Why rosemary may help addictions and movement
Why rosemary may help addictions and movement
Welcome to this months wellness reading based on my Creation Oracle cards. If you don’t have time to watch my video (it’s about 16 minutes) then read on! As a way of introduction if you are new to me then welcome! Each month I offer 2-3 wellness aspects to focus on to help you maintain your health. This month we are focusing on rosemary, addictions and movement. So let’s get started!
Addictions:
Come in so many forms – good, not so good and some absolutely not beneficial but what is for certain is that we all have something we are addicted to. As I am writing this I have come up with a few examples but yours may be different!
caffeine, sugar, carbonated drinks, processed foods, dining out, supplements, eating (disorders), alcohol, a “terrible or too healthy” diet
smoking, vaping, recreational drugs, prescriptive drugs, exercise, work, spending money, buying consumer goods, cosmetic surgery, card readings, indecisiveness, sex, social media
Emotionally: falling in love, being too independent, low self esteem, feeling victimised, FOMO (fear of missing out), procrastination, a poor choice in a “partner”, serving others, selfishness etc
This month I ask you: What are your addictions? Can you recognise them? Is your addiction good/bad/out of balance? Is it time to dump it/them? Are you capable of putting it/them back into balance? If not; do you need help? What can you do this month to restore your addictive tendencies?
Movement
How much do you move daily? Speaking personally this is an area I need to work on! It is so difficult to make time for movement daily but it truly is essential for all of us. Whilst my oracle cards were originally written for fertility and hormonal health exercise is important for everyone’s wellbeing. As we age our skeletal system renews itself less frequently and we carry more trauma and stiffness in our muscles and fascia. It’s true – if you don’t use it you lose it! So this month I invite you to review your exercise regime and see how you can make time for movement.
Here are some movement suggestions:
running clubs, athletics, golf, team sports such as paddle/racquet or football/rugby, badminton, tennis etc. How often do you go out for a walk/walk the dog or even dance? What other forms of exercise may suit you? Resistance band workouts, ecstatic dance, chakra dancing, 5 rhythms, you tube classes or online classes, yoga, wall pilates, somatic exercise, yin yoga, fascia release to name but a few.
This month can you commit to an exercise plan and if so – what are you going to do, why and how often?
Rosemary
The third focus of the month is the plant rosemary. I love the smell of it – clear, crisp and clearing. The leathery, scented leaves look more like evergreen needles than leaves which immediately makes me think about immune health.
Rosemary has a long and intricate history as a magical herb – strongly protective and purifying. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, as she fled from Egypt, sheltered next to a rosemary bush. She threw her cape onto the bush and the white flowers turned blue. Since then, this precious herb has been called “Rose of Mary”. Another legend about rosemary from folklore is that it would only grow well in houses where the mistress was the ‘master’ of the house, and effectively ruled the roost. In the Treasury of Botany it reports that some of the masters of the house secretly interfered with the growth of rosemary bushes on their properties to ensure that their lack of authority in their house was not seen publicly!
Although rosemary is a herb of the sun it is also ruled by Mercury, the planet of the mind. You probably already know it’s good for memory. Spagyric medicine suggests it helps us remember things we have learned and forgotten – not only from a cognitive perspective but also ancestral wisdom. . In Roman and medieval times it was used in “sick rooms” and these days we often use it in cosmetic and remedial preparations.
Rosemary gives vigour, strength, courage and mental clarity. It balances both cerebral hemispheres. Represents love and when considering Spagyric philosophy parent/child conflict.
Well suited with wild venison, duck and lamb recipes due to its bitter, astringent flavour rosemary helps digest fat and protein. It’s a tonic for the liver and great for bile production. Rich in antioxidants it helps prevent fats from turning into cell damaging free radicals. It is also great when mental stress impacts our digestive digestive systems due to its nervine properties which help relax intestinal smooth muscles; stimulates our appetite and clear mucus from the gut. It is anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory plus shown to prevent the growth of bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli and reduce development of fungal biofilms; potentially preventing certain pathogenic bacteria from colonising.
Hormones: helps regularise periods and supports puberty and menopause plus erectile dysfunction.
Boosts Memory and Focus: Compounds in rosemary may inhibit acetylcholine, a brain chemical crucial for memory and concentration so use rosemary during study or when you are suffering with forgetfulness, mental fatigue, headaches or generally requiring clarity generally because it can positively influences mood and alertness.
Pain relief: Studies suggest that rosemary can be an effective pain management aid.
Supports immunity: Rosemary contains compounds that can help boost the body’s immune response.
Stimulates Hair Growth: Super popular at the moment rosemary oil increases blood flow to the scalp, nourishes hair follicles and promotes hair growth. One of my clients who came to me because her hair was thinning strongly believes that massaging rosemary oil into her hair daily has achieved her regrowth.
Depression and grieving: Rosemary has a long history as a nervous system tonic and is an excellent ally during times of grieving and stress situations. I often include it for mood support within my programmes. It is a herb of love – the bond between two souls, that special spiritual tie so easily forgotten and also used during death rituals – thrown on the grave to assure the soul who has passed that they will never be forgotten.
Did you know rosemary has been used to support addictions? It has also been shown to support exercise and stamina.
How to Use: Internally: Use rosemary leaves in cooking, brew it as a tea, or take it within a supplement. Topically: Dilute rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba) before applying it to the skin, particularly the scalp or add to shower gel, or make a foot bath with it.
Precautions: Always dilute rosemary essential oil before applying it to your skin. Avoid using rosemary oil if you are pregnant or have epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Rosemary foot soak:
5 tablespoons rosemary (fresh or dried)
- 1 litre of water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda or bicarbonate of soda
Boil rosemary in 1 water for 3-10 minutes. Let it cool to a warm temperature. Strain out the leaves and keep the infused liquid. Add 1 cup white vinegar and mix well. Pour into a wide basin for your feet. Soak feet for 5–15 minutes. Add baking soda during soak and gently massage. Let feet air-dry for 10 minutes after soaking. Repeat twice a week for best results.
✔ Eliminate foot odour ✔ Soothes skin and nail discomfort, reduce fungal infections ✔ Gently removes skin build up. Refreshes feet, cleanse them & your mind will love it too!
Rosemary-Infused Honey: Fill a jar with fresh rosemary leaves, pour raw honey over them, ensuring the leaves are fully submerged. Store in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks/1 moon cycle to infuse. Use this infused honey in drinks, on yogurt, or in salad dressings to support your gut health.
I hope you have enjoyed this article. For more monthly guidance sign up to my newsletter or you may be interested in these other posts
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Justine Evans ND is a Registered Naturopath, Nutritional Therapist, Hormone Alchemist, Medium and Seasonal Wellbeing Expert. Working with the the moon, cycles and the seasons she supports hormone health with nutritional medicine and traditional healing methods.
Disclaimer: This article has been written as personal opinion and guidance only and should not be construed as medical advice. I am not a medical doctor.