Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a woody plant with fragrant evergreen leaves, green above, and white below. It can grow to a height between 3 and 5 feet. The delicate flowers are blue, pink, white or purple.
It is native to Mediterranean regions, Portugal and Spain, a warm and humid environment.
It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which also includes many other herbs. Its name comes from the Latin name Rosmarinus, which literally means "dew of the sea", a reference to its pale blue dew-like flowers and the fact that it is often grown near the sea.
History and Folklore It has a very old reputation for strengthening and improving memory. Students in ancient Greece wore garlands of Rosemary around their necks, or braided it into their hair to improve their memory during exams.
- It had been used as a symbol for remembrance, friendship and loyalty, and has traditionally been associated with both weddings and funerals. A sprig of Rosemary was carried in the hand at funerals, being distributed to the mourners before they left the house, to be cast on to the coffin when it had been lowered into the grave.
- It is considered to be the herb of fidelity. It was believed that Rosemary was a gift from Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, so brides wore it in wreaths as a symbol of their fidelity.
- Christians called it the "Holy Herb"; it was one of the bushes that gave shelter to the Virgin Mary in the flight into Egypt and call it Romero, the Pilgrim's Flower. According to Spanish legend, Virgin Mary draped her cloak over a Rosemary bush, turning the color of the flowers from white to blue. Tradition says that Rosemary will grow for thirty-three years, until it reaches the height of Christ when he was crucified, then it will die.
- In Spain and Italy, it has been considered a safeguard from witches and evil influences. The Sicilians believed that young fairies, taking the form of snakes, lie amongst the branches.
- Sprigs of Rosemary were placed under pillows at night to ward off evil spirits and bad dreams.
- If you sprinkle some around the house it is said to bring good luck and protection.
- It was used as incense in religious ceremonies, and in magical spells. An old French name for it was Incensier.
- In France, it is an old custom to burn Rosemary in hospitals, to purify the air and prevent infection.
- It was believed that Rosemary is the cure for many illnesses, ranging from gout to the plague. It was binded to legs in an attempt to relieve the pain of gout.
- In the 14th century, the 72-year-old Queen Elizabeth of Hungary used Rosemary as a medicine for her rheumatism and gout. A formula dated 1235, said to be in her handwriting, is said to be preserved in Vienna. Her potion of Rosemary and Lavender supposedly enhanced her health and beauty so much that it fanned the passions of the 26-year-old King of Poland, who requested her hand in marriage. The potion became known as Hungary water and was the beauty aide of choice for women for hundreds of years. It was prepared by putting 1 1/2 lb. of fresh Rosemary tops in full flower into 1 gallon of spirits of wine; this was allowed to stand for four days and then distilled. Hungary water was also considered very efficient in treating gout in the hands and feet.
- In traditional European medicine, it was used internally as a tonic and stimulant. It also treated mild gastrointestinal upsets, colds, headaches, and nervous tension.
- In India and China, the leaves are used for headaches.
- Early in American history, it was used as an antispasmodic, appetite stimulant, and digestion aid.
Health Benefits- Modern day herbalists use it as an antiseptic for treating flu, viruses and colds; it is believed that can help lower blood sugar and raise blood pressure. It is also used for illness related to the gall bladder and the liver.
- It contains a number of potentially biologically active compounds, including antioxidants such as carnosic acid that may shield the brain from free radicals, lowering the risk of strokes.
- Many people gargle Rosemary tea to help heal mouth ulcers.
- The oil distilled from this plant's leaves can be mixed with a vegetable oil and used during massage therapy that will brings relief from muscular and arthritic pain. In Europe, Rosemary oil treats rheumatic conditions, bruises, and circulatory problems. In addition, the oil, or some freshly cut sprigs, can be added to bath water to soothe aching muscles and joints. It is a proven fact that rosemary added to a bath strengthens and refreshes, especially when used following an illness.
- It helps to relax muscles, including the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and uterus. Because of this property it can be used to soothe digestive upsets and relieve menstrual cramps.
- The tea made form the leaves is used as a tonic for calming nerves: use one teaspoon of crushed dried leaves in a cup of boiling water and steep for ten minutes. By stimulating the brain and nervous system, it is a good remedy for headaches, depressions and anxiety.
- It can also be used as an invigorating toner and astringent, good for treating menopausal fatigue.
- It is used largely in cosmetics, especially for hair products, because of its effect in stimulating the hair-bulbs to renewed activity and preventing premature baldness. The best hair wash known is a mixture of Rosemary infusion and borax. It is also used for prevention of dandruff, a rinse to lighten blond hair, and a conditioner for all hair. Mix your shampoo with Rosemary infusion to treat hair loss at menopause.
- It has a delightful, pine-scented perfume. It can be added to potpourri, or kept in the closets to repel moths.
- And last, but not least, it is used as a culinary herb, and it is valued for its wonderful flavor and aroma. Both leaves and flowers are used.
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