Natures Table (essential Oils) part 4 by Annalies Schmaltz

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

 

 

 

Essential Oils/ Aromatherapy

 

Rosemary

 

Rosemary, we all know that we can use it in our

food, but the essential oil has a whole host

of positive medicinal and psychological effests.

The name comes from the Latin ros marinus

which means dew of the sea.

Rosemary, originates from the mediterranean

coasts, its an evergreen shrub and very common

in Spain, Hungary, Italy, Greece, Tunisia,Algeria,

Morocco and Corsica.

 

The essential oils are obtained from the flowering

tops, Rosemarinus officinalis is mostly used. The

oil is a colourless to pale yellow liquid with a piercing

camphorated, woody balsamic aroma.

 

Rosemary has impressive healing properties, and is

also an excellent nerve tonic. A few drops of the

essential oil in the bath restore flagging energy

levels after a period of prolonged stress. It can

also be used in a burner which helps with

concentrating. It has always been seen as improving

the memory and is associated with the mind.
Garlands of rosemary were worn by the Greek

and Roman students while taking their exams.

The modern method is to dab essential oil onto

wrist bands or a hairband to boost mental power.

 

Studies have shown that not only is rosemary a

stimulant to the nervous system but it is

primarily antiseptic and anti-bacterial.

 

Rosemary's analgesic properties mean that it can

be used in baths and massage blends to ease

rheumatic and arthritic pain, and to soothe

overworked muscles. In combination with

lavender, rosemary makes an excellent conditioning

massage oil to use before athletics or any

strenuous activity. It warms and loosens the

muscles and joints, thus helping to prevent

cramp and injury.

 

Rosemary and Beauty:

 

Rosemary and lavender Honey mask:

 

25g chopped fresh rosemary

    ( or 15g dried rosemary)

25g fresh lavendar flowers

    ( or 15g dried lavender)

225 g clear honey

    Muslin or fine-mesh sieve.

 

Spoon the  honey into a heatproof

dish. Place over a pan of simmering water,

then stir in the herbs. Cover the dish with

a plate or saucepan lid and allow to

infuse for 30 minutes. When ready, turn off

the heat and allow to steep for about 2hours.

Strain the honey through muslin or a fine mesh-

sieve, then pour it into a spotlessly clean jar.

The mask will keep for 6-8 months if stored in

a cool, dry and dark place.

 

 

 

 

Rosemary foot bath

 

2 drops pure rosemary essential oil

2 drops pure camomile essential oil

15ml cider vinegar

 

Stir into a bowl of comfortably hot water.

Sit back and soak for 15 minutes. Excellent

for tired feet.

 

Wake-up shower:

 

15ml base shower gel

2 drops pure rosemary essential oil

2 drops pure bergamot essential oil

2 drops pure grapefruit essential oil

 

Sponge and massage over your skin.

 

Napoleon's cologne:

 

100ml distilled water

10 drops pure rosemary essential oil

20 drops pure bergamot essential oil

20 drops pure orange essential oil

20 drops pure lemon essential oil

10 drops pure neroli or petitgrain essential

oil

5 drops pure rose otto essential oil

coffee filter paper.

 

Put the oils into a 100 ml dark bottle top up

with distilled water and shake well. Allow to

mature for two weeks before using it as it

will smell rather raw in the beginning.

When it is ready pour through a damp filter

paper into an atomizer or storage bottle.

As the cologne has a high proportion of

essential oils, test a little on the inside

of your arm 24 hours before use.