Burning rosemary is a trend that’s coming back to many houses lately. And why? This ritual fills your house with smoke that makes the rooms of your house smell fresh and woody, and it works in many ways; there’s the well-being side, air purification, and it’s also a natural repellent to insects like mosquitos and moths.
In a time very far from the chemical aerosols and devices, this very old practice, with roots in the European tradition, is used as a homemade air freshener that works for aromatherapy as well. A cleaner space, a calmer mind, and a house that smells nice without strong chemicals.
Why is the ritual coming back now?
Long before sprays were even a “thing, ” in many houses in Europe, they were burning aromatic herbs to perfume or make the spaces feel lighter, and that European tradition included rosemary because of its strong character and fresh feeling.
In addition to acting as a homemade air freshener, burning a few dry twigs releases aromatic components that help eliminate odors, such as those from the kitchen or humidity. And, the scent acts as a potent natural deterrent for the highly bothersome insects (moths and mosquitoes), reducing their presence without causing sticky waste or harm.
Then you have the well-being side: many people link the smell to clarity of mind and calm, so before studying or doing something where you need to concentrate, it’s good to light up some rosemary.
How to do it at home (without burning up your place)
The steps are really easy. You don’t need much, only a few dry branches of rosemary, a bowl, or little plate (fire resistant, of course), and something to light it up. If you want to make it safer, you can add a base of coarse salt or sand in the container so the heat dissipates.
Now here are the steps:
- Put 10-12 rosemary branches in a fireproof container.
- Light up one of the twigs and let the flame rise for a couple of seconds.
- Blow some air slowly (you don’t want them to get out of the container) so the flame stops and the smoke starts.
- Take the bowl around the house so the smoke and the aromas get everywhere.
Basic preventions to have in mind: Don’t do it if there are sensitive smoke alarms, babies, or people with asthma or allergies in the house. It might trigger them. Or if it’s too hot, like in heat waves, very dry places, or even just spaces with bad ventilation.
Keep the bowl away from curtains and inflammable things, and don’t leave it without supervision.
Ancient tradition making your place more cozy
Some people don’t like smoke in the house, maybe they’re scare of allergic reactions, or the house getting on fire, and that’s okay, burning pla,ts is not for everyone. Others consider the plant smell is way to strong (I think that too) but if you use small portions, it can be really different.
Burning rosemary is really a great way of giving your house a nice feeling, and in summer, with all of those insects giving you concerts while you’re trying to sleep? It’s just a relief to have it.
You will see how this little gesture works as a room freshener, like after you’ve cooked and there’s some strong odor in the kitchen, or in the middle of winter when we usually open the windows less. It “resets” the house.
Is the idea tempting you? Start with a very small amount; that way you test first if it is something you want to keep as part of your traditions from now on.