Rosemary ~ A Medicine for Remembrance
When I think of a plant, I think of a powerful and complex being, with a history and origin story. I think of how humans have learned to interact with it, turn to it for its medicine. In many ways, I speak of plants like I would speak of a human, filled with complexities, roles, characteristics, origins, and roles connected to the greater whole.
With rosemary, *she (I commonly use feminine pronouns when referring to plants) is a sturdy and woodsy herb that pollinators love. One simple way to steward the earth is by supporting pollinator species by cultivating plants they love, like rosemary.
Rosemary is an herb known for bringing the medicine of remembrance. Perhaps it has to do with its medicinal action ~ improving blood supply to the brain as well as lowering inflammation. The brain does not like inflammation, which will hinder neuronal firings and workings. Perhaps it is that memorable smell we all know as rosemary. Perhaps it is found in her history with humans. Likely, it is all of the above.
With this theme, I dedicate this piece to loved ones who have passed to the spirit world, many, much too soon. To those who have taught me about grief and loss. I remember.
A Forest of Rosemary ~
This plant’s native land is in the Mediterranean region. It thrives in dry, rocky areas, as well as along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. This region includes not only Southern European countries like France, Italy and Greece, but also North African countries like Egypt, Algeria and Morocco. When I was living in Morocco, during my Peace Corps assignment, I had the opportunity to hike through forests of rosemary. I remember (yes, thank you Rosemary for that...) being in complete awe. A forest of medicine. Growing wild. Right before my eyes. Under my nose. I felt like a child, in complete wonder.
I also now realize, is not every forest a forest of medicine?
Rose of Mary ~
There are stories about rosemary, connected to Mary, mother of Jesus. In some, it was said she was fleeing guards in Egypt, a native home to rosemary, and draped her blue cloak over a rosemary bush. In other stories, she was washing her blue cloak, and even baby Jesus’s blue swaddle blankets, and hung them over a rosemary bush to dry. Regardless of which exact premise led to her blue tapestry draped over a rosemary bush, at that moment, the originally white rosemary flowers turned blue, coining the name “Rose of Mary.” Have you noticed the color of rosemary flowers? The colors can range from a vivid violet, lilac, light and vibrant blues and sometimes, even white.
Where Rosemary Flourishes, Women Rule ~
In the 16th and 17th centuries, rosemary growing outside of one’s dwelling indicated the women who resided there held the power. Where rosemary flourishes, women rule. What does it look like for women to rule? I do not imagine a “power over” approach, but rather, a “power to” approach. Where one taps into creativity, inclusion and cooperation. Like a mother tending to her children. Mother Mary, tending to her toddler son, Jesus… can you imagine? As a mother to a toddler son myself, I like to :)
The mother archetype is a leader to her children, teaching important life lessons - survival, communication, independence, kindness, compassion, creativity. They do this through example, nurturing, commitment, service, responding to a call. I think of the women whom I admire in my life. They can be strong and fierce, as well as creative, nurturing, exemplifying, intuitive, grounded. It reminds me of rosemary.
Medicinal Characteristics ~
Physically ~ Rosemary can prevent the growth of microscopic organisms - ex. bacteria and viruses. Protects the liver. Her leaves are packed with antioxidants. Inflammation can be calmed. She replenishes blood supply to the brain and body. Calms the nerves. These are some ways in which she can help us to remember.
Energetically ~ Rosemary medicine can be felt, simply by being in her physical presence. It can be grounding and comforting. She holds an energy of vitality. Balance. A full body presence. There is a strength, yet a gentleness within that strength. Rosemary’s energy feels like a divine mother, like Mother Mary, with grace and grounding. Perhaps that is why this herb is such a powerful ally in the grieving process.
Perhaps, based on your own personal experience with rosemary, you sense something different. That could be just as true as anything written here. That is the beauty of energetic plant medicine. It provides the unique medicine we personally need, influenced by our own senses, perception of the world, how we relate to self and how we relate to the plant. If you get a different sense, trust that. It can be a “both/and” scenario. Again, power to, not power over.
The medicine comes in many forms ~ It is in the aromatherapy of the plant. It can be harnessed in the kitchen. Spicing up a dish. Added as a spice in fermented vegetables. A medical food, placed in a stew or dish of roasted roots. A cup of tea. A dropperful of tincture. Powdered leaf in capsule. A drop of essential oil in the palm of your hand, sole of your foot, a bath, or diffuser.
Respecting Essential Oils ~
Essential oils are some of the most concentrated and potent extractions of plant medicines we have. They are in many ways, similar to pharmaceuticals… an isolated part of the plant (the volatile oils), highly concentrated, highly absorbed, and requiring a very low dose for therapeutic effect. Because of these qualities, we must tread with respect, being informed and remaining curious. Ask the questions ~ is this actually safe?
Numerous essential oils have a risk of dermatitis as a side effect, when applied to the skin. Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, also referred to as neat application, or it can be added to a carrier oil, such as apricot seed or coconut oil. It is much more likely to irritate the skin, when an oil is applied neat, or directly to the skin. If you are using a new essential oil on your skin for the first time, consider doing an initial patch test, where you only apply the oil to one little patch of skin. Then, wait 24-72 hours to observe for any possible allergic or skin reactions.
Ingesting (taking internally) essential oils are typically NOT a good idea. Due to the biochemical nature of volatile oils, which essential oils are composed of, when they are taken internally, they have a risk of damaging nerves, liver or kidneys. Example - as little as 8 mL of clove essential oil, taken internally, has lead to fatal liver failure in children. Rather, aromatize the vapors, breathe in as a steam inhalation, infuse healing waters for a foot soak, add to a massage oil. A little bit goes a long way.
Safety Considerations for Rosemary ~
Ingesting too much rosemary can bring on uterine contractions. Less is more. If you are pregnant, or might be, avoid ingesting rosemary in the form of capsules, tinctures, potent cups of rosemary tea, and especially, essential oil form taken internally. A drop or two of oil in your diffuser, or a little sprig on your salmon, baked into a sourdough loaf, or with your roasted vegetables is no cause for concern.
A Rose by Any Other Name ~
For as long as I know, the Latin name for rosemary has been Rosmarinus officinalis. About 2 years ago, rosemary was reclassified to Salvia rosmarinus. Salvia is the latin genus name for sage. Its meaning (salvia) is “to save” or “to heal.” That sounds about right.
In Remembrance & Grace,
Dr. Sarah Sue
This article is intended to be informative, not instructive. It is not intended to replace care, guidance and treatment from a professional medical provider, who holds a knowledge of the plants, such as a naturopathic doctor, certified herbalist, acupuncturist, etc.