ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus Officinalis) is a perennial, evergreen shrub of the Lamiaceae family. The name is derived from the Latin for dew from the sea. Highly aromatic and a native of the southern Mediterranean, it will grow to lm by l.5m across and thrive in poor soil conditions providing it is well-drained. Drought resistant, it can go for months without water.
Propagation is by cuttings or layering, while care should be taken not to let the stems touch the ground as they will set roots and cause problems when harvesting. In Cyprus it is called Lasmari and produces pale blue flowers throughout the winter.
Like Melissa, Rosemary has a long-standing association with mental stimulation and memory and, as such, was regarded as a symbol of fidelity between lovers: ‘There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance,’ Ophelia (Hamlet).
There are a number of cultivars. ‘Prostatus’ is a lateral form; ‘Severn Sea’ has arched stems, ‘Majorca Pink’ with clear pink flowers, and many others. The Agricultural Research Institute has a Ukrainian variety that stands over 2m high and yields 100 kilos of product a year. Rosemary will form a very attractive hedge if properly clipped.
Rosemary is a stimulant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-depressant and anti-oxidant. It contains up to two per cent essential oil which is obtained by steam distillation. Rosmaricine, a constituent of the oil is a circulatory stimulant, which will increase the flow of blood to the head thereby causing more oxygen to penetrate the brain, encourage hair growth by nourishing the follicles, raise low blood pressure and is reputed to lower cholesterol levels. Recent research credits it with the capacity to allay arteriosclerosis and strengthen the heart muscle and capillaries.
The whole plant is anti-oxidant and whether taken as tea or massage oil will inhibit free-radical damage including fat breakdown.
As an anti-inflammatory it has been used for decades by sportsmen to relieve fluid retention in joints and heal muscular damage. Many old people obtain comfort from its application to rheumatic limbs.
It will give aid to those affected by asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough, improve liver congestion, digestive and nervous disorders, and stimulate skin growth. Those suffering from migraine and mild depression may obtain relief by consuming the tea or by application of the oil.
Many readers whilst unaware of the plant’s pharmaceutical properties will be familiar with its culinary and cosmetic uses.
The fresh herb is best, but, if unavailable, use dried leaf to flavour roast lamb, casseroles, baked fish, plain rice dishes and bouquet garni. It makes a pleasant addition to summer cordials and can be added to oils and vinegars.
The oil or dried stems may be burnt to give a diverting atmosphere to a room and will eliminate household smells.
Rosemary extract is used extensively in soaps, sprays, colognes, and perfumes. It is one of the rare herbal shampoos that will give lustre to hair, reduce dandruff and promote hair growth, unfortunately this only applies to those who already have hair.
Rosemary oil should never be taken internally and must be diluted before applying, it must be avoided by pregnant women and those prone to epilepsy and hypertension.
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