Rosemary Herb
All You Wanted to Know About the Rosemary Herb
Many centuries ago, a Hungarian queen revered the rosemary herb as a remedy to ease her rheumatism and gout. Since that time, many valuable properties have been discovered about this fragrant herb that is beneficial in many areas of everyday life.
An evergreen shrub in a natural habitat, the rosemary herb can be grown and cultivated in window boxes and herb gardens as well. While not a native plant to North America, it is grown with great success in the United States. Varieties can be grown that form either quite tall and mounding shrubs or creeping ground plants. A member of the mint family, the rosemary herb has narrow, dark green leaves combined with silvery green foliage and forms small pale flowers in blues, whites and pinks. The properties of rosemary are varied; it can be used for culinary, medicinal, ceremonial and visual enjoyment purposes.
Historically, the rosemary herb was touted for its many medicinal properties; used for the relief of many painful ailments such as gout and rheumatism, and also to improve memory, help digestion, treat headaches and colds among many other disorders. In days past, believers were known to burn the whole plants and inhale the aromatic smoke to ward off illnesses. The rosemary herb’s beneficial properties of today can be used by drinking tea made by steeping dried flowers and leaves, rubbing onto the skin the essential oils extracted from the leaves and stems. For a relaxing bath, adding several fresh rosemary herb sprigs to the water will soothe muscles as well as the mind.
In the culinary world, the rosemary herb is an invaluable addition to many popular dishes. Its woodsy scented leaves and flowers become more intensely flavorful when dried, but freshly picked leaves and flowers can also be used. Chicken, pork and beef are greatly enhanced with crushed rosemary herb sprinkled atop, as are soups and stews. Garnish with fresh, lovely sprigs of rosemary to add visual appeal; add a savory smoke flavor by tossing some onto a charcoal grill when cooking meats.
Because of its multiple talents, rosemary herb became tightly integrated into folk customs and ceremonies in some cultures. Rosemary has been a symbol of remembrance, loyalty and fidelity, therefore its inclusion in wedding ceremonies became a marriage custom. Baptisms and funerals were also touched by adding broken sprigs of rosemary herb to the rituals.
Today, many gardeners include rosemary herb in their gardens simply for its beauty. Another recent beauty touch is in its use at Christmas; the bush can be intricately trimmed into the shape of a Christmas tree. After the holidays, the bush can be planted and enjoyed for years to come.
Rosemary herb is an extremely versatile plant. Whether used for medicinal, culinary, ceremonial or visual purposes, rosemary can be one of the most valued herbs in your garden.