The Properties and Uses of Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant shrub with leaves that resemble those of pine. It imparts an irresistible flavor to broths, meats, potatoes, chicken, fish, dressings and more. It is an ancient symbol of faithfulness and eternal life since its leaves are always green. It is a noble plant with many traditional uses and wide health benefits.

Rosemary is a perennial shrub with rigid, linear, and dark green leaves that give off a strong aroma when touched. The plant is always green and has the small and blue or violet lipped flowers.

Uses in Traditional Medicine

Greek students wore rosemary collars to the exam room to improve memory and concentration. Minerva, the Greek goddess of knowledge, is associated with this herb.

In China, rosemary tea is a traditional remedy for headache, fatigue and insomnia.

The same infusion was used in Europe to relieve colds, flu, gas and indigestion, depression, arthritis, muscle pain and cramps.

The infusion of rosemary was also used as a mouthwash or to wash the hair. Rosemary shampoo was recommended to combat dandruff and hair loss.

In World War II, the branches of rosemary and juniper were burned to disinfect the air in hospitals and health care centers.

Rosemary contains compounds that counteract certain carcinogens such as acrylamide found in roasted coffee.

In the Garden

To sow the rosemary, simply cut a branch about six inches long and bury it, leaving two thirds below the ground. Take care that the sun does not hit it too much. The plant will begin to grow vigorously after six months.

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Dry leaves or rosemary branches can be applied to the garden surface as mulch to repel insects. It can also be planted together with the cabbage or broccoli for the same purpose.

Other Uses

Apart from its culinary uses, it’s very useful to aromatize, disinfect and decorate the ecological home.

Because of its disinfecting properties, rosemary essential oil is a common ingredient in home cleansers.

Branches or dried leaves of rosemary, lavender and wormwood can be left in the closet or drawers to give a good aroma to clothes, while repelling insects such as moth.

The potted plant is a good addition to the bathroom or bedroom, as it can be used as a natural flavoring simply by rubbing the leaves.

A good size rosemary bush in the garden or pot can be pruned and decorated in pine shape for Christmas. It is a nice and completely ecological alternative to the typical Christmas tree.

Rosemary flowers are also edible, so you use them to give a pleasant flavor to the food, add them to any dish as a garnish or make your drinks more elegant with edible flowers.