Remember Rosemary – Herb of the Month

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We firmly believe in celebrating the beauty of different cultures through their cuisine. From home kitchens to 5-star restaurants, each meal has its own secret recipe for success.

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For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ... 

By Maryann Readal

plant" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://herbsocietyblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/11/rosemary.jpg?w=300&h=225 300w, https://herbsocietyblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/11/rosemary.jpg?w=600&h=450 600w, https://herbsocietyblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/11/rosemary.jpg?w=150&h=113 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Rosemary, The Herb Society’s Herb of the Month for November, is going through an identity crisis. Since the mid-18th century, the botanical name for rosemary has been Rosmarinus officinalis. However, after DNA research on the plant, scientists at the Royal Horticultural Society in London have decided that the characteristics of rosemary are more closely aligned with the Salvia genus and have, therefore, reclassified rosemary as Salvia rosmarinus. The common name will continue to be rosemary, however. John David, Head of the RHS Taxonomy Group, stated that “we cannot ignore what science is telling us, and clarity on a plant’s DNA helps us better understand its growth habits and cultural needs” (RHS, N.D.). Along with rosemary, Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, was also reclassified as a Salvia, as well as a few other garden plants.

But whether rosemary is classified as salvia or as rosemary, it will always be considered a rosemary to today’s gardeners. It will always have the same medicinal and culinary uses. It will always have the same stories and legends associated with it. This new identity challenge will only add another interesting chapter to its history. 

The first mention of rosemary was found on cuneiform tablets in 5000 BCE. Early Egyptians used it for embalming. Since Greek times, rosemary has been considered the “brain herb,” one that could increase memory and alertness. For that reason, Greek students wore crowns of rosemary when taking their exams. The historic Queen of Hungary Water, or Hungary Water, an infusion of rosemary in alcohol, was created by a monk to cure the headaches and joint pain of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary in the 14th century. The Queen claimed that it worked!

Religious lore also includes stories about rosemary. Since early times, rosemary has been associated with the Blessed Mother, who supposedly threw her cloak over a white-flowered rosemary bush while escaping Herod with her family. Legend has it that when she picked up her cloak, the white flowers had turned to blue. And there is an old belief that a rosemary bush could never grow higher than 6 feet in 33 years, because it could not stand taller than Christ (Kowalchik, 1998).

During the Middle Ages, people believed that rosemary could protect them from evil spirits. So, they placed rosemary under their pillows and hung branches outside their doors. The herb did double duty when people placed rosemary branches on their floors in order to keep their houses fragrant and insect-free. During the times of the plague, branches were burned in the home because it was thought that it would keep sickness away. 

Rosemary was, and still is, considered to be the herb of remembrance. Sprigs were placed in wedding bouquets as a symbol of fidelity. Historically, a sprig of rosemary was placed on a coffin or given to those attending a funeral (Brown, 2023). (Editor’s Note: For a reference to this practice in an important archaeological discovery at Historic St. Mary’s City, Maryland, see The Lead Coffins Project Collaboration – Research – Historic St. Mary’s City – A Museum of History & Archaeology at Maryland’s First Capital “Understanding What You Have” section.) Shakespeare’s works contain many references to herbs, rosemary being one of them. In Act IV of Hamlet, the unbalanced Ophelia opens her speech at her father’s funeral with “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray you love, remember.” There have been many interpretations of these nine words: Was Ophelia asking for remembrance of her father or was she foreshadowing remembrance of herself after her untimely death? (Christianson, 2023; Isabel, 2022).

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean area, where it thrives in well-draining, sandy soil and plenty of sunshine. Its name means “dew of the sea,” recalling its native habitat. It is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8-10, although recent cold winters in Zone 8 make hardiness in that zone questionable with the exception of the ‘Arp’ cultivar, which can withstand lower temperatures. Rosemary is an evergreen plant with very fragrant, needle-like, gray-green leaves. It blooms December through April, although its blue-white flowers may appear throughout the summer as well. It is deer resistant. There are many varieties of rosemary, including a prostrate variety, which looks great cascading over a wall or in a container or hanging basket. Prostrate or upright rosemary can be grown in a container and overwintered inside in colder climates. However, the roots are susceptible to root rot if the soil does not drain well.

Rosemary is also a culinary herb that can be used fresh or dried. It accents the flavor of meats, fish, and vegetables, and is a great addition to stews, stuffing, vinegars, herbal salts, and butters. Its essential oil is used in perfumes, soaps, lotions, and shampoos, while the fragrant flowers and leaves are used in sachets and potpourris.

For more information about rosemary, please see The Herb Society’s Herb of the Month : Herb Information : Learn and follow postings about the herb on The Society’s Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest social media.

Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Photo Credits: 1) Rosemary plant (Salvia rosmarinus syn. Rosmarinus officinalis) (M. Readal); 2) St. Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary (Public Domain); 3) Salvia rosmarinus ‘Tuscan Blue’ (M. Readal); 4) Prostrate rosemary in container (M. Readal); 5) Galician Garbanzo soup with rosemary (Ruthie Hansen, Creative Commons).

References:

Brown, Barbara. 2023. Rosemary. Texas Gardener: November/December 2023, pg. 20-21.

Christensen, Tricia. 2023. What does “rosemary for remembrance” mean? https://www.languagehumanities.org/what-does-rosemary-for-remembrance-mean.htm

Kovalchick, Claire and William H. Hylton, Editors. 1998. Rodale’s illustrated encyclopedia of herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press. 

Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. N.D. Salvia rosmarinus. Accessed 10/12/23. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=444418&isprofile=1&basic=rosemary

Royal Horticultural Society. N.D. Rosemary becomes a sage. Accessed 10/12/23. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/articles/misc/rosemary-becomes-a-sage

Steven, Isabel. 2022. Rosemary for Shakespeare. Accessed 10/12/23. https://rosenbach.org/blog/rosemary-for-shakespeare/.

Maryann is a board member of The Herb Society of America and a Texas Master Gardener. She is a member of The Society’s Texas Thyme Unit in Huntsville, TX. Maryann is also a certified Native Landscape Specialist. She lectures on herbs and plants and does the herb training for several Master Gardener programs. She gardens among the pines in the Piney Woods of East Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which herbs are healing herbs?

If you look for healing herbs, you won’t find them in the supermarket. There isn’t any place to buy them. There is no store selling them.

You haven’t been able to find healing herbs because they aren’t sold anywhere. They are grown right here in our backyard.

Healing herbs are plants that grow naturally in North America. Like many common household items, these herbs grow throughout the United States and Canada.

These herbs treat minor ailments such as colds, flu, sore throats, coughs, and headaches. Many of these herbs have been used for centuries to help heal wounds and promote overall health.

Of course, when we say “heal,” we mean more than simply treating an illness. We also refer to the ability of these herbs to restore balance and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

For example, the chamomile herb helps relieve stress. This means that if you feel stressed out, you may benefit from taking chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has been shown to reduce anxiety and nervous tension.

In addition, chamomile tea has been proven effective in relieving insomnia.

Chamomile tea has many other benefits, including its ability to ease stomach aches and gas pains and even improve digestion.

Another popular healing herb is Echinacea. Echinacea is known for helping to fight infections and boosting the immune system.

Echinacea is commonly taken internally and externally to fight infection, prevent viral diseases, and boost immunity. It is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.

Echinacea also helps reduce muscle pain and inflammation. You can take echinacea orally or topically (as an ointment).

This herb is available in both liquid and capsule form. Liquid echinacea is often mixed with honey and lemon juice. The mixture is then strained and consumed.

Capsules are usually made of freeze-dried plant material. They contain standardized amounts of active ingredients. To use capsules, swallow one or two a day.

The third type of herbal remedy is called tincture. Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs. They are typically used to treat internal problems. Tinctures are generally diluted before being ingested.

Tinctures can be taken orally or applied topically. For oral consumption, dilute tinctures with water. Some people prefer to mix tinctures with food.

Tinctures are easy to prepare. Put about one tablespoon of dried herb into a bottle containing enough alcohol to cover the herb completely. Allow the mixture to sit for several weeks. Then strain and consume.

You may want to try some of these natural remedies to see which ones work best.

Which plant can heal wounds?

Plants are amazing creatures. They grow, they live, and they die. They make food, clean our air and water, and help keep us healthy. But plants also do more than that...they heal wounds.

Plants release molecules called phytochemicals when they are injured. These chemicals act as antioxidants, which protect cell membranes from damage and promote healing.

Phytochemicals found in plants include flavones (found in citrus fruits), terpenoids (present in mint leaves), and polyphenols (common in berries).

In addition to these protective compounds, plants contain proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates that support the body's natural processes of healing.

The best way to use plants to heal wounds is to consume them directly. However, there are ways to apply the power of plants to treat wounds without eating them.

First, soak a cotton ball in an extract from the St John's Wort herb. This product contains salicylic acid, which helps reduce inflammation.

Next, place the soaked cotton ball on the wound. Avoid applying the herb directly to open cuts, burns, or puncture wounds. If you feel any burning sensation, remove the herb immediately.

You may also find that placing a few drops of essential oil on the affected area promotes faster healing. Lavender essential oil reduces swelling and speed recovery; rosemary stimulates blood flow and increases circulation; peppermint relieves headaches and muscle aches.

If you want to try your hand at growing some of your medicinal herbs, here are some tips:

• Start with small pots, so you don't end up with too much of one particular type of plant.
• Grow several different types of herbs together. The same goes for flowers and vegetables. Mixing it up will ensure you get all the benefits of each plant.
• Use organic fertilizer if you're growing your herbs indoors. Non-organic fertilizers may be harmful to your health.
• Harvest regularly. You'll enjoy the freshness of homegrown herbs, but leave enough time between harvests to allow the soil to replenish itself.
• Be careful not to overwater your plants. Overly wet soil encourages mold growth, which isn't suitable for your herbs.
• Wash your hands after handling your herbs. You don't want to risk spreading bacteria onto your plants!

Is it safe to eat raw garlic?

Raw garlic contains potent compounds that could cause stomach upset. Garlic should always be cooked before eating.

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. It has been used since ancient times to treat various ailments.

Today, garlic is still commonly used for treating colds, coughs, and other respiratory infections. In addition, garlic can increase blood circulation, boost immunity, protect against cancer, lower cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, and reduce stress.

Do not ingest large amounts of raw garlic to avoid possible health problems. It does not harm you if you consume small amounts regularly, however. This is especially true with young children who might accidentally swallow some.

What herb is best for healing?

Herbs are a fantastic way to help heal our bodies. Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times and continues to grow today. There are thousands of herbs known to cure various ailments.

Some herbs are excellent for treating colds and flu, while others can treat anxiety, depression, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.

There are also herbal remedies for skin care, hair loss, weight loss, sexual health, energy, sleep, digestion, and much more.

The list goes on and on. But one herb stands above them all regarding its ability to heal. That herb is called aloe vera.

Aloe Vera is considered to be the world's most powerful healer. For centuries it has helped people heal themselves naturally without any side effects.

It's incredible how well aloe vera works. It's even better than prescription drugs and surgery.

In addition to its natural healing properties, aloe vera is highly versatile and can be used in almost any area of life, including food, beauty products, and household cleaning supplies.

You may not realize this, but aloe vera contains hundreds of active compounds, which include vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride, iodine, selenium and more.

These nutrients are essential for human body functions such as cell growth, metabolism, immune system support, healthy bones and teeth, healthy blood pressure levels, healthy eyesight, healthy cardiovascular systems, healthy digestive systems, healthy lungs, healthy nervous system, healthy reproductive organs, healthy skin, and healthy libido.

Statistics

• Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.
• Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)

External Links

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• Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center


• Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

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• Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial


• Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression, and phosphorylation of CREB

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• Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed


• Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC

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• Amazon.com: Starwest Botanicals Organic Bilberries Whole, 4 Ounces: Grocery & Gourmet Food

How To

How to use herbs safely?

Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.

Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.

However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.

You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.

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