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September/October 2003 Alternative Health
Gypsy Cures and the Wise Woman Way

by Catherine Warner

Herbal medicine is the natural way of mankind, and particularly of the wise woman. From the earliest days of tribal communities all the way to the present, herbal remedies continue to be the healthiest, cheapest, and least destructive to the planet as well as to our own bodies. Look around! Magic and medicine surround you every day and in every way, and usually it’s in your own back yard. If you haven’t used pesticides and herbicides, there is most likely an abundance of medicine in those lovely weeds you see out there, and guess what? It’s free!

As summer winds down and the nights grow cooler we seem to become busy. We have a sense of needing to wrap things up before the winter approaches. This is a natural instinct, for since the earliest of days we've had to prepare for the winter ahead, not always having the conveniences we have today. Balance is the key for autumn. Keep yourself well and vital by realizing that you need to take time for your own health and peace.

Rosemary...Rosmarinus.....Dew of the Sea. I cannot think of a more useful, easy, hearty Herb. Great for everything from hair rinses to treatments for exhaustion and depression, and throw the leftovers in your spaghetti sauce! Juliette de Bairacli Levy, the famous herbalist, said that just as Johnny Appleseed planted apple seeds, she has done the same with Rosemary for it is such a beneficial medicine. Rosemary likes the sun and well drained soil. If you have fruit trees or grape vines, plant Rosemary near them to keep away unwanted pests. You can burn the dried leaves with a little paraffin on your patio to keep mosquitoes away. Steep a few of the clipped stems in water that is just off boil for a couple of hours, then.......

Pour it into an empty shampoo bottle and massage it into your scalp before you use conditioner. Your hair will stay thick and shiny and retain its natural color longer.

Drink a cup of Rosemary tea when you are feeling particularly sad, or tired. It will refresh your heart and mind. This tea is also a proven heart tonic.

Massage into the temple for headaches. Soak a towel in this solution and place on sprains and strains to increase circulation to the area and reduce swelling.

For oil, place several sprigs of fresh Rosemary into a jar of organic almond oil and leave in the sun for a couple of weeks. Use this as a massage oil for arthritic joints and rheumatoid conditions. Hang fresh cut branches of Rosemary in a moderately sunny window until completely dry, and then store in a cool dry place for seasoning all of your soups and sauces through the winter, try throwing a handful of the fresh leaves in your bread machine with your favorite bread.

The Gypsies used to hang Rosemary in their vans and over their beds to ward off evil and prevent nightmares. The Arabs encourage their flocks to pasture where ever there is Rosemary because of its’ healing properties and the good flavor it gives the milk!
Remember… treat your plants with respect. Never take too much, leave enough so that the plant stays hearty. Rosemary needs no chemicals, and it is not healthy to use herbs that have been treated with anything but sun, air, water, and natural fertilizer. Please, try always to think seven generations ahead.

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