rosemary
Rosemary is an herb, a ground cover... As an herb, it is used for flavor in cooking and medicinally. It is used in potpourris.
Rosemary has a pungent, minty, piney smell and taste.
When using whole rosemary leaves in cooking, you probably want to cook them long enough to ensure they soften.
Rosemary can be propagated by cuttings.
There is a long history associating rosemary with memory and fidelity. It has been believed to be an aid to memory, and wreaths of rosemary are sometimes hung in memory of someone. There is some scientific research supporting this association.
There is also a tradition of planting rosemary near the front door or sleeping with some under your pillow for protective properties against bad spirits.
Medical research is also investigating possible cancer prevention, anti-inflamatory and digestive aid properties. It is safe in normal, herb-flavoring amounts, but in large amounts, like many other plants, it can be poisonous.
It is also used as a wash to lighten hair.
Rosemary also has several Christian associations. It was believed by some to live only 33 years and grow to the height of Jesus, and the flowers were supposed to be the same blue as Mary's cloak. Small bushes of shaped rosemary are sometimes sold or used as mini Christmas trees.
Not tested for medicinal use for children. In high doses can cause miscarridges (ok at food spice levels).[1]
Related
External links
- GardenGuides.com on Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- World's Healthiest Foods on Rosemary
- University of Maryland Medical Center on rosemary (uses, precautions, interactions and research)
- About.com's gardening section on Rosemary - You Can Grow the Herb Rosemary: A Truly Beautiful and Versatile Herb Plant By Marie Iannotti
- Wikipedia's article on rosemary
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