calming of nerves. It was even considered a sacred herb being burnt at the altars of the gods. The custom of burning Rosemary in hospitals to clean the air was something done in France until the early 20th century.

Nowadays we also have several different ways of using Rosemary for its health benefits, here are a couple of ways you can use it yourself at home:

Consumption of a Rosemary tea, tincture or capsule will help to aid digestion, antiseptic properties of Rosemary help with influenza, coughs colds and infections. Muscular pain, constipation, headaches, sprains and swelling, irritability and depressive states are all aided in the consumption of this magic herb. Although if pregnant or in cases of hypersensitivity, high blood pressure or epilepsy consumption should be avoided.

Using Rosemary essential oil in a burner, in your bath, or mixed to create oils or lotions can have equally beneficial health benefits. It is a common ingredient in cosmetics due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and aromatic properties. Using Rosemary in this way can assist with feelings of anxiety, headaches and is said to help improve relationships with others. It's helpful in treating skin conditions such as wound healing, dermatitis and eczema. Rosemary's regeneration properties are extremely beneficial to mature skin. Acne prone skin will likely improve as it will help fight infection and promote glandular balance. By far the easiest and most natural way I've come to use Rosemary is to add a bunch of fresh (clean) leaves to my bath, put them inside a mesh or cloth bag if you are not so keen on soaking in the leaves!

Rosemary products for medicinal, health or cosmetic purposes are easy to come by - pharmacies, health food stores - even your local supermarket. Or you can always grow your own at home. I've found Rosemary grows well from cuttings, so before you go out and buy a plant ask friends if they have a nice healthy Rosemary growing at home they wouldn't mind sharing. And you are on your way...

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