Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has a long history of medicinal use; in centuries past, Rosemary was burned to clear the air of infectious disease during the various plagues of Europe. Rosemary has also been burned for purification in religious ceremonies; the ancient Egyptians used Rosemary in making incense for the purpose of cleansing and healing. Both the Greeks and the Romans regarded Rosemary as a sacred herb and decorated statues with wreaths of Rosemary.
Ancient Healing Uses of Rosemary
Rosemary is said to stimulate the memory; both Greek and Roman students wore garlands of Rosemary to further learning in their studies. Rosemary also has a strong association with marriage and it was traditional for brides to carry sprigs of Rosemary in wedding bouquets; this was originally for its aromatic properties. Today, Rosemary is also associated with death; some European countries carry Rosemary at funerals and throw the herb into the grave.
Characteristics of Rosemary
Rosemary belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family and is native to Asia Minor and southern Europe (particularly the Mediterranean region); today, the herb Rosemary can be found also in California, Russia, Morocco, China and the Middle East, in addition to the United Kingdom, France and Spain. Rosemary is often found growing wild near the seashore, in the Mediterranean region, hence its Latin name Rosmarinus which literally translates as dew of the sea.
Rosemary is an evergreen bush or shrub with spiky, silver-green leaves and pale blue flowers; Rosemary flowers in late Spring through early Summer. It grows up to six feet in height in warmer climates but no more than four feet in cooler climates; Rosemary is a highly aromatic herb with a fresh, pine-like, wood-balsamic fragrance.
Varieties of Rosemary
There are many cultivated species of Rosemary which have flowers of blue, pink, purple and white; for example, Rosmarinus officinalis var. albiforus has white flowers, Tuscan Blue has blue-mauve flowers and Severn Sea has bright blue flowers. There are variations in leaf color too from dark green to silver; however for medicinal purposes (and culinary), the traditional Rosmarinus officinalis is the most valued species of Rosemary.
Medicinal Properties of Rosemary
Rosemary is distilled into a valuable essential oil from the steam distillation of the flowers; Rosemary has healing properties of being pain relieving, restorative, stimulating, anti-bacterial, decongestant, diuretic and anti-fungal. Rosemary is used in the treatment of muscular pain, rheumatism, circulation problems, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion, cellulite, arthritis, colds, bronchitis, fluid retention, sinusitis and is suitable for dry, mature skin and acne.
Rosemary is said to stimulate the memory and may be useful in restoring memory loss; historically, both William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) and the 17th century herbalist, John Gerard, mentioned the use of Rosemary as an aid for memory. Rosemary is also reputed to increase hair growth by stimulating the oily secretions of the hair follicles.
Other Uses of the Herb Rosemary
A tea can be made from Rosemary by using the fresh flowering tips; it can be drunk or used as a gargle for throat and mouth infections. Rosemary tea is useful in treating the nerves and in circulation problems. Rosemary is also a popular herb which is used in cooking, potpourri and in floral bouquets or tussie mussies. The herb Rosemary should not be used in pregnancy, in epilepsy (it may cause seizures) and by those with high blood pressure.
References:
Lawless, Julia 2001 The Aromatherapy Garden London, UK: Kyle Cathie Ltd
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils London, UK:Element
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