HISTORY:
Rosemary, designated the herb of the year 2000 by the International Herb Association, is a dense, aromatic evergreen with leathery, dark green, needle-like leaves. The Latin 'Rosmarinus' means "dew of the sea" - so called because it grew around the Mediterranean. There are many variation of the Rosemary legend, one being that in Ancient Rome, the herb was associated
with the goddess of love, Venus, who was supposed to have sprung from the sea foam. Hence it became the symbol of fidelity in love. At one time it was used in almost every wedding ceremony. Brides would wear wreaths, woven with sprigs of Rosemary and dipped in scented water.
Rosemary is best knows as a symbol of remembrance, friendship and love. At funerals, mourners would toss fresh sprigs of Rosemary into the grave as a sign of remembrance to those departed. It has been said that you could make someone fall in love with you simply by tapping them on the shoulder with a sprig of Rosemary.
Another legend says that Rosemary was named in honour of the virgin Mary who draped her cloak over a Rosemary bush on their flight from Egypt, turning the colour of the flowers from white to blue.
PROPAGATION & CULTIVATION:
Rosemary can be cultivated by seed, layering or cuttings. Cuttings are the easiest. These should be taken in summer, just after the plant has flowered and placed in equal amounts of sand and peat.
Rosemary likes a warm, sheltered spot with plenty of sun and likes a light, sandy soil.
HARVESTING & STORING:
As Rosemary is an evergreen, harvesting can be done all year round. Leaves can be picked and used immediately or they can be dried and stored.
USES:
Rosemary is a stimulating tonic herb and is useful for temporary fatigue and overwork. It stimulates circulation and can relive headaches and indigestion. The essential oil is used to ease muscular pains as well as arthritis and rheumatism. The wine is a good general tonic and an aid to relaxation. Rosemary is reputed to darken greying hair and can also help clear
dandruff.
Actions: Digestive remedy. antiseptic, Diuretic, antidepressant,
restorative tonic for the nervous system, bile tonic, cardiac tonic, antispasmodic, circulatory stimulant, carminative, astringent.
Used in: Infusions, Infused oils, tinctures, shampoos, massage rubs, compresses, infused wine..
Parts Used: Essential oil, leaves
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