This was requested of me about a month ago in person so it has been a long time in coming! I had a lot of information on the topic and this is actually the condensed version from my Book of Shadows! Rosemary is one of my all time favorite herbs to work with and I use it quite often. Whether you are a kitchen witch or just practicing spellcraft, rosemary is a very versatile herb!
Rosmarinus Officinalis
Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire/ Wood
Planet: Sun
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Tarot: N/A
Crystal: N/A
Deities: Aphrodite, Venus, Hebe, Virgin Mary, Fairies
Chakras: Third Eye, Heart, Solar Plexus
Birth Month: N/A
Meaning: Remembrance
Grows in Zone: 9 or higher
Rosemary, also known as compass weed, dew of the sea, elf leaf, and the polar plant, is an extremely aromatic and useful plant with a warm and invigorating scent. Rosemary received it’s name “dew of the sea” because that is what it translates to in Latin, an appropriate name for this popular garden herb watered by the ocean mists in its native habitat along the arid coastline of the Mediterranean.
It has been cultivated for medicinal, ornamental, culinary, incense, perfumery, and magical purposes for centuries. Rosemary is one of the oldest forms of incense in the world. The use of this herb is ancient. References to rosemary were found written in cuneiform on stone tablets dating back to the fifth millennium B.C.E.
Rosemary is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, along with many other herbs, such as oregano, thyme, basil, and lavender. Rosemary is a slow growing evergreen shrub, originating from the coast of the Mediterranean. Rosemary prefers to grow in hot, arid climates with intense sunlight. They cannot tolerate wet feet, so proper drainage is essential.
Planting rosemary near your porch and front door can be very beneficial. Rosemary is a great anti-parasitic plant, able to repel moths, bean beetles, mosquitos, and carrot flies.
There are many metaphysical and medical properties associated with rosemary. Healing benefits include Anti-aging, analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiinflamatory, antiseptic, antiviral, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cholagogue, cordial, cancer preventer, decongestant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, restorative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vulnerary, rubefacient, facilitates difestion, fights fatigue, hair health, disperse migraines, improve blood flow, improve memory, immune system booster, kidney health, natural diuretic, natural mouthwash, natural painkiller, respiratory health, relieves menstrual cramps, and prevents high blood sugar, bruises, colds, congestion, dandruff, depression, digestion, indigestion, G.I. issues, eczema, hair loss, headaches, respiratory distress/ infection, sores, upset stomach, and wounds.
Tip: In spellwork, rosemary can be used as a substitute for other herbs or plants such as frankincense. Burn rosemary along with Myrrh and Frankincense to cleanse your aura and uplift your energy. Rosemary is an herb of love enchantment and for matters of the heart it can be used in spells provoking lust. Furthermore, it can be used as a wash to encourage youthfulness, attract love, or as a hand wash before performing healing magic.
Rosemary is great for it can be taken internally to speed up recovery time from an illness. Externally it can be used as an oil to soothe bruises, skin irritation, and stimulate hair growth, especially those suffering from premature baldness, or ease muscle pain. The eucalyptol in this aromatic herb is study proven to loosen chest congestion, making phlegm easier to expel. Plus, rosemary is an antioxidant rich in anti-inflammatory tannins, which soothe a sore throat.
Rosemary also has many uses in magic. Rosemary has a rich history of being used to enhance memory and to remember the dead. Rosemary was well known to ancient practitioners. Its powers of enhancing memory are so well known that Shakespeare mentions it in his play Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. It was an herb known for strengthening the memory and helping the brain. It is an herb of remembrance. It is used in aromatherapy treatments to invigorate and stimulate the mind, body, and spirit.
The primary associations of rosemary are: healing, ritual cleansing, spell breaking, dream work, past lives, high magic, good fortune, protection against negativity, lust, sleep, purification, blessings, love, success, strength, memory, stress relief, exorcisms, concentration, and mental clarity. Available as an essential oil or as dried or fresh herb, it is a great addition to your medicine and witchy cabinet.
It was also a sacred herb to the Greeks. In ancient Greece, they would place it in their pillow the night before to enhance memory during sleep. Rosemary also aids in sleep and prevents and drive away nightmares. Rosemary can be used for spell breaking rituals and dream magic.
Tip: Add rosemary to pillow sachets to aid in sleep and preventing nightmares.
The Greeks and Romans both used rosemary for hair decorations to help enhance their memory and intelligence. Ancient Greek scholars and students wore wreaths of rosemary on their brow, around their necks, or braided into their hair. These are the typical wreaths they are often portrayed wearing. They wore these to improve memory especially during exams. Recent research has suggested that the scent of Rosemary improves retention and recall of facts as much as 75%. Wear rosemary to enhance memory or burn it on charcoal and smell the smoke to receive knowledge. In addition, rosemary has been shown to increase blood flow to the head and brain improving concentration. It can ward off some of these stress induced headaches and also prevent headaches caused by vasoconstriction since it helps keep blood vessels dilated.
Tip: To improve your mental stimulation during study and exams, wear or carry rosemary while reading or completing tasks to improve memory of the material and aid clear thinking. This is great for students. Tea made from rosemary causes the mind to be alert. Drink a cup of rosemary tea every three hours for the full affect. Dab rosemary oil onto your pulse points at your wrists and temples. This blend is perfect for those times when you need to buckle down and revise for tests and exams. Apply it to your temples.
Memory Enhancing Oil:
6 drops rosemary
2 drops lime
2 drops peppermint
35ml hazelnut carrier oil/ your choice carrier oil
Rosemary has long been believed to have memory enhancing properties. Rosemary contains chemicals known as diterpenes that has neuro-protective properties fights off free radicals and that protect against Alzheimer’s disease as well as normal memory loss that happens with aging. It also protects against stroke and dementia. Rosemary is invaluable for increasing your powers of concentration. Remarkably, even the smell of rosemary has been found to improve memory. It also contains flavonoids which promote fat breakdown and reduce cellular damage that leads to ageing.
It is useful as a circulatory, digestive, and nerve stimulant. As a stimulant, rosemary increases blood flow to the head so it is an excellent cure for headaches. Flavonoids also improve circulation, especially to the scalp by stimulating the flow of blood to your head and scalp, promoting good memory and strong, glossy, healthy hair. Rosemary oil can improve the condition of your hair and can be used as an anti-dandruff and scalp nourisher.
Tip: Enrich dark hair with 10 drops of rosemary oil added to the water you use to wash your hair. It also helps to improve dandruff. Rosemary’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties will help you to prevent and kill head lice. Sprinkle a few drops of rosemary oil onto your hairbrush every morning for glossy hair. You can also add rosemary water to a bottle and spritz on daily to watch your hair grow longer and thicker.
Rosemary ‘s aromatic leaves of the Mediterranean are packed with volatile oils and flavonoids. These inhibit free radical damage to the arteries, lowering blood pressure, and strengthen the heart to improve circulation. Carnasic acid may shield the brain from free radical damage, lowering risk of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Additional antioxidants detoxify carcinogens. Rosemary tea makes a pleasant and refreshing heart tonic. Rosemary calms anxiety and reduces stress which is a risk factor for high blood pressure.
Rosemary acts on the circulatory system and nervous system as a stimulant, hence why it is able to enhance memory and treat depression and headaches. Rosemary oil combats poor circulation by increasing blood flow around the body. Rosemary’s ability to stimulate adrenal glands makes it a good remedy for long term depression and chronic illness, increasing your energy levels and general zest for life. For depression, it can be mixed with skullcap, kola nut, or oats. Avoid using rosemary in the late evening as its stimulating properties may keep you awake. Oil is most effective.
Tip: It is a tonic for exhaustion and fatigue after illness and also helps to lift the spirits. If you are feeling low, you can boil rosemary in water to make a tea, or add a sprig of it to your bathwater. This will lift your mood due to its antidepressant properties.
In the middle Ages, rosemary became a popular herb for dispelling negativity. When burned, it emits powerful cleansing vibrations and can be used to get rid of negativity without performing magic. Rosemary is one of the oldest herbs used for incense. When rosemary is burned, it releases a powerful cleansing and purifying vibration. Wreaths can be displayed in the home to ward off negativity and encourage happiness in the home.
For magical use, burn rosemary to rid a home of negative energy, or as an incense while you meditate. Burn for purification as well as aiding in psychic abilities. Hang bundles on your front door to keep harmful people, like burglars, from entering. Stuff a healing poppet with dried rosemary to take advantage of its medicinal properties, or mix with juniper berries and burn in a sickroom to promote healthy recovery. Place sachets of dried rosemary around your house for protection. You can also use rosemary to repel bad dreams.
Tip: Place sachets of dried rosemary around your house for protection and to get rid of negative energy or hang bundles on your front door to keep harmful people from entering. Add stones for an extra boost!
During the Middle Ages, it was hung around the neck to protect from the plague. Carrying a twig protected from the evil eye. In England, brides would adorn their wedding veil with rosemary that had been dipped into perfumed water and twisted into wreaths. Eventually, it also became associated with the fidelity of lovers and was presented to wedding guests as a gift to symbolize the bride and groom’s love and fidelity. Wedding favors such as a rosemary branch painted gold and tied with colored silk ribbons was often presented to guests as a symbol for love and loyalty.
This shrub was also thought to protect against witches as well as to attract friendship. Rosemary was often cultivated in kitchen gardens, and was said to represent the dominance of the lady of the house. An old saying says “Where Rosemary flourishes, the Woman rules” and in England it was believed that rosemary could not grow in the garden of the home unless the mistress was the master.
Similarly, early Europeans commonly threw sprigs of rosemary into graves as a symbol that the dead would not be forgotten. (Shakespeare’s Juliet was honored at her burial with rosemary for remembrance.) In England, it was burned in the homes of those who had died from illness, and at funerals, mourners carried rosemary to be thrown onto the coffin once it had been lowered into the ground. This is still a tradition in some parts of Wales.
In Asia, people planted Rosemary on graves in honor of their ancestors, so when beyond the veil, they would remember the bond between them and the living and continue to give guidance after death.
In Spain and Italy, it was used as a general protection from witches and evil spirits. Roman priests used rosemary as incense in religious ceremonies, and many cultures considered it an herb to use as protection. Rosemary’s magical name ‘elf leaf’ came as it was hung about houses to keep thieves out. Make a rosemary wreath for protection. Rosemary was hung over cradles prevented faeries from stealing infants.
The Sicilians believe that young fairies, taking on the form of snakes, lie amongst branches of rosemary shrubs. While, in Portugal, a dialect name for this magic herb translates as “Elfin plant.”
In Rome, Rosemary was the garland of choice for the Romans’ household gods, and they purified their flocks by smudging them with this protective scent.
French legend has it that if a man didn’t like the scent of rosemary, he would be an inferior lover. It was thought that if a man was indifferent to the fragrance of rosemary would be unable to give true love to a woman and those who smell rosemary frequently will retain their youth. Rosemary oil is antiseptic and antibacterial. It was often burned in hospitals and sick chambers, and in French hospitals it was customary to burn rosemary with juniper berries to purify the air and aid convalescence.
Tip: Spray rosemary water around a sick room to promote healing
In ancient Egypt rosemary was a sacred herb placed in the tomb to remember the dead, used in the bouquets of funeral flowers and even utilized in the embalming practices of that time.
As a tonic, antiseptic, and sedative, rosemary is invaluable for muscle pulls as well as bone ailments such as arthritis, and for mental and physical exhaustion. If you take rosemary internally, it improves blood circulation, helping your muscles to heal faster. The warming effects of rosemary oil can help to ease your muscular aches. Before heading out for the evening, counter daytime exhaustion by adding rosemary oil to a steaming hot bath. Mix it with your shower gel to revitalize tired muscles. Add fresh sprigs of rosemary to vinegar or cooking oil, or add a small sprig to hot water for a tea, or to your bathwater.
Rosemary oil contains camphor, a stimulant that increases body heat in cold, tense, and arthritic joints. It also works as an antiseptic. The oils warming effects work especially well for combating upper respiratory ailments, clearing phlegm and catarrh from the head and chest. Inhaling rosemary oil vapors can help clear airways of mucus.
If you suffer from cellulite, massage the oil firmly over the affected area. This will help break down and disperse fatty deposits while preventing new ones from developing. Rosmaricine is a stimulant and mild pain reliever contained in rosemary. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can relax and ease sore and aching muscles.
Tip: You can make a rosemary liniment with alcohol or oil to massage into your muscles.
Mix 4 drops juniper oil, 4 drops frankincense, and 4 drops rosemary in 3% solution of massage base oil or cream to make an invigorating and stimulating blend. Never massage over swollen or painful joints.
Rosemary is great for protection and exorcisms while banishing negativity while filling the air with positive energy. Carried and used in healing poppets for good health, used in love/ lust spells, worn to improve memory, used in dream pillows to prevent nightmares, burned as incense to for purification and removing negativity, rosemary has many uses. Use an infusion of rosemary to wash your hands before any healing magic. Use in your bath water for purification magic.
Tip: Rosemary floor wash- Create a positive energy floor wash with rosemary. Add 2 quarts of fresh water, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, and a clear crystal. If you have a few Frankincense tears, add those as well. Allow all of the ingredients to sit, combined, at least 30minutes before using. Mop with this to spiritually cleanse your house.
Tip: Hang rosemary inside for protection. It will rid a home of negative energy or hang your bundles on your front door to keep harmful people from entering.
Stimulating rosemary is great for relieving feelings of tiredness. Furthermore, it can be used to calm and tone digestion. For hangover related stomach upsets, use rosemary in the bath or as an inhalation agent, or simply use it to garnish your food. Rosemary leaves benefit stomach upsets and tiredness. This woody plant was also known to provide delicious flavoring for game and poultry. Later, it was used in wine and cordials, and even as a Christmas decoration. Rosemary pairs well with: Chicken, lamb, brie cheese, roasted meats and poultry, potatoes and other vegetables, polenta, apples, and bread. Dried rosemary should be added early in the cooking.
Tip: Rosemary is a great herb to add to your olive oil bottle yourself or purchase one that has already been steeping.
Rosemary can be taken as an infusion, tincture, or oil. The leaves and twigs are all edible either fresh or dried.
Rosemary is a great herb to plant to help save the bees.
Women who are pregnant should not use rosemary oil. It is also not good to use if you suffer from epilepsy.
Use level: Easy
Nothing on this website should be taken as medical or legal advice. Please use herbs responsibly. Always consult your doctor before using any kind of supplements.
From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,
