Rosemary, which is considered a Mediterranean aromatic, has been used throughout history for the past 7,000 years or more. It can be used in countless ways, as an herb, a nutritional supplement high in antioxidants and lowering blood sugar, as a pest repellent, and for some, even for burial traditions.
Some people can easily grow rosemary, since its considered a weed that’s quick to grow all around your house. But for others, they have to look in grocery stores or markets, sometimes spending as much as two to three dollars for a pack.
It’s also quick to grow, while pruning it can increase vitality and make it grow even faster. Plus it can be picked and used at any time, not needing to wait for it to mature.
Aside from how easy it is to grow, the fact that it has countless uses also means that you won’t be able to wait to get some in your hands. More so when you find out how it can take the place of many items on your grocery list!
1. Cognitive Performance
It’s said that rosemary can be deeply inhaled to help improve cognitive performance such as studying for a an exam, moving house, dealing with a deadline at either school or work, or other such activities.
According to one study, rosemary has been scientifically proven to help with cognitive performance. One of the authors explained about this hypothesis, “Here we show for the first time that performance on cognitive tasks is significantly related to concentration of absorbed 1,8-cineole following exposure to rosemary aroma, with improved performance at higher concentrations.”
He added, “Furthermore, these effects were found for speed and accuracy outcomes, indicating that the relationship is not describing a speed-accuracy trade off.”
2. Hair Care
Oftentimes, herbs are used for their specific uses in cosmetics, in lotions, soaps and shampoos and the like, and rosemary is no different. When it comes to rosemary essential oil, it can help unblock hair follicles while clearing dandruff due to its antimicrobial properties. It can also stimulate the blood flow to the scalp, as well as increase the speed of hair growth.
One such article suggests using rosemary and adding thyme, nettle, cedarwood, lavender and mint.
3. Deodorant
Many people prefer to use more natural deodorizers since the usual deodorants use chemicals including parabens, which are well known endocrine disrupter, as well as aluminum chlorohydrate, which is a known carcinogen. But it makes many wonder why not use a more natural item, such as rosemary?
Again, rosemary essential oil can help, being used as a natural deodorant. Most chemical deodorants contain a number of harmful ingredients, which is why a number of people are switching to more natural options.
4. As an Infusion
Rosemary has a very distinct smell, and when added to a bit of olive oil a placed in an airtight glass jar or container, it ends up preserving the scent and flavor for use in the future. Other ways to make a tasty infusion is by mixing sprigs of rosemary with oregano and marjoram in white vinegar to make an amazing salad dressing.
And just like this recipe suggests, rosemary can also be added to certain herbaceous gins with some lemon and keep in an airtight container and let it sit for a week. In fact, it can be used with a number of other alcohols if gin isn’t your thing.
5. Butter
Who doesn’t love butter? It can be even better when turned into a special spread with rosemary that makes any type of bread taste amazing. To make it, simply soften some butter and add the rosemary in, then reshape and place back in the refrigerator to harden once more. Follow this detailed recipe for more choices.
6. Dentistry
If you’re still not impressed by the amazing number of things you can do with rosemary, this might do it. According to Breath MD, they explain that rosemary oil used in regular toothpaste can actually increase one’s protection against bacteria that causes bad breath or gingivitis. If you don’t want to mix it with your toothpaste, then you can make a mouthwash instead. Follow this recipe here.
7. Home Pest Control
Another incredible use for rosemary is for home pest control. Just add 10 drops of rosemary essential oil to one cup of water, mix inside a spray bottle and use it around the house to stop bugs and pests from going or remaining inside. For the months when you’re dealing with more bugs than usual, spray it around the doors, windows and other open crevices in your home to stop pests from entering.
Meanwhile, placing sprigs of rosemary in the backs of cupboards and cabinets supposedly stop mice from invading as well.
8. Home Aromatherapy
If you like to have wonderful scents around your home, then rosemary might be perfect for you considering its pine-fresh smell. Get a saucepan and fill it with water and boil, adding your favorite scents. After you reduce it to a simmer, add rosemary and whatever other smells you like such as cinnamon, oranges, cardamom and cranberries too.
You can even use rosemary essential oil and some lavender on your pillow at night to help clear the sinuses and induce a more restful night of sleep.
9. Different Kinds of Healing
As mentioned earlier, rosemary contains antimicrobial properties, which means that rosemary oil can help in the treatment of wounds, as well as other skin ailments such as cuts, rashes, mosquito bites, eczema, mild infections and at times, acne.
Another use it help lessen congestion. Simply boil water, transfer to heat-proof bowl and put tons of rosemary inside. Place our head over the bowl, cover with a towel to create some steam and breathe it in and out until your sinuses clear up.
It can also be used as a tea to help deal with muscle pain, arthritis and even heartburn and indigestion.
How to Make Rosemary Products at Home
Rosemary Oil
If you prefer to do things the more natural way, you can actually make your own rosemary essential oil in the comforts of your own home. You will only need a jar, rosemary, a saucepan, oil and a cheesecloth.
First, sterilize the jar and lid in boiling water and dry them well. Take fresh rosemary and wash it thoroughly, then leave it to dry completely.
Second, heat up 2 cups of oil in a pan and cook 1 cup of rosemary in it, on low heat, making sure not to allow the oil to bubble around the rosemary leaves. While some claim this only takes an hour, others share it’s around three.
Thirdly, take a cheese cloth and put it over the jar, straining out the oil and rosemary mixture, placing it in the refrigerator to cool. Once cooled, it will be ready for use.
Depending on your choice, you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, jojoba or organ oils as your base. But notably, some will turn rancid quicker than others.
Dried Rosemary
Dried rosemary can be used for a number of things, it just takes a bit longer to prepare. You just need around 8 sprigs of rosemary – preferably the straighter pieces – which you tie together at the base with a rubber band or some twine. Be sure they have no dew on them either.Store them in a cool, dry place for at least 2 weeks like inside a cabinet. You can use a brown paper bag with some perforated holes to wrap the rosemary in during the drying process. This will stop any bleaching from occurring.
Another way is to actually place them inside the oven to dry. At the lowest setting, so they don’t burn, leave them to heat anywhere between two to four hours, making sure to check on them every few minutes to make sure they aren’t over-heating or getting cooked rather than dried.
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