The Forgotten Values of Costmary

Today, Costmary can be used safely for many of the same uses, although herbalists recommend it primarily for use topically to ease bruising and skin inflammations. Costmary works well as a skin cleansing herb, when an infusion is used as a tonic or rinse after soap and water or other cleansers.

Gardening with Costmary

Costmary is a highly scented, hardy perennial that speads a carpet of singluar leavefo.c spring, and blooms on 3 foot stalks in late summer. The leaves have a balsamic odor, and the flowers bloom a pleasant yellow color but may need staking. Costmary prefers full sun, well drained soil and requires regular watering. It will take part shade, but will not flower without sun. In either condition it can be as invasive as mints, so you need to confine it or be prepared to divide and replant every few years.

Costmary may be harvested in small quantities any time before the leaves begin to yellow. They dry and store easily, and the fragrance lasts a great while.

Magical Use

While scholars may argue the case, there is some evidence that many of the herbs related to the 'Mother Mary' may have been transposed from earlier matriarchal or Goddess oriented religions. Following these lines, Costmary is an excellent herb to use in Goddess oriented ritual(s).

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