Wax and Bubbles

Rosemary contains about a dozen antioxidants, which makes scientist believe it could be an effective cancer fighter. Initial studies have show some promise in the cancer fight. When researchers at the University of Illinois fed rosemary extract to rats exposed to dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), a carcinogen known to cause breast cancer, both tumors and DNA damage decreased. In another study, Penn State experts fed rats a two-week diet with 1 percent rosemary (the same powdered rosemary you can find at any grocery store or health food store), the rats were then exposed to DMBA. Compared with a control group, the rosemary rats saw a 76 percent reduction in the number of instance where DMBA bound to mammary cells, the first step in tumor formation.

Rosemary may even help limit your exposure to some forms of cancer. There is a result of testing that found that cancer causing heterocyclic acid (HCA) levels could be reduced by adding rosemaryinis acid and carnosic acid, two rosemary antioxidants, to ground-beef before cooking it. HCAs can form when beef, pork, poultry, and fish are barbecued, broiled or fried at high temperatures.

Every garden should include a rosemary bush. Rosemary is more than just a random plant growing in your garden, it has beneficial pleasures for your mind and soul.

Grow your own to add to your cooking or to add to your own beauty products, here’s what you need to do:

1. Rosemary is a perennial evergreen that grows to 4 to 5 feet. It thrives in full sun and very well-drained soil.

2. Since rosemary seeds are slow to germinate, begin in a pot first and once they are well-grown, transplant to a permanent place within your own garden area.

3. You can take a two-inch cutting, remove the leaves from the bottom inch, and plant in a container of dampened, sterile seed starting mix such as peat moss or perlite. Place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight and mist daily, making sure the soil doesn’t dry out at all. In about two to three weeks, test for root growth by gently tugging on the cutting. Once they have the roots, transplant into individual pots about three to four inches in diameter until full growth has happened.

• Make your own Rosemary Salve:

Melt the oil and the wax in a double boiler, Remove from heat, add water, and stir thoroughly.
Add your Vitamin E, essential oil and stir continuously until cool. The mixture should be creamy but pour able. Pour immediately into a container with a lid. Use on rough, dry or even callused skin when necessary.