Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the oldest cultivated herbs in the world. It is particularly associated with the Mediterranean area of Europe. Through the centuries rosemary has been used for a variety of culinary and medicinal uses - this essential oil has been used in all manner of ways. Let's take a look at some of them.

Culinary uses of rosemary

Nowadays we often use rosemary to add fragrance and taste to roasts and to meat (and fish) in general. This Mediterranean herb also goes well with garlic and tomatoes so is often found in pasta sauces, salad dressings and on pizzas. Many people also use the herb with a variety of vegetables - again it adds a subtle taste and fragrance when mixed in or added as a garnish. In recent years the popularity of the barbeque has seen many people add rosemary to the meat that they are cooking this way too. And, rosemary can be added to various kinds of bread.

Uses as an essential oil

It is still quite common to brew rosemary into a medicinal tea (as it was in ancient times) and to use its essential oils for medicinal purposes. In times of plague the herb was burned to help purify and it was also common to see people carrying sprigs of rosemary to ward off illnesses. And, historically people would dry their clothes over rosemary bushes as the smell would later deter moth activity. Rosemary is also held to:

Help with arthritis, rheumatism and joint pains.
Help with the digestive process.
Help break down bad odours as use in a mouthwash.
Help keep hair shiny and dandruff free when used as a rinse.
Help treat depression and nervous disorders.
Help treat headaches.
Help with cold and flu symptoms.
Help treat bruises, burns and wounds.
Help alleviate water retention during menstruation.

The strong scent of the herb also makes it a perfect pot pourri ingredient and its cleansing and drying properties make it a popular facial treatment.