During the colder months of autumn and winter, some households have taken to burning this herb as a way to help purify the air and deter some pests.
Additionally, it’s said to have some wellbeing benefits, helping improve concentration and maintain a calm state.
Why burning this one item at home can help boost your wellbeing and deter pests
Rosemary is a common herb that has been highlighted as helping to potentially provide some wellbeing benefits.
James Mellan-Matulewicz, Creative Director & Interior Designer at Bobbi Beck, a UK-based design and wallpaper studio, has advocated for its use.
He shared: “Burning rosemary offers a wide range of wellbeing and household benefits.
“Its natural aromatic oils have been linked to improved mental clarity and alertness, with some research suggesting the scent may enhance focus and memory.
“Due to its calming qualities, rosemary is often used during practices like yoga and meditation to create a soothing environment.
“In addition to the mood boosting wellbeing effects, burning rosemary can offer practical benefits around the home.
“The smoke naturally deters certain pests, such as flies and insects, that dislike the smell of its essential oils.
“This makes rosemary a simple and natural alternative to chemical sprays or plug in repellents.
“It can also help freshen stale indoor air, leaving a clean herbal scent rather than masking odours.
“Many people also burn rosemary when they need to concentrate. Its scent contains compounds like cineole which has been linked to improved concentration and memory, making it useful during work, study sessions or creative projects.”
Meanwhile, Kathy Sanderson, Founder of Healing from Within, said: “Spiritually, rosemary is known as the herb of remembrance, clarity, and protection.
“When you burn it, you’re not just filling your home with a lovely, earthy aroma, you’re helping to lift the emotional atmosphere. It’s wonderful to use after illness, stress, or arguments, when a room feels heavy and you want to invite in calm and balance.
“Many people notice the air feels lighter and the whole space more peaceful afterwards.
“There’s a bit of science behind the tradition too because rosemary’s natural oils contain compounds like cineole and camphor, which have antimicrobial properties.
“Burning it can help purify the air and even deter pests such as mosquitoes and moths, offering both energetic and physical cleansing in one simple ritual.”
How to burn rosemary in the home safely?
Dr Tracy King, Clinical and Holistic Psychologist, has shared a few tips for burning rosemary in the home.
If you’re burning dried rosemary, use a heatproof bowl or an incense burner placed on a stable surface.
Recommended reading:
Additionally, this should be placed away from any curtains, open windows or any flammable items, using one sprig at a time.
Let it smoulder gently and stay in the room with it to make sure it’s extinguished properly.
A bowl of sand nearby is a good safety precaution for snuffing it out cleanly
-
-
-
-
-
