The Plant That Helps Memory… and Unlocks Old Ones!
I'm going to start writing about the plants I use in my daily life. One day, I’d love to study herbalism more formally so that I can confidently make suggestions to my QHHT clients—homeopathy too. For now, I explore and deepen my knowledge through hands-on experience, reading, and conversations with wise women who also study and use plant medicine.
I've been using ChatGPT as a way to gather more information about plants. Of course, I don’t think it should be our only means of learning about herbalism. I’ve been studying and using plant medicine and homeopathics for 10 years now—it’s the primary form of medicine I use for my family because it aligns with our belief system, values, and priorities.
In addition to AI, I turn to knowledgeable women in my circle, like my friend Deslee, who is currently offering a course on herbs and home care for families. I have my collection of books and my past training to draw from. But most importantly, I have the plants themselves. Building a relationship with them over the years has been a profound experience. Every year, certain plants seem to call me to deepen my connection with them—plants like Millepertuis (St. John’s Wort), Yarrow, Plantain, and Red Clover, all of which grow locally and have quite literally caught my eye with their beauty and essence.
Last year, I felt called to Rosemary, Mugwort, Wormwood, White Sage, and Calendula. I wasn't able to work as deeply with them as I wanted to - due to family and work obligations, so this coming season, I plan to reconnect with them more closely. Black Walnut is also on my radar, as is Poppy—I must remember to sow the Opium Poppy seeds my friend Wendy the farmer gave me last summer!
When I become curious about a plant, I love to learn about its uses and the stories surrounding it throughout history. I also enjoy looking into its homeopathic applications, which sometimes differ from its traditional herbal uses.
In the case of Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis), I discovered that it has been used energetically to help with vertigo. This immediately made me think of the existential vertigo that often overcomes me—a feeling of vastness, of reality shifting. How beautiful that Rosemary, a plant I feel so drawn to, might have something to offer in this realm!
Beyond the intellectual knowledge, I also want to share my personal experiences with plants. Many write about their properties and uses, but what about the lived stories? How has working with a plant influenced a life?
For me, Rosemary brings strength, grounding, purification, and mental clarity. I experience scalp itchiness, and rinsing my hair with Rosemary tea after a shower keeps it at bay. But beyond its physical benefits, I’ve noticed that this simple ritual awakens something deeper in me—old memories, as if I’ve done this before many centuries ago. It feels like an energetic cleansing, as if Rosemary itself is reminding me of an ancient practice I once knew. It’s a wonderful experience, as if the plant is whispering, "You remember me, don’t you?"
I have always loved Rosemary, but it truly caught my attention after watching a documentary on the extraordinary herbalist and healer Juliette de Bairacli Levy. In the film, she shared that Rosemary was her favorite herb, one she used to heal nearly everything. Her children were raised with Rosemary baths! In the same documentary, I noticed her using the leaf of Lady’s Mantle to heal a wound—though she didn’t say it outright, I recognized the plant. Inspired, I tried the same thing when my daughter cut her knee on a cabinet corner. I applied a Lady’s Mantle leaf to the cut, and by the next morning, it had healed so quickly! But that’s a story for another day when I introduce you to Lady’s Mantle.
For now, let’s dive into my exploration of Rosemary. Below, I’ve gathered some fascinating information—perhaps there’s something new for you here! Do you use Rosemary in your life? How has it supported you?
Other Names for Rosemary
Scientific Name: Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis)
Common Names: Compass Weed, Elf Leaf, Polar Plant, Dew of the Sea, Incensier, Old Man
French: Romarin
Spanish: Romero
Italian: Rosmarino
German: Rosmarin
History & Symbolism
Ancient Greece & Rome: Used to enhance memory; scholars wore it during exams.
Medieval Europe: Believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against the plague.
Christian Tradition: Legend says when Mary fled to Egypt, she placed her cloak over a Rosemary bush, turning its white flowers blue—hence, "Rose of Mary."
Victorian England: A symbol of remembrance, used in funerals and weddings.
Witchcraft & Protection: Grown outside homes for protection and used in cleansing rituals.
Myths & Legends
Aphrodite & Venus: Associated with love and beauty, said to have been draped around Aphrodite when she rose from the sea.
Sleeping Under Rosemary: Thought to bring prophetic dreams.
Witches & Herbalists: Used for clarity, insight, and spiritual strength.
Medicinal & Homeopathic Uses
Memory & Focus – Enhances cognitive function, reduces brain fog.
Hair & Scalp Health – Stimulates circulation, supports hair growth, and soothes scalp irritation.
Vertigo & Dizziness – Used homeopathically for balance issues, particularly those linked to circulation.
Nervous System Support – Helps with stress, anxiety, and exhaustion.
Digestive Aid – Supports sluggish digestion, relieves bloating.
Menstrual & Hormonal Balance – Encourages regular cycles, relieves PMS.
Pain & Inflammation Relief – Helps with joint pain, muscle aches, and rheumatism.
How You Can Work with Rosemary
Rosemary Hair Rinse – Infuse dried or fresh Rosemary in hot water, let cool, and pour over your scalp for purification and scalp health.
Under the Pillow – Enhances dreams and memory recall (I’m trying this next!).
Rosemary Bath – A powerful energy-cleansing ritual.
Rosemary Tea – Supports digestion and mental clarity.
Burning Rosemary – A great alternative to sage for purification.
Rosemary seems to have a playful intelligence—it helps with memory, and yet when I use it, it makes me remember using it before! Have you ever worked with a plant that seemed to "talk" to you in this way? Let me know if anything here inspires you or if you have your own stories of working with Rosemary!
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