Rosemary is a powerful healing force! It has been used since the time of ancient Greece (about 1,000 BC).   It's name comes from the Latin word ros, meaning dew, and marinus, meaning sea, which translates to "dew of the sea".   It is considered to be anticancer, liver-protecting, hypertension moderator (high blood pressure), carminative, anti-obesity, antispasmodic, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, memory enhancer, and antiviral.  It is a popular herb for improving memory and increasing blood circulation.  Also, it has been used to relieve tiredness and used externally to relieve inflammation, bruises, sores, and cellulite. In this blog post, we are going to focus on the external use of rosemary.  

Being a Mediterranean herb, rosemary grows really well in full sun in an area that is well-drained.  It is hardy to zones 8-10.  It thrives in the subtropical weather and sandy soils of Charleston, SC.  

If you live where rosemary grows prolifically, take the time to connect and thrive with this herb!  It is truly amazing! If you have a headache, make a cup of rosemary tea (increases blood circulation).  If you are under the weather, drink a cup of 

rosemary tea (antimicrobial).  If you are suffering from hair loss or varicose veins, make a water infusion to pour in the bath or use as a hair rinse.  There are SO many ways to improve your health and well-being with rosemary.  A Rosemary Liniment is one way to discover and experience the powerful healing properties of rosemary. 

WHAT IS A LINIMENT?  You may ask.....

A liniment is an herbal remedy used strictly topically / externally for inflammation.  You can also use a liniment for insect bites or poison ivy.  You make a liniment similar to how you would make a tincture except you use isopropyl alcohol.  Making a liniment is super easy and A LOT of fun!  So grab a mason jar, a label, some isopropyl alcohol, and some pruners to harvest 2 to 3 cups of rosemary.  

Ingredients: 

16 Fluid Ounces of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (you can purchase 32 fluid ounces from any drug store). 

2 1/2 cups of fresh rosemary 

16 ounce glass mason jar

Plastic mason jar lid or metal lid with wax paper

Directions:

1.  Cut and chop the rosemary

(1/4 to 1/8 inch pieces).

2.  Place in the mason jar.

3. Carefully and slowly pour the 70% Isopropyl alcohol over the rosemary in the jar. You can use a blender to mix the alcohol and rosemary and then pour into the jar. 

4.  Label your jar, write Rosemary Liniment, Date, and made with 70% Isopropyl alcohol.  Add FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. 

5.  Shake the jar for 2-4 weeks. 

6.  Use cheesecloth to strain the herbs/remove the herbs from the liniment. 

7.  Transfer to a glass bottle and apply with a cotton ball.  

Keep out of reach of children and be sure to label on the dropper bottle-external use only. 

You are going to LOVE the cooling, anti-inflammatory properties of a Rosemary Liniment.  You can add other herbs to the liniment such as wax myrtle, mint, willow, bay leaves, cedar, and pine needles.  Use the liniment on any areas where you are experiencing inflammation or any areas that need increased blood flow.  I use my liniment over an area of my leg where I have varicose veins.  I use it as well on my lower back where I sometimes experience pain due to sciatica.  

I recommend harvesting and trying this Rosemary Liniment Recipe this summer while the resin and oils in rosemary are high! 

Give this recipe a try and tag us on social-@yaholaherbschool. 

Recipe Credit: We learned how to make a liniment from Abby Artemisia at The Wander School!