How to Use and Grow Rosemary

Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody perennial herb with aromatic pine needle-like leaves. If grown outdoors this plant is typically between 3 to 5 feet tall. In the Summer and Spring this plant produces lovely flowers in the colors of blue, white, pink or purple. Rosemary belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. Some other plants in that plant family include basil, mint, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, thyme, lavender and a few others. The name Rosemary comes from the Latin word rosmarinus which means "dew of the sea".

Rosemary has been used for centuries and was among the earliest plants used for various purposes like medicine, food and creating magick. The herb is associated with remembrance and is used to remember marriage vows, the deceased, those you love and anything else you can think of. In some cultures rosemary is grown on top of graves to help remember the dead and to help the dead remember you. Brides can wear it in their veils or place a sprig in their hair to help strengthen the bond on their wedding days. This herb has also been used to banish negativity and cleanse or purify a space. It can be used in exorcisms, house blessings or any cleansing ritual. Sprigs of rosemary can be placed by the bed to ward off bad dreams and also to help you remember your dreams.

In cooking, rosemary can be used in a wide range of dishes. It goes well with lamb, poultry, pork, pastas, breads and sauces. As soon as your fingers touch this plant you will begin to smell it's beautiful fragrance and begin thinking of all the meals you make that it would go well in. Rosemary is great for marinades and barbeque sauces too.

Your hair and face can benefit from rosemary. To use as a facial steam take boiling water and pour into a bowl. Add a sprig or two of rosemary and then cover the bowl with a towel. When it's the right temperature for you, put your head under the towel (do not cover your head completely) and let the steam adsorb into your face. If you have very pale or sensitive skin you shouldn't use facial steams. To make a hair rinse boil some water and then remove from heat. Add a few springs of rosemary and let this sit until cool. Strain and pour liquid into a container to use in your next bath or shower. This will make your hair smell great and it also treats dandruff.

Rosemary is an easy plant to grow. It grows well in your garden or in a container garden. It is a very hardy herb and can even survive through mild winters. A neat trick to remember is to add eggshells or wood ash to your soil to make it more acidic. This will produce a more fragrant rosemary plant.