Rosemary Beyond the Kitchen

Of the mint family, steeped in legend and lore, Rosemary is a keystone herb in the kitchen and apothecary. From the Latin “ros marinus”, Rosemary translates as “the dew of the sea”. Native to Mediterranean lands it flourishes at high elevation where the air is dry and moisture intermittent. Some say it grows seaside with no water but the sea spray. Greek myth has Aphrodite rising from the ocean draped in boughs of Rosemary. The herb is thusly associated with love, specifically marriage, faithfulness, and fidelity. It is also an herb of remembrance and offered during burial ceremonies.

High elevation gardeners grow Rosemary indoors year round and outdoors during the short summer season. The plant is relatively easy to grow. Overwatering is the most common mistake. This herb likes a pH of 7-7.8 and watering once a week at most. A light, dry soil mix is appropriate and sun part shade is best. Some cultivars prefer full sun. If growing outdoors, harvest the tender stalks just after the morning dew dries and before the more intense heat of the day. Precious essential oils are activated and preserved. To share with a friend, simply trim a clipping of a four inch rosemary branch, strip the lower leaves and plant directly in soil.

Folk medicine regards Rosmarinus officinalis in the highest class of herbal remedies. In ancient ceremony, the herb is burned to ward off evil spirits and promote good dreams. It is also burned in sick rooms to help protect against infection. In the bath it elevates the mood and energy while stimulating circulation. Used internally for liver, rheumatism, gout, flatulence, and intestinal complaints. For a fine Rosemary tonic, steep fresh rosemary sprigs in brandy for a week and strain. Store the “Rosemary Wine” in sterilized glass bottles and take to taste. Unlike many herbs, the quality of Rosemary is both warming and cooling. With warmth it stimulates circulation and like Peppermint, it has a cool, menthol essence. Dried Rosemary is smoked for complaints of the lung.

Rosemary is a powerful herb. Use it consciously with reverence. Too much can cause a miscarriage or keep you up all night. It is safe to use during pregnancy and on small children, but in small amounts, externally. Rosemary is associated with memory and cognitive function. It elevates the crown chakra and promotes clarity. Rub a drop or two of essential oil on the temples to help with headache or eye strain. In one study Rosemary essential oil greatly reduced the formation of mammary tumors.

Rosemary was listed in Hildegard’s Medicine, a compilation of early German medicines. In France the essential oil is diffused into hospital surgery rooms as a disinfectant. Highly antimicrobial, Rosemary essential oil repels insects and can be used in a diluted form on other plants to ward off unpleasant pests. Many natural insect repellants contain Rosemary. It is often used in dental and hair products. In Mexico, Rosemary is used to make hair beautiful. It also helps bring on late periods and helps ease menstrual discomfort. An essential oil blend of clove, cinnamon, lemon, and rosemary were tested in a laboratory setting and found to dramatically inhibit the growth of many types of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus. The blend also killed 99.96% of gram negative bacteria.

Around the world, Rosemary is a valued culinary and medicinal herb. As Ophelia in Hamlet reminds us, “There’s Rosemary, that’s for remembrance.” Don’t forget this herb transcends the kitchen as an important medicinal for any home apothecary.