Rosemary – The Herb

The herb 'rosemary' has nothing to do with the rose flower or connection with the name 'Mary'. The name is derived from the Latin terms 'ros' or dew and 'marinus' or sea, combined as 'rosemary' or 'dew of the sea'. The epithet is largely due to the fact that the herb thrives along coastal landscapes. The herb grows to an upright or trailing length of around 1.5 m. The plant bears evergreen leaves that grow around 4 cm and 5 mm broad. The leaves are typically green on the tips and fade to a creamy white below. The lower part of the leaves sport short, woolly hair. The plant bears flowers in spring and winter, ranging in hues of white, blue, purple or pink.

Rosemary is used extensively for landscaping, since it is very attractive, perennial, drought-tolerant and pest-resistant. It thrives in the Mediterranean climate and is easily the best consideration for green thumbs trying their hand out in the garden for the first time. Rosemary grows well in friable, loam soil. It obtains optimum growth on open landscapes that permit good drainage and protection from frost. The plant needs an alkaline pH of around 7.8. It can be pruned easily and hence, it is used extensively for topiary. The plant is propagated by clipping. A shoot of around 15 cm, stripped off a few leaves and planted directly into the soil results in a healthy off-shoot in a few days.

Rosemary – The Herb

The various cultivars of rosemary include Albus, Aureus, Blue Boy, Irene, Miss Jessop's Upright and Severn Sea. The fresh and dried herb is an integral part of traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The astringent taste of rosemary has made it a popular choice as a garnish and flavoring agent in a variety of foods. The extremely high Vitamin B6, iron and calcium content earns the plant a place among variants sought for their medicinal properties. The herb is commonly used in:

• Medications to improve vitality of paralyzed limbs.
• Home remedies to treat gout.
• Topical applications to treat inflammations.
• Medication and aromatherapy to improve memory.
• Natural immunizations against free radicals.
• Applications and medications to lower the risk of strokes.
• Home remedies for Alzheimer's Disease.
• Natural antioxidants.

Rosemary symbolizes remembrance and hence is a common sight amidst floral decorations flaunted at weddings, funerals and war commemorations. In the Middle Ages, it was customary for a bride to wear a tiara designed with rosemary, while the groom welcomed guests by offering a rosemary sprig to each. In therapeutic use, rosemary is generally safe. Other than caution in the case of people predisposed to allergic reaction or prone to epilepsy, rosemary can be used in food and as part of aromatherapy. Research reveals that rosemary essential oil is toxic if ingested. It is known to trigger the onslaught of adverse reactions such as spasms, vomiting and pulmonary edema. The herb is now cultivated throughout the United States of America and Europe. It is bought off the racks either in the whole-leaf form or powdered variety. The lemon and pine aroma lends flavor to food and scent to cosmetics. Rosemary is popularly added to fruit salads, meat and fish dishes, soups, vegetable preparations and extensively in stuffings and dressings. Rosemary is used in variants of alternative therapies such as essential oils, teas and tinctures. Research reveals its cancer-inhibiting effect, in addition to it being a natural circulatory stimulant.