A
digestive and strengthening herb, rosemary is considered an important
medicinal herb with a long history of beneficial use. In 1525,
Bankes’ Herbal said, “Take the floweres thereof and boyle them in fayre
water and drinke that water for it is much worthe against all manner of
evils in the body.” Quite a recommendation! An ointment made from
the oil of rosemary is said to benefit those who suffer from rheumatism,
sores, eczema, bruises and wounds. Queen Elizabeth of Hungary was
said to have been cured of paralysis of the joints (arthritis?
rheumatism?) by rubbing them with Hungary Water, made from rosemary
oil and alcohol. An infusion of leaves has been recommended in the
treatment of depression, headaches and muscle spasms.
Its
best known therapeutic qualities are for the hair and scalp, but rosemary
helps all functions of the head, both external and internal.
Rosemary tea refreshes the mind and memory. By stimulating the brain
and nervous system, it becomes a good remedy for headaches caused by
feeble circulation. Rosemary tea, drunk warm, will relieve the
nervous depression, colic, colds and headaches.
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GROWING TIPS
A perennial
evergreen shrub hardy to zones 8-10. Demands well-drained soil and
loves full sun and good air circulation. Seed germination is very
slow; preferable to get started with bought plants. Cuttings root
easily and older plants will produce new plants by layering. Acidic
soil needs an addition of wood ashes or crushed eggshells.
Harvesting can be done throughout the year. Rosemary is a tender
perennial in the North and should be brought inside or kept in a
greenhouse for the winter months. |
Cosmetically, rosemary oil is added to soaps, creams, lotions, perfumes
and toilet waters. It has a volatile agent that gets the blood
flowing under the skin. Use an infusion of rosemary to make a steam
facial – it will perk up your skin and brighten your face. Rosemary
oil is known to also have some antibacterial effects. Professional
perfumers in the sixteenth century would be hired by wealthy men to beat
together rosemary leaves and sugar, then heat the mixture over hot coals
to scent and purify the air. Like rue, rosemary has been used in
courts of justice as a preventative of the contagious jail-fever.
Even during WWII, a mixture of rosemary leaves and juniper berries was
burned in the hospitals of France
to kill germs.
Considered effective relief for asthma sufferers and other affectations of
the throat and lungs, rosemary is combined with coltsfoot, rubbed together
and smoked as an herbal tobacco. Rosemary lends its fragrance in an
important way to potpourri mixtures and its piney scent has been added to
sleep pillows reputed to chase away nightmares. Rosemary oil has
also been recommended as an insect repellant. Experiment sometime
and rub some needles on your arms.
Whether you grow rosemary for the distinctive flavoring it adds to foods,
for the revitalizing effect of a steaming bath, or because of the depth of
color and vital growth it adds to your hair, grow rosemary in your herb
garden. Even if just because its colorful history adds richness to
your life.
