Rosemary: Ancient Herb with Modern Uses

Fragrant rosemary is an herb with a past steeped in ancient lore. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a named derived from Latin and means dew of the sea. A native of the Mediterranean, this natural healer has been used throughout the Middle East and Europe for purification and is a natural stimulant. It is beloved by modern cooks as it was by ancient Egyptians, who used rosemary as a ritual cleansing incense. Uses vary by culture as much as by era. The Greeks attached rosemary sprigs to their hair to increase memory while taking exams, and there is a legend that Queen Isabella of Hungary mixed a facial wash using lemon, rose, neroli, lemonbalm, peppermint, and rosemary.

Modern cooks love rosemary and you will find it used as a garnish, chopped in dishes such as Rosemary Potatoes; potatoes doused with olive oil and smothered with rosemary. As a seasoning it is preferred to use rosemary fresh, but it can be dried. A little known and hard to find use of rosemary is ground rosemary. In this form it can be used as a powder to be added to soups, stews, stuffing and dressing as well as many other uses.

Rosemary is the secret ingredient added to some southern cornbread dressing recipes. It is not widely used but is a favorite in some parts of Texas. As an additive to mealtime, rosemary is high in iron, calcium, and vitamin B6. You will find rosemary in many Italian recipes. The fragrant herb is an excellent accompaniment to poultry, fish, lamb and beef. It also goes well with tomatoes, spinach, peas, mushrooms, squash, cheese, eggs, lentils, and complements chives, chervil, chives, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves (laurel).

Used in aromatherapy, rosemary energizes and stimulates the nervous system. The essential oil is used to relieve the pain of headaches, migraines, and muscular pain. It has also been used as a hair tonic for dandruff and oddly enough, blood pressure. There are many medical uses for the herb but the essential oil should not be taken internally. However before using rosemary or any herb for medical purposes you should see your physician for recommendations. Rosemary should not be used during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant.

If you are interested in growing your own plants, purchase from a reputable nursery. These perennial plants do better in the garden than inside the home where they are subject to powdery mildew. In the garden keep them well watered but never sitting in water. They do not like to be too dry or too wet.

Rosemary, the choice of Queens and the Ancients is the herb for the ages!

Source: Sara's Super Herbs http://www.superbherbs.net/Rosemary.htm

Source: Rosemary Officianalis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary