Rosemary offers an aromatic, beautiful addition to any garden. 

 

The useful plant is a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Rosemary is a member of the mint family of plants and is known for its distinct woody stems with needle-like leaves and evergreen aroma, which is contained in the oil inside the herb’s dark green needles. 

 

Growing:

• Zones 8 and 9, but some success in zones 7 and 6b in some varieties.

  • ​Hard frost or freezing temperatures can damage or kill rosemary. Their ideal temperature range is 60 to 85 F (15 to 30 C). If the temperatures dip after you've planted rosemary outdoors, cover the plants with a row cover to protect them.​

• Prefers well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic soil.

• Prefers full sun.

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Culinary:

There is no flavor quite like rosemary. This woodsy aromatic herb has notes of evergreen, citrus, lavender, pine, pepper, mint, and sage. Unlike more fragile herbs, this sturdy ingredient holds up extremely well to heat and prolonged cooking times, and can be added at the beginning of cooking to braises and stews. In fact, the longer rosemary is cooked in liquid, the stronger the flavor becomes.

Source: Learn How to Cook With Rosemary

 

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Nutrition: 

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Rich in folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, rosemary is a healthful addition to any diet. This beneficial herb is also rich in antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help to fight free-radicals, improve the blood circulation of the body, and is good for boosting the overall immune system.

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Rosemary is especially rich in phytochemicals. While phytochemicals aren’t essential for survival like vitamins and minerals are, they are nevertheless important for fighting disease and maintaining overall health. The phytochemicals in rosemary may help to improve eye health, regulate liver function, and lower the risk of asthma. 

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Rosemary is also a superb source of: 

• Pantothenic Acid

• Niacin

• Thiamin

• Folate

• Riboflavin

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A single sprig of rosemary contains: 

• Calories: 3.9 calories

• Protein: 0.1 grams

• Fat: 0.2 grams

• Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams 

• Fiber: 0.4 grams

• Sugar: 0 grams

Source: Health Benefits of Rosemary

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Medicinal: 

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Historically, rosemary oil has been used to stimulate hair growth. In one study of 84 people with alopecia areata (a disease in which hair falls out, generally in patches), those who massaged their scalps with rosemary and other essential oils (including lavender, thyme, and cedarwood) every day for 7 months experienced significant hair regrowth compared to those who massaged their scalps without the essential oils. But the study was not well designed, and it is impossible to say whether rosemary caused the hair growth.

Source: Mount Sinai Health Library

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In folk medicine, rosemary has been used as an antispasmodic, mild analgesic, to cure intercostal neuralgia, headaches, migraine, insomnia emotional upset, and depression. Different investigations have highlighted rosemary neuropharmacological properties as their main topics. Rosemary has significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, it shows important clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep.

Source: Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its active constituents on nervous system disorders

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Spiritual:

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Chakra: Solar Plexus

Magickal Power: Protection, Cleansing, Strength

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Rosemary's Latin name, rosmarinus officinalis, means “dew of the sea”  derived from the dew-like appearance sea spray created on the plants growing close to the water. Later, it was called Rose of Mary or rosemary in honor of the Virgin Mary. Christian mythology links rosemary with the flight out of Egypt.  It is said that when Mary washed the clothes of Christ and spread them over an “evil-smelling” bush to dry that the plant took on the scent it has today.

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Rosemary is considered a symbol of fidelity and remembrance once used in many Christian ceremonies. For centuries it was thought that the rosemary plant would never grow high enough to stand taller than Christ.

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Rosemary is considered a powerful purifier and cleanser in many spiritual practices. Burning rosemary or using it as sacred smoke, is believed to clear negative energies, both from physical spaces and the human aura. The smoke is thought to uplift the spirit and create a sense of calm and tranquility.

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Since ancient times, the aromatic herb rosemary has been believed to improve your memory. It's an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance. So it's a fitting commemorative symbol to help us remember those who served and those who died.

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Rosemary is known as a protective herb—hang it up in front of your home to ward off any bad vibes and negative energy. Rosemary has purifying qualities and can be used to smudge and cleanse your living space.