What an interesting herb to learn about!There is so much folklore surrounding rosemary! For instance, rosemary just happens to be one of the oldest incenses! When
a twig of rosemary is burned (you know-the ones you lost trying to overwinter them!) it is said that it rids the place of negativity because of its cleansing vibrations. It was burnt at shrines in Ancient Greece,
and burned to drive away evil spirits and to drive away illnesses. Place a fresh twig beneath your pillow to drive away
nightmares, or lay it under your bed for a good nights sleep. A necklace made from rosemary preserves your youth and is said that it is also grown to attract elves.
The oil of rosemary is extrated by distilation by steam of the flower tops for the purer oil, and of the whole plant for a poorer quality. Once you feel the rosemary plant,
you can easily see where the oil comes from, being you have this sticky stuff on your fingers! The constituents include cineole, camphor, and borneol as the main componets. The flowers are small and blue, sometimes pink and white. The essential oil is blended well with lavender, citronella, oregano, basil, peppermint, cedarwood, thyme, and cinnamon.
The oil is used for many things, including aromatherapy, which includes health care for acne, varicose veins, muscular pain, asthma and broncitis, colds and flu, headaches and stress related disorders. It is used in the making
of soaps and perfumes, household sprays, cosmetics and alcoholic beverages. The plant itself is used in cooking fish, chicken, lamb, veal, pork and game. It enhances the flavor of eggs and cheeses, vegetables, and when added in a recipe with chives, thyme, parsley and bay-
you have something very good to eat! I have induced 3-4 twigs of rosemary into lemonade for a delightful and refreshing drink!
The plant itself is very pretty in the herb garden-and most herb gardens have this plant in it! You can get rosemary in a prostrate or creeping variety. The leaves look like a pine tree, with some rosemaries taking on the odor of pine.
You can start the plant by layering or cutting or from seed, however, that takes the longest. Plant it in a well drained spot to keep it from root rotting. It is recommended to take 4" cuttings when harvesting-which can be done anytime of the year.
Write to me, Kathie Schmitt!