I grow many different herbs and one I cannot be without is Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus or Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary is actually a member of the sage family and has needle like (almost pine looking) leaves on woody stems. Most people grow it as an annual since it’s not cold hardy but it is actually a perennial. One of the most common kitchen herbs, it also has many medicinal uses.

Though rosemary is mostly known for its prominence in cooking, it has been in use otherwise as far back as 5000 BCE. It was grown in ancient Egypt for use in burial rituals and also used in Greece and Rome. In the 14th century, rosemary was used to make one of the first alcohol based perfumes in Europe.

Throughout history rosemary has symbolized remembrance, being using in many different cultures burial ceremonies.

More currently, it holds a place in a often quoted line from the movie Practical Magic. “There are some things I know for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.”
Rosemary is a natural anti-inflammatory, is antifungal, has antimicrobial properties and is high in anti-oxidants. It can be used to improve the mood, lessen anxiety, reduce fatigue, improve memory and stimulate hair growth.

Medicinal uses for rosemary