Anytime I work with Rosemary, their Spirit feels like an elder in the church. The one who anoints you. The elder that prays quietly and commands a room with gentleness AND authority. This is my tribute to one of the first herbs I’ve ever worked with.
I chose to highlight rosemary for March as we step into Aries season here in a few short weeks as a spiritual/herbal ally for the season. Aries rules the head, and often times can run hot with anxiety, nervousness, and emotional instability. Rosemary helps temper the mind and calm the nervous system. More on that as we continue in this post.
Rosemary is one of my favorite spiritual cleansers. It is abundant, affordable, and easily accessible. If you decide to plant some, you’ll have an ally for a long time because it is quite difficult to kill (in my experience with it).
Whenever I work with an herb for the first time, I like to sit with it. Study it. Work with it in various forms to get a feel of its energy. The more I respect its energy, the more of an ally this herb becomes for me and my spiritual practices.
- Antimicrobial/Anti-inflammatory/Antioxidant
- Helps with nervous system disorders
- Eases anxiety
- Promotes restful sleep
- Beneficial for memory and brain health
- Aids with emotional and mental health disorders
- …and more
Spiritual Benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary has been used in religious and spiritual spaces for thousands of years. It is revered as the herb of remembrance and love. This dry, woodsy herb was often used in Kemetic burial rituals and embalming practices to protect the dead in the afterlife. The Greeks used rosemary in a similar fashion as a talisman for funeral processions. In Catholicism, rosemary is a holy herb linked to the Virgin Mary, often included in various traditions of the faith.
For me, rosemary is a key ingredient for certain cleansings from spiritual baths to floor washes. Not only does it do well with cleansing. It’s also a great ally for any workings around love, focus, and mental clarity. Sometimes, just smelling it is enough to help calm my nervous system and ground my energy.
How to Use Rosemary
One of my favorite ways to use rosemary is to add it to my hair wash days. Over the past few years, rosemary hair products have taken over so it’s not difficult to find a brand that has rosemary added to it for hair growth and retention. If you make your own soaps/shampoos, add a few drops of the essential oil to your batches for the same effects. For daily use, apply a drop to your fingertips and massage into the temples while stating your affirmations, a prayer, etc.
Rosemary is also a common herb addition to pork and chicken dishes. Add a few dried or fresh leaves to add a fresh, herby flavor.
Steep a few leaves in hot water for a refreshing tea, or try this drink recipe below:
Rosemary can also be used as a smoke cleanser. Get a rosemary bundle like the one pictured below to smoke cleanse your home with your intentions, favorite prayer, whatever floats your boat. Consider this for a sage alternative.
However you choose to use it, the most important step is to infuse your own energy and intentions into the herb. Talk to Elder Rosemary, ask for their assistance, state your intentions, give thanks, and use mindfully.
As with any herb, plant, or supplement, please do your research prior to consumption. If you have any medical conditions or take any prescriptions, refer to the appropriate professionals to determine if rosemary is safe for you to consume.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary has stood the test of time over many, many years and remains a solid companion to cleanse, protect, and uplift those who use her responsibly and respectfully. Consider incorporating this into your routines and let me know how it works for you. If you’re familiar with rosemary, feel free to comment with some of your favorite ways to use it as well as any way it has benefited you.
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