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Rhodiola is a member of the stonecrop family, known for its fleshy leaves and hardy nature - a characteristic they share with the related sedums. It is at home in mountainous regions throughout Eurasia. In Europe, it can be found at about 2500 msl, an altitude at which few plants can survive. In the Himalaya, it climbs even higher, to an elevation of about 3500-5000 msl.
The root has a golden-yellow skin, which has given rise to its alternative name, ’Golden Root’. But beneath the outer skin the root is pinkish in color, and has a rose-like scent, alluded to in its species name. Although Diosocorides had mentioned Rhodiola in his Herbal, ‘De Materia Medica’, which dates back to about AD 50-70, the plant has not been widely used in Central European herbal medicine. (The related Houseleek was more common and more frequently used). Its remote habitat and scarcity meant that it was difficult to obtain, and supplies were uncertain. Its use in folk medicine was, however, very much established in Scandinavia, Siberia, as well as in the Himalayan regions of Asia, where it is more common.
Medicinal
In Chinese medicine, Rhodiola is known as Hong Jing Tian, which translates as ‘Red’ Heavenly View’ alluding to its color and its growing range in the high mountains. In TCM, its character is described as ‘cool, dry and bitter’. It is said to have an affinity with the liver, and the lungs, which is why it is used as a blood tonic, and to balance the yin and yang energies of the human body. It is considered a useful remedy to treat inflammatory conditions of the lungs. As a blood tonic, it is used to boost endurance, and stamina in times of stress. Modern western herbal medicine values it as an ‘adaptogen’, a class of tonics that affect the endocrine system in such a way as to adjust the homeostasis of the body when it has become unbalanced due to physical or mental stress.
Magical
Rhodiola is nothing if not resilient, choosing its ecological niche in some of the harshest environments on earth. Thus, it can be used as an agent of resilience, imparting its strength and endurance to those that are taxed by mental exhaustion and fatigue. It is also said to bring restful sleep and to disempower the demons of nightmares.
Synonyms: Rose root, Hong Jing Tian
Made from Potato Vodka Extraction of Rhodiola Rosea Root
Known as Hong Jing Tian. described as ‘cool, dry and bitter’. It is said to have an affinity with the liver, and the lungs, which is why it is used as a blood tonic. Western herbal medicine values it as an ‘adaptogen’Made from Steam Distillate of Rosmarinus officinalis leaves
- Aromatherapy and Aromatic Inhalation: Oils are easily diffused into the air, and diffusers provide the perfect way to practice aromatherapy. Essential oils, when diffused, help create greater spiritual, physical, and emotional harmony with therapeutic benefits.
- Body and Skin Care products: A therapeutic, fragrant ingredient in personal body and skin care products when added to vegetable/carrier oils, massage oil, lotions, and baths.
Diluted and used topically, Rosemary Essential Oil is known to stimulate hair growth, reduce pain, soothe inflammation, eliminate headaches, strengthen the immune system, and condition hair to make it look and feel healthy.
Rosemary projects the energy of a stern, yet compassionate teacher. Although it is an herb of the sun, it is not bright and sunny. Rather, it serves as a constant reminder of our highest consciousness and conscience. Rosemary is an herb of memory and so it has become associated with all the things and people we want to keep near and dear in our hearts. It is an herb of love, though it is anything but erotic or sensuous. Instead, it is a reminder of the bond between two souls, the special spiritual tie that is so easily forgotten amidst the ups and downs of day to day life. It is also a funerary herb, thrown on the grave as a last assurance that the soul of the departed will never be forgotten. More mundanely, Rosemary helps students with their studies, or old people with their fading memories. In medieval times it was one of the most important herbs of the still room and it was extensively used in dozens of cosmetic or remedial preparations.
Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that 'likes to be kissed by the Sea' - although it does not have to 'see' the sea, it never grows far from it in the wild. The leathery, scented leaves look more like evergreen needles than leaves. Early in spring the shrubby bushes are covered with dainty little lilac flowers, which are very popular with bees.
As a culinary herb it is one of the herbs in the 'herbes de provence' blend. It is particularly well suited for greasy meat dishes such as lamb, as the bitter, astringent flavor helps the body to digest heavy fare. It is also rich in antioxidants, which prevent such fats from turning into the cell damaging free radicals. Rosemary yields an essential oil that is commonly used in cosmetic preparations and aromatherapy.
Medicinal: Rosemary stimulates the circulation, especially to the head. It is a good aid for concentration and counteracts forgetfulness, mental fatigue, headaches and stress related conditions. It may come to the rescue in cases of fainting or general debility, but should be avoided by those who suffer high blood pressure. Rosemary is particularly useful in cases where mental stress impacts the digestive system, as its nervine properties help to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. It stimulates the appetite and cleanses catarrhal conditions of the stomach. It also stimulates the liver and gallbladder. It is considered an excellent herb to lift the spirit, especially during times of grieving or when one feels trapped in permanent stress situations. It has been used in mild cases of depression and can be useful as an uplifting stimulant during convalescence. Rosemary macerated in wine used to be a favorite remedy of the old herbalists, not only to fortify the spirits, but also as a cleansing diuretic that could help to reduce edema. Externally, Rosemary has long been used as a hair rinse which is said to stimulate hair growth. Do not use during pregnancy.
Magical Rosemary has a long and intricate history as a magical herb. It is strongly protective and purifying, helping to ward off evil influences and witches and cleansing the atmosphere of bad energies. It has been used as incense to cleanse the atmosphere in sick-rooms too and can be used in healing rituals to help dispel the demons of disease. It can protect against bad dreams and all manner of evil influences. Rosemary aids the student to memorize the teachings and to concentrate on the work. It is used at funerals to keep the memory of the departed. At weddings it serves as a reminder of the timeless bond between the souls and the love that has brought the couple together. Rosemary gives vigor, strength, courage and mental clarity.
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