Plant Talk: Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Lore & History:

• Native to southern France
• Her name – Ros marinus – means “fond of the sea”, not surprising since the plant thrives along the Mediterranean coast
• Garlands were worn on the head while studying in ancient Greece to improve memory
• Symbol of remembrance, friendship & love: worn at weddings – esp. bridal bouquets – and used at funerals by tossing branches in with the dead
• Long held belief that it wards off evil spirits: it was said to not grow in the gardens of evil people – a good personality tester!  Rosemary’s leaves were placed under the bed pillow to do away with nasty spirits and ward off bad dreams.
• Branches were burned in the 14^th & 15^th century homes to ward off the Black Death.
• The wood of the plant was used to make lutes & burned into charcoal, then crushed into a powder to keep teeth healthy.
• In WW II, Rosemary and Juniper were burned in French hospitals to kill germs – a practice we’d be wise to modernize and implement today with all of the MRSA and other community virus & bacteria outbreaks.

Healing Qualities:

• Stress reducer
• Stimulant of nervous & circulatory systems, also pelvic region.
• Heart tonic
• High in calcium, Vitamins A & C, iron, zinc, potassium & phosphorous
• Excessive dosing can cause death

Uses:

• Culinary
• Bath
• Household: as disinfectant
• Teeth & gum care
• Hair care
• Insect repellant

May Provide relief for:

• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Colds, flu & fever
• Insect bites
• Respiratory ailments
• Dry and damaged hair
• Premature balding: acts as preventative

Culinary Uses:

• Pungent, distinctive flavor which harmonizes well with poultry, fish, lamb, beef & game – particularly when the meat is roasted.
• Great with tomatoes, eggs, cheeses – especially goat cheese!
• Combined w/ fresh garlic, it makes a lovely infused olive oil to pair with peasant bread chunks as dippers -perhaps with a touch of balsamic vinegar!  Use the infused oil in salad dressings, marinades…let your creativity pour out!