Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has many traditions surrounding it. It was used for decorating churches at both weddings and funerals (possibly Shakespeare is also alluding to this use) and it was used in magical spells to safeguard against evil and in preparation for healing rituals. It is one of the oldest incenses and as many plants with pre-Christian magical associations, whose efficacy could not easily gainsaid by the Church, it has been more latterly absorbed into the Christian iconography with an attribution to the Virgin Mary, who was purported to have sheltered in a rosemary bush in the flight to Egypt - its delicate and beautiful pale blue flowers taking on the blue of her cloak. This association seems to reflect its gentle healing attributes, as a warming remedy and as a comforting mild anti-depressant, like a hug.
Usually, herbs with so much folklore and tradition surrounding them, do have some less 'magical' and arguably, more prosaic, properties, that have been teased out by modern scientific method. Interestingly, these do seem to fit comfortably with many traditional uses. Centuries of use and observation may stand for something, it seems.
For example, its reputation as a memory enhancer (scholars were advised to study with a sprig of rosemary in their hats!) possibly through its ability to increase cerebral circulation, has been supported by research that indicated that inhalation of rosemary essential oil, enhanced memory and mood (cited in Khun and Winston, 2008) A highly aromatic plant, when crushed, it will easily release its volatile oils, so you would certainly have been able to smell it and benefit from its effects, if you did wear it in your hat! It can be good for older people as a warming remedy, as it is a mild circulatory stimulant for those who suffer from cold hands and feet and some age-related depression. A herb of the sun, which traditionally ruled the heart (a cordial herb, see 'Rose' blog below) this might fit with some of the recent thinking around the possible connection between depression and heart failure.
An old remedy for stimulating hair growth it figures in many a commercial hair product today, which can be good, bad or indifferent in quality and effect. It is important that the rosemary used, in whatever form, is a quality preparation. As a home treatment, it can be used topically for conditioning the hair - a few drops of a good quality essential oil, use 30 drops in 50ml water shaken and apply a small amount as a daily hair tonic, rubbing well into the scalp. I stress the good in 'good quality', here - cheap oils are no use - a good essential oil will evaporate quickly leaving little or no mark on a piece of paper - cheaper oils usually leave an oily residue. Often you can tell a cheap oil by the suspiciously low price.
Alternatively, use an infusion of the dried or fresh herb as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning with your normal hair products. Both of these methods probably stimulate circulation to the scalp, bringing a better blood supply and therefore more nourishment to the hair root.
If you want a great pick me up, after a tiring day rosemary tea (a fresh sprig placed in boiling water, covered, infused for 15 minutes and then strained and cooled) could be for you. You can also use a small amount of the dried herb in a similar way.
Medical herbalists still commonly use rosemary, for conditions where there is poor circulation and where gentle nervous support is needed. Like many a culinary herb It is good for the digestion, reducing gastric upset. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory properties in rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis, particularly in topical preparations. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant for some cardiovascular disorders. It may also be sometimes used internally in association with other herbs to strengthen hair growth.
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or any herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source. Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine
Sources
Mrs Grieve (1931) A Modern Herbal (available on line at www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.htm )
Kuhn, M. A. and Winston, D. (2008) Herbal therapy and supplements, Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincot, Williams and Wilkins, Philedelphia.