Rosemary Uplifts Our Spirit
Here in Southern California we are fortunate to have Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) growing all around us. Originally from the Mediterranean region, Rosemary has a history of use that goes back thousands of years.
Rosemary offers a home to beneficial insects and makes any garden a more productive environment. The delicate purple flowers are beloved of the bees and other pollinators. I love how Rosemary bushes and hedges inconspicuously make urban neighborhoods more fragrant and wild.
Stop and smell Rosemary anytime you pass by one growing. Rub your hands on the resinous leaves and inhale deeply the uplifting vibrant scent, it will raise your spirits and clear your mind. The aromatics of Rosemary calm our nervous system and increase circulation throughout our body. Famed for nourishing and stimulating our brains, Rosemary is a friend to students and anyone trying to remember and process lots of information.
My favorite ways to work with Rosemary:
Make a Rosemary smudge stick or add Rosemary to a fire.
Combine fresh or dried Rosemary with Lavender and Peppermint for an uplifting and relaxing foot bath. Place a handful of each herb fresh or a tablespoon of dried into a quart jar with hot water, cover and allow to steep for several hours. Strain into a foot bath and soak your feet with epsom salts. Your mind will feel revived and your body will feel relaxed
Keep a few fresh sprigs of Rosemary by your work desk or in the car. Use the aroma to refresh your mind and uplift your spirit.
Rosemary Cautions: Avoid during pregnancy, though culinary use is ok.
Note: The information shared is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This article was originally published in Indian Voices, Oct 12, 2025
By Cindy Saylor. Cindy’s practice is Everyday Plant Magic. I am a certified vitalist herbalist and nutritionist, community educator, poet and devoted to sharing the teachings of the plants and the earth that have been shared with me.