"Where rosemary flourishes, there a strong woman rules."
Proverb
Rosmarinus officinalis
Relatives in the Lamiaceae family include lemon balm, basil, oregano, lavender, peppermint, spearmint, sage, catnip, bee balm, and penny royal.
I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Grows up to 6 feet as a shrub or hedge in warm climates
In cooler climates, it will not overwinter outdoors
Hard, shiny, needlike-like dark green, aromatic leaves
Small lipped flowers in shades of white and silver to blue
G R O W
Perennial
Evergreen
Hardy to zone 6-10
Dry, sandy soil
Full sun
Use cuttings or transplanted roots rather than start from seed
H A R V E S T
Spring through fall
Midmorning
Regular clippings for continued harvests
D R Y
Cool, dark place with good airflow
Garble after drying
P R O P E R T I E S
Warm | Dry | Pungent | Stimulating | Aromatic
Antioxidant | Antiseptic | Astringent
Carminative | Diaphoretic | Nervine | Tonic
M A K E
Traditionally used for...
Tea: memory, headaches, nerves, gas, fever, circulatory system,
Oil: muscle tension, wounds, bites, stings, cell regeneration, arthritic pain, joint circulation, oily skin
Wash/Compress: hair and scalp, wounds, mouth, oily skin
Flower Essence: alert presence of mind, move beyond mental sluggishness
Culinary: flavor enhancer, preservative
Contradictions: avoid in large doses during pregnancy
For educational purposes only. Not intended for medical advice. Always consult your physician.
Purchase herbs by visiting Mountain Rose Herbs!
Folklore & Fables of Rosemary
"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance Pray, love and remember."
Shakespeare
Its species name is Rosmarinus officinalis. In Latin, "ros" means "dew" and "marinus" means "of the sea."
Common names include incensier, dew of the sea and sea dew. An alternate suggestion is that it is the Rose of Mary as it is said a rosemary bush protected Mary during her flight to Egypt.
Ruled by Sun and the sign Leo, its element is fire.
In floriography, or Victorian Language of Flowers, Rosemary signifies remembrance
Symbolism includes:
Protection
Purification
Cleansing
Love
Healing
Hang Rosemary to protect your home from evil. Take it with you on sea voyages for a smooth and safe passage.
Sleep with Rosemary under your pillow to protect from bad dreams and to encourage remembering them. Burn before bed to ground a restless child who is afraid of nightmares.
Rosemary was used as a strewing herb, especially in French churches and cathedrals. Incense was used for love and protection during the Middle Ages by both Christens and Pagans, especially as a way to promote the sacredness of an occasion.
Rosemary is a wedding herb, used as a symbol of lovers' fidelity. It was offered to guests to fondly remember the day.
Conversely, it is a funeral herb as a remembrance of the life lost and a symbol of the immortal soul. It can be placed in the hands of the departed and tossed into the grave by mourners.
Enjoy Rosemary while you sing auld lang syne on New Years Eve. Should old acquaintances be forgot?
Carry with lavender to promote chastity.
Comments