rosemary

Botanical Name: Salvia rosmarinus

Part Used: Aerial Parts

Energetics: Warming

Taste: Pungent, bitter

Botany: Rosemary is an evergreen shrub in the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has needle-like leaves that are fragrant when crushed. The plant produces small, blue or purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

History: Rosemary has been used for thousands of years for medicinal and culinary purposes. It was believed to improve memory and was used by ancient Greeks and Romans in their religious ceremonies. In medieval times, it was used as a symbol of loyalty and was thought to ward off evil spirits. In traditional European medicine, rosemary was used to stimulate digestion, improve circulation, and relieve headaches.

Rosemary has been steeped in folklore and legend for centuries. In ancient Greece, it was believed to have been draped around the goddess Aphrodite when she emerged from the sea. The herb was also associated with the goddesses of love and fertility, and brides would often wear wreaths of rosemary in their hair to symbolize fidelity and abiding love.

In medieval Europe, rosemary was believed to protect against evil spirits and to promote healing. It was often carried by brides and grooms as a symbol of love and fidelity, and it was commonly used in wedding ceremonies. In some cultures, it was believed that rosemary could help ward off nightmares, and it was often placed under a pillow or burned as incense in the bedroom.

In the Middle Ages, rosemary was also associated with remembrance and loyalty, and it was used in funeral rites to signify the love and respect of the deceased. In fact, Shakespeare famously wrote in Hamlet, "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember."

Actions:

Digestive Stimulant: Rosemary is a powerful digestive stimulant, aiding in the production of digestive enzymes and increasing the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. This makes it useful for those with sluggish digestion, indigestion, and bloating.

Circulatory Tonic: Rosemary has a long history of use as a circulatory tonic, stimulating blood flow and improving circulation. It can also help to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

Nervine: Rosemary has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help to relieve stress and anxiety. It is also useful for improving concentration and focus.

Antioxidant: Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Constitutional Herbalism: Rosemary is a warming herb that is particularly useful for those with cold and damp constitutions. It is also a stimulating herb and is best avoided by those with hot and dry constitutions. Rosemary can help to balance the humors in the body, making it a useful herb for constitutional imbalances. It is particularly useful for those with Kapha and Vata imbalances.

Growing: Rosemary is a hardy evergreen shrub that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, but dislikes wet feet. Rosemary can be grown from seed, but it’s easiest to start with a small plant. Once established, it requires little maintenance beyond occasional pruning to maintain its shape. Rosemary is also well-suited for container growing, which allows you to bring it indoors during colder months in cooler climates.

Processing: The leaves of the rosemary plant are the most commonly used part in herbal preparations. They can be harvested fresh throughout the growing season or dried for later use. To dry rosemary, harvest sprigs in the morning after the dew has evaporated and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good airflow. Once the leaves are dry and brittle, strip them from the stems and store in an airtight container away from light and moisture. Alternatively, you can use a dehydrator to dry the rosemary more quickly and efficiently.