As we continue to prowl through the herb gardens here, we find the star , Miss Rosemary. In our "Scarborough Fair" song, she falls in at number three but, once you realize her many attributes, she surpasses everyone else in the herb family. We simply don't have enough time or space for me to outline her merits. I can hope that I will give you enough spurring to promote further research and development of your own uses of this fantastic lady.
A woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen needles and a variety of bloom colors ( from white to purple ) , this member of the mint family is a native to the Mediterranean region. It is reasonably hardy in cooler climates and is drought resistant. Its beauty makes it very attractive for topiary gardens and for a low hedge. Rosemary likes a friable loam soil, with good drainage in a sunny location. You can easily propagate plants by cutting off a 6-8 inch section of new growth, stripping a few of the lower needles away and planting directly into your potting medium. In very cold climates , container growing is a better choice, allowing her to come inside for the harsh winter months. One of our plants is now five years old, she has been traveling to our den each winter and gets decorated for a Christmas tree. She lights up beautifully ! Having outgrown the largest pots I can find, she just moved to a permanently planted outdoor spot, where she will be protected this winter. She will be a beneficial companion plant in the blueberry area of the garden, helping to ward off pests . We refrain from using any herbicides, pesticides or fungicides on our property , as we are a bee-friendly grower. We compost and amend our soil naturally, without commercial fertilizers. This makes for healthier plants for our use and for the birds , butterflies and bees to enjoy a healthy meal.
The provenance of rosemary is quite romantic. Having been thought to be a love charm, bringing happiness and blessings to the newlyweds, it held a traditional spot in ceremonies. Brides wore headdresses of rosemary, while the members of the wedding party and guests wore rosemary sprigs or corsages. This middle age custom could be carried out today. The bride could carry a bouquet of rosemary, which could be planted in the honeymooner's yard for many benefits . Can you imagine the lovely smell of the bouquet ?
Europeans use it as a loving reminder of the deceased, placing rosemary in the grave in their honor. Cemeteries could be planted with rosemary today, giving an honor to the dead and a practical use to the living.
The centuries old practice of rosemary's ability to improve cognitive functions and boost memory make it very desirable for use in the aging and those of us seeking to ward off dementia and related disorders. Further mental health rewards include stress relief, calming and mood improvement . I remember my Mom making a sachet filled with dried rosemary to keep in her pillowcase. I thought it would bring sweet dreams, but I now understand the reasoning behind this action. It smooths the wrinkles out of your head for a more peaceful and tranquil night's rest.
Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory ? All that and more. Rosemary is an excellent weapon against a myriad of health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, circulatory troubles, bowel and bladder dysfunctions, the list is endless. She is well researched for being an active agent against inflammation and joint discomfort. Studies show a positive result in the fight against cancer, particularly inhibiting the proliferation of ovarian cancer cell lines . Immune system support , de-toxify the body, prevent pre-mature aging, healing of skin conditions , rosemary knows her way around the herbalists medicine cabinet. Also being well respected for her ability to protect and heal one from bacterial infections, particularly those in the GI tract, such as H. pylori.
A very low cost and extremely effective, healthy, mouth rinse is made from steeping rosemary needles in hot water, much like making tea. Simply gargle and swish around after brushing to freshen breath and eliminate bacteria from mouth and throat. Rosemary has shown her strength in prevention of gum disease and will assist in comforting a sore throat when gargled.
Her chemistry profile shows richness in Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 , Vitamin C, Folate, Iron, Manganese , Calcium and Magnesium.
A salve or ointment made with rosemary is beneficial to migraine sufferers , helping to shorten the duration and severity of a headache. Simply place the salve on the temples and forehead. Oral administration is also shown to help with the resolution of headaches. The fragrance being inhaled is helpful for headaches and for improving brain function. She even shines as a scalp and hair stimulant and conditioner when infused into an oil and massaged into the scalp.
There are numerous opportunities for incorporating rosemary into your diet. As a garnish , spice, ingredient for infusion , etc. , she excels. When used in a cooked or baked product, it is best to add it well towards the end of the heating process, as the heat destroys some of its potency and qualities. Like other herbs, fresh is better from a beneficial standpoint. Dried rosemary keeps for several months , in a cool, dark, dry location. Again, I prefer storage in glass containers. If you container grow a plant, you can keep it near a sunny window spot for year - round freshness. It is a delight to have her in the house, the aroma and the countless uses make earn her a place of respect.