January 2026 Herb of the Month: Rosemary

History:

Rosemary has found its way into many ancient traditions and mythos. From the Ancient Greeks using rosemary garlands to improve their memories before exams, to the Christian legend in which rosemary was one of the herbs lining the manger where Jesus was born, to the Ancient Egyptians using rosemary in embalming practices and burying the dead with sprigs to protect their souls.

Ancient Greek and Roman mourners also often carried sprigs of rosemary and placed them at their loved ones’ burial sites. The evergreen color of its sprigs symbolized immortality, as well as the practical application of the aroma masking the odor of death.

Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician known as the “Father of Medicine”, would treat joint pain with an ointment made of rosemary and olive oil.

Let’s jump to medieval times, where rosemary was believed to protect from the plague. In the 14th century, the Black Death killed more than 60% of Europe’s population before spreading to Asia and Africa. As a result, the cost and demand for rosemary skyrocketed. There’s an old recipe known as “Four Thieves Vinegar,” made from wine vinegar and herbs, including rosemary. Legend had it that this recipe allowed a group of thieves to rob the sick and dead without contracting the plague themselves.

During the Renaissance, Queen Elizabeth of Hungary used a rosemary-based remedy to treat her rheumatism and gout. This potion worked so well that it not only restored her health but also supposedly made her so attractive that she caught the eye of the King of Poland, and they were soon wed. This concoction became known as Hungary Water and was used as a beauty staple by women for centuries!

Benefits:

Cognitive Support: As mentioned above, rosemary has had a long history of supporting memory improvement. It’s thought to be able to do this by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Antioxidant: Rosemary is rich in phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidant capabilities. They help neutralize free radicals in the body and work to prevent oxidative stress and cellular damage.

Anti-Inflammatory: These same phenolic compounds also have anti-inflammatory capabilities. They help inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines. Cytokines act as chemical messengers, primarily communicating with immune cells.

Digestive Aid: Rosemary helps with digestion, gas, and bloating. This is partly why it makes such a lovely addition to all the heavy foods we make and consume in the winter. Some of its phenolic compounds may stimulate bile flow, which aids in digestion, specifically the digestion of fats.

Antimicrobial: Rosemary is known for its antimicrobial essential oils. This is partly why it’s been used in cleaning products for centuries.

Emotional Aspects of Rosemary:

Rosemary has been used in emotional and spiritual work for thousands of years – protecting spaces, enhancing mental clarity, and honoring ancestors. Its aromatic molecules help enhance cognitive function, also cut through mental confusion and overwhelm. Because of this, rosemary aromatherapy is useful for moments of decision fatigue. Rosemary is used in flower essence preparations for mental clarity, physical vitality, and a strong mind-body connection. It’s useful when you’re feeling the need to be more grounded and connected to your body, especially after times of acute stress or trauma.

Using Rosemary In Your Everyday Life:

Rosemary and Clove Tea:

This simple, warming tea blend is traditionally used for clarity and digestion.

Ingredients (1-2 servings):

• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1.5 cups hot water (not boiling)

Optional: lemon slice or raw honey for taste 

Instructions:

• Bring water to a gentle simmer (not a full boil).
• Add the rosemary and cloves to the water.
• Cover and steep for 7–10 minutes.
• Strain into a cup and add lemon or honey if desired.

Rosemary and Mint Tropical Virgin Spritzer by Humblebrands.com

“Uplift your mind and treat your taste buds to a refreshing beverage you can have anytime! With invigorating hints of Navel oranges, fresh ginger, and, you guessed it, rosemary and mint. This vegan and gluten-free mocktail can easily transform into a delicious cocktail with the simple addition of some chilled white wine. The star of the show here is the simple syrup… Here’s what you’ll need:”

Simple Syrup

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of sweetener (your choice, but we love to use local honey)
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 15 mint leaves
• 1 medium Navel orange, juiced
• 2-inch ginger, grated

Instructions

• Add the ingredients listed above to a saucepan on a medium-low flame and stir. 
• Bring to a boil and set it aside to cool. 
• Once it has cooled down, store your simple syrup in an airtight glass container and make sure you don’t strain it so that all of the flavors can infuse. This can stay in the fridge for up to a week.

Now it’s time to assemble the drink!

• Add crushed ice to your glasses.
• Strain the simple syrup and fill the glasses ¼ of the way.
• Add tropical club soda. (You can also substitute juice or plain club soda.)
• Add freshly sliced oranges and strawberries. 
• Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and mint.
• Voilà and Salud to the refreshing mocktail of your spring dreams!

Rosemary and Mint Vapor Rub by Humblebrands.com

To be used when feeling congested and to help soothe headaches and sore throats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of coconut oil
• ½ tsp of peppermint essential oil
• ½ tsp of rosemary essential oil
• an 8-oz jar

Instructions:

• Heat the coconut oil until it melts.
• Remove oil from heat and stir in essential oils.
• Refrigerate for 10-20 minutes or until the edges start to solidify.
• Stir again for about 6 minutes, making sure you scrape the sides so everything is thoroughly mixed.
• Transfer to a jar, once it’s whipped evenly. (Coconut oil will re-solidify when cold, but warms and melts to the touch.)
• Apply the rub to your chest and breathe deeply.

Missed our other Herbs of the Month? Check them out!:

November: Hibiscus

October: Mugwort

September: Turmeric