Rosemary - Uses for a Common Herb

Rosemary is a common perennial herb used in cooking. But it also has other helpful uses and with spring on the way this is the perfect time to buy the small but quick spreading herb and put it to good use.

The History of Rosemary

Ancients used the rosemary plant as a symbol of memory. , Anyone that wanted to use it for memory purposes were apt to take advantage of its symbolism. Lovers gave it to one another and students kept it close by as a sort or good luck charm to prepare for studies. It was also a popular medicinal herb used to treat many common ailments.

External Uses

Rosemary is a restorative herb used to calm the nerves. You can use it to increase blood flow, relieve gas, and as an mild antiseptic due to its antibacterial action. To use as an antiseptic, it is preferable to buy the herb in oil form. According to the umm.edu site, Rosemary has been shown to combat bacteria such as E. Coli.

Buying and Growing Rosemary

Rosemary can be grown in the home all year long, but it is best to buy a plant in bloom during the spring season. You can buy the herb just about anywhere. Choose a young plant, and check for unpleasant additions like bugs eating the plant, dried leaves, and mold. Once you have found a suitable plant, you can put it in a good, medium sized clay pot filled with healthy soil. It can grow to be fairly tall so should be trimmed down (and used!) to prevent overgrowth. Because it's such a strong plant, anyone can easily take care of it. These plants are partial to the sun and need don't need too much watering. If you find that you've overdone it and the plant looks droopy, hold off until you see the plant perk back up. Surprisingly, even if you forget to water it for a few days, the drying leaves-as long as they're still green-will plump up in no time once you water it again. But don't do this too often or you might as well just buy the sprigs from the store.

Internal Uses

Rosemary can be used as a healthy, quick-and-easy tea. Simply take a few sprigs, place them in a mug and pour hot water over the herb. Let it seep for a few minutes and drink. You can use either fresh or dried rosemary to make a tea.

If you want to show off your culinary skills, put rosemary in olive oil to pour over salads and add flavor to cooked meals.

Caution

In excessive doses, Rosemary can be poisonous. It should not be used in any form by pregnant women.