WARNING: Never should the oil be used internally. Also large doses of the leaf are toxic.
Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary is one of my more favorite herbs. It's many uses is just one of the reasons. The essence of it's scent is reminiscent of the summer garden. It has been used by cooks and apothecaries from the earliest times. It has the reputation of strengthening the memory, stands for the emblem of fidelity between lovers. In the past, rosemary was burned in sick chambers to purify the air. Tender Perennial. It prefers a sunny location protected from cold winds. In colder climates you can pot up rosemary and bring it indoors for the winter. It requires well drained soil, a sunny window, and let the soil dry a little before watering again. It tolerates most soil types, but avoid peat pots if you are trying to start new plants… which are too acid. It's natural habitat is the Mediterranean, Portugal, and Spain. A perennial hardy in Zone 6-8, and heat tolerant, because many varieties are seen in Las Vegas,
blooming profusely!
Propagation: Rosemary can be a little difficult to propagate from seed, it requires bottom heat and germination is erratic. I have found that layering or using cuttings gives much better results. Use softwood in spring from the new growth, or summer semi-hardwood. Cut lengths of about 6 inches long. Sometimes you can find small plants offered in your grocery stores, before you'll see them in the garden centers. I usually buy a few and maintain them indoors until after the danger of frost is past… harden them off on the porch and find a spot my flower bed to plant them. The seasons harvest is well worth the few bucks they charge for these seedlings!
Harvest: Rosemary is an evergreen and you can pick small amounts from it's branches all year in some zones or if kept indoors during the winter months. Gather the main leaf crop before flowering in early spring. Or you can gather larger quantities in summer and either dry the leaves or make an oil or vinegar. Crush the dried leaves right before using to release the aroma.
Crafts: Fashion into wreaths and garlands. Save the twigs after you have stripped it's leaves and through small bundles on coals for cooking or in the fireplace to give off it's wonderful scents. Use in potpourri or lay sprigs among your linens.
Culinary: Toss rosemary flowers into salads, crystallize for garnishes. Add to fruit salads and puree. Add leaves sparingly to meat dishes, but cuts strong flavors… especially lamb and pork. Use to flavor baked potatoes or make an herb butter or toss in with vegetables. Add to rice, tomato dishes, egg dishes, or apples.
Household: Boil a handful of rosemary in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes to give an antiseptic solution for washing bathroom fixtures or add it to your bath water to promote healthy skin. Scatter on the barbecue not only for a light flavor but also to discourage insects. Use as a hair tonic for hair especially dark, it makes it shine, and it is also found in many of today's shampoos.
Medicinal: Use a rosemary tea as an antiseptic for gargle and mouthwash. Drank in small amounts, it reduces flatulence and stimulates fat digestion. As an oil it is good for aching joints and rheumatic pains when applied externally. Also used to help relieve headaches when applied directly to the head.
