Rosemary is often burned to mark a new beginning in life. Whether it's to break a harmful habit, embark on a new path, or open up to more creativity, rosemary's robust and aromatic scent can help open doors to the new. Burning bay leaves have been used as a stress reliever for centuries. According to reports, the mixture of chemicals (particularly the chemical linalool) in the leaves creates smoke that calms the body and mind when inhaled indirectly and from a distance.