Rosmarinus Officinalis
Rosemary is not only a tasty herb, but research indicates it may help memory.
Ancient Uses
Placed under a pillow, rosemary was said to repel bad dreams. If was also used to ward off witches when planted around a home. Rosemary plantings used to signify a household where the woman ruled. In fact, men used to pull it out of the ground to assert their rule! Ancients also used it for head, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. Traditional Chinese healers mixed it with ginger and prescribed it for headache, indigestion, insomnia and malaria.
Memory Aid
Rosemary and its oils contain over a dozen antioxidants. Alzheimer's disease has been linked to oxidative stress. Rosemary could be an important herb to fight memory loss. It also contains anti-inflammatory agent and components that retard the breakdown of acetylcholine in the human brain, both of which are linked to Alzheimer's problems.
Other Healing Uses
Digestive Aid Rosemary's components may help relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract, helping regulate normal digestion. To make an infusion, add 1 teaspoon crushed leaves to a cup of boiling water and steep 10 minutes. Drink up to three cups a day.
Meat Preservative The same anti-oxidant properties that may help memory also prevent fats from oxidizing and turning rancid, and have proven to compare favorably to traditional preservatives like BHA and BHT. Add sprigs to meat during storage.
Anti-fungal, Antibacterial For minor cuts in received in the garden, try rubbing some crushed leaves into the wound before washing and bandaging.
Decongestant This herb may help relieve congestion due to colds, flu and allergies. Drink up to three cups daily of the infusion.
Cosmetic Add sprigs to a bath for a fragrant and stimulating effect.
Cooking Use this flavorful herb in many vegetables, pork, eggs, fish, poultry, breads, and sauces. Make flavored olive oil by adding sprigs. Refrigerate oil after making.
Planting Tips In zones below 8, choose an extra hardy cultivar 'Arp' or 'Hill Hardy'. See Whole Herb for more information. Persons in colder climates may have to plant rosemary in pots and bring inside in the winter. Rosemary likes full sun and well-drained soil, and application of compost every other year. Space plants one to three feet apart. If growing in a container, choose a deep pot. It can have a beautiful look in the landscape with its long waving stems.
Harvesting Snip the branch tips if only a small amount is needed. When harvesting larger amounts, cut stems back to within approximately two leaf nodes above the woody part of the stem. Springs can be used fresh, or hung upside down to dry. It can also be frozen.
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