Rosemary is an herb that has silver-green needle like leaves with pale blue or lilac flowers. Rosemary is sought after for it purifying and stimulant characteristics. It can be found worldwide but most of rosemarys essential oils are produced in Morocco, France and Spain. Rosemary essential is extracted by steam distillation from the flowers and leaves. It has a strong, clean mint aroma. It is used for its antidepressant, antiseptic, digestive, stimulant and tonic properties. Rosemary essential oil is often blended with Atlas cedar wood, geranium, ginger, lemon balm, myrtle and sweet basil.

Long known as the herb of remembrance, rosemary symbolizes loyalty and friendship, and has traditionally been associated with both weddings and funerals. Believing the gift came from Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty; brides wore it in wreaths as a symbol of their fidelity.

Health Precautions: In some cases, rosemary can cause autoimmune diseases. Rosemary in culinary or therapeutic doses is generally safe; however precaution is necessary for those displaying allergic reaction, or those prone to epileptic seizure. Rosemary essential oil is a powerful consultant; if applied to the skin, it may cause seizures in otherwise healthy adults or children. Rosemary essential oil is potentially toxic if ingested. Large quantities of rosemary leaves can cause adverse reactions, such as coma, spasm, vomiting, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) that can be fatal. Avoid consuming large quantities of rosemary if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Rosemary has been used for centuries in many different cultures. The Egyptian culture used it as ritual cleansing incense. Rosemary has been found in the Egyptian first dynasty tombs. The Greeks entwined their hair with rosemary twigs while studying for examinations. The Queen of Hungary used it as a face wash it was mixed with lemon, rose, neroli, lemon balm and peppermint. The French used Rosemary; they burned rosemary when epidemics occurred in their hospitals. The British wore necklaces of Rosemary to help prevent colds and the flu. Their is a legend about rosemary, it is said that the Virgin Mary put her cloak around the bush during her flight into Egypt thus turning the flowers from the original color of white to the present color of blue.

In todays aromatherapy it is for emotions, it is used to energize and stimulate the central nervous system. It has an effect of clearing the head, to provide mental stability. It helps in memory retained, and stimulating the memory.

Rosemary essential oil is used to alleviate headaches and migraines, and as a general pain reliever for muscles. It can be used as a hear tonic to help normalize blood pressure. It is also used in vaporizer to clear the head and chest and to get rid of chest infections. Rosemary is advised not to be used during pregnancy or if a person suffers from epilepsy.

Rosemary is also extremely useful herb, with many culinary, medicinal and aromatherapy attributes. Rosemary stimulates the central nervous system and circulation making it beneficial for low blood pressure and sluggishness. The essential oil can be diluted for topical use to alleviate the pain of sprains, arthritis, sciatica and neuralgia.