Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)

This plant contains the following constituents:

Borneol, Linalol, Camphor, Diosmin, Apigemin, Luteolin, Rosmarinate, Ursolic Acid, Oleanic Acid, Cineol, Cymene, Ocimene, (+)-Limonene, Cineole, Amorphene.

Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub characterised by woody stems and evergreen needle-like leaves. The plant can grow to 1-3 feet size when allowed to grow, but  can be severely pruned, if required, in order to keep it in a plant pot.

Rosemary is a well known culinary herb utilised for its enhancement of meats such as lamb, veal and sometimes shellfish. The herb itself has a a tough texture with a bitter taste. This is generally removed before consumption.  

Propagation

Rosemary is plant which prefers well drained neutral to alkaline conditions, in a place which gets plenty of sun.

Can be grown from seed (in spring) or cuttings in the summer. Pruning of dead shoots and unviable shoots in the spring. Rosemary tends not like harsh winters so it is recommended that one takes cuttings for next year, or bring it into a greenhouse for winter. Although the plant is hardy, once it succumbs it rarely recovers.

Cutting are, by far, the easiest method as the seedlings require a couple of seasons indoors before it is ready to be placed outside to face the elements.

Harvesting

The leaves and the flowering tops are collected in Spring or Summer, utilising a sharp knife cutting the branches off (leaving the main stem unharmed). 

There are two drying processes which are common

1) Hanging the bundle of branches in a warm environment (with a bag) for about a month. Once the leaves, and flowers, are dry they are easily removed with moderate agitation of the bag or by stripping them by hand.

2) Placing the bundles of rosemary into an oven on grease-proof paper and warming it slightly (don't cook it!). This method, obviously, is much faster but you have to be careful  not to cook it. If you do the volatile compounds will escape and thus negating any effects you are trying to obtain.

Medicinal Uses 

Rosemary is a herb which relieves spasms, pain and increases perspiration. It also is a tonic for the liver, digestive system, and gall blader.

It also acts as an Emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow) excessive consumption will lead to abortion and convulsions therefore pregnant women should be aware of its actions and be wary over its consumption. 

In normal uses, however, there are no serious side effects.

Rosemary also has a slight anti-depressive action relieving minor mental ailments such as paranoia, nervousness and exhaustion. It has been observed that the heat produced by the head (when Rosemary is placed under the pillow) releases some of the volatile components, and aids sleep.

Rosemary, applied as a shampoo, strengthens the roots of the hair and aids with the removal of the bacterium, which causes dandruff.

In all, this herb is quite an all round tonic.

Magic and Lore

• Rosemary is said to be a cleansing and purifying herb when burned and therefore useful in ridding places of negative or unwanted energies prior to magic.
• Rosemary is said to stimulate and enhance memory. Used in weddings and funerals as a symbol of the everlasting memory of the event (or the person). The herb worshiped by students (apart from beer - the antagonist) due to bestowing mental clarity (it helped me when I did my degree), or at least offers a placebo effect.
• Its use as an incense is quite well known, and is utilised for its medicinal effects (above) but it must be noted that incomplete combustion allows for carcinogens so it is recommended you take it internally instead. The odd occasion (in ritual or other infrequent event) would not significantly damage your health.

Rosemary is quite an impressive herb belied by its common utilisation in many aspects of cooking and medicinal herbalism. Who would have thought that nature contained so many benefits in one little herb!