About Herbs - Rosemary

Of all the herbs, rosemary is the most religious. Used in weddings and funerals, it is thought to help the memory and even the ancient Greeks used to wear it in their hair. It is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tail and is found growing wild on the Mediterranean coast.

It has long pine needle like leaves and blooms with purple flowers in the spring. It has a taste of camphor. When cooking with herbs, rosemary is used to flavor roast lamb along with other meats, soups and stews.

Herbs : Rosemary Medicinal Properties

Rosemary is said to help with memory and is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress. It is a natural insect repellent and is used in ointments for it's soothing effects. Rosemary is also used as a sedative, to relive stomach ailments and is reputed to have antiseptic properties.

Along with other cancer preventing herbs, rosemary contains quinines which have been shown in laboratory studies to fight carcinogens.

Herbalists have used rosemary to treat headaches, dizziness, nerve conditions, bad breath and as a pain reliever. It is also very good for the hair and is used in many herbal shampoos and conditioners.

Herbs : Rosemary For Cooking

Rosemary has a strong taste that enhances many foods. It's most commonly used as a rub on lamb and chicken. Crush it with a mortar and pestle a few minutes beforehand and tie in cheesecloth before adding to soups and stews.

Rosemary can be taken in a tea or tincture. Limit your tea drinking to 1 cup a day and use the tincture as directed on the label. Do not use too much rosemary as it can be fatally poisonous! Rosemary oil should never be ingested. Pregnant women should stay away from rosemary. Consult your doctor before taking this herb.

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