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Rosemary Pruning and Smudge Stick Making

A gardener describes pruning their rosemary bushes and creatively using the prunings to make smudge sticks for purification, also discussing the plant's historical and medicinal uses.

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Greece

HealthLifestyleCultureGardeningDiyHerbalismNatural Remedies

What is the historical significance of rosemary?: Rosemary has been used as incense since antiquity, and its branches were burned in honor of Aphrodite. Today, it is used in cosmetics for its soothing and anti-aging properties.
What did the author do with their rosemary bushes?: The author pruned their rosemary bushes, which are fifteen years old, before the first major cold weather arrived. The pruned branches were too much for the compost, so the author decided to make smudge sticks.
How did the author prepare the rosemary for smudging?: The author tied small bundles of rosemary branches together with cotton thread and hung them to dry. Once dried, they will be stored in an airtight container and used for purification ceremonies by burning and extinguishing them.
What are the benefits and cautions associated with drinking rosemary tea?: The author recommends drinking rosemary tea for its circulatory and digestive benefits, but cautions against its use by hypertensive individuals or at night due to potential insomnia.
What problem did the author encounter, and what creative solution did they implement?: The author's rosemary bushes produced a large amount of prunings, leading to the creation of smudge sticks as an alternative to composting. These sticks are used to produce a calming and purifying smoke.

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