Rosemary has a strong piny scent, which was a token of loyalty and commemoration during the colonial days. A bride would usually have it included in her bridal bouquet for “remembrance”. According to lore and superstition, it will keep nightmares away if you place a few sprigs of the plant put under a pillow, and will attract elves when worn around the neck.
This plant is native to the hills of southern France, where the soil was chalky. It has been known to grow as tall as 5 feet tall, if given the right soil conditions. Most gardeners will propagate rosemary from cuttings during the spring or fall seasons. Take 6 inch long cuttings and place two-thirds of the cutting into a sandy soil, keeping them in a shady location, watering them carefully. They should be ready to transplant in 6 months.
Like juniper and cedar, rosemary has a cleansing and antiseptic properties when burned. During World War II, French hospitals would combine juniper and rosemary to help kill germs in the air. It had been used to purify sick chambers for centuries in Europe. The antibacterial properties are contained in the volatile oil it contains. Nowadays. It is traditionally used as a hair rinse for dark-haired people and is used to help relieve dandruff. It is also used to flavor food and to scent cosmetics. Essential oil of rosemary is a component of many commercially available lotions, perfumes, liniments, soaps, and mouthwash preparations.
More recently, carnosol, a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in rosemary, has been studied for its anticancer properties. Carnosol appears to be effective against cancer by reducing inflammation and by inhibiting the expression of cancer genes. Carnosic acid, another compound found in rosemary, appears to reduce the risk of skin cancer by protecting skin cells against the effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Rosemary can be used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes including rosemary can be used in a wide variety of culinary preparations, like for example, to season lamb, rabbit, veal, pork, sausages, as well as poultry, egg dishes, fish, pickles and shellfish, rosemary is also added to jellies, fruit jams, dressings and cookies. Asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, eggplants, green beans and peas, zucchini and potatoes, can use rosemary for that extra special flavor. With the flowers of rosemary, the uses can be different. Since these have a milder flavor, they can be candied, preserved, or added to jellies, honey, wine or vinegar. Even olive oil can be flavored by adding a few sprigs of rosemary.
NOTE: Although rosemary can be used in moderation and is an great herb to use, there have been reports that some people may have an allergic reaction to the essential oils in rosemary. Large quantities of anything can be dangerous, and rosemary is no exception. The routine use in cooking is generally considered safe to the general public.
MOTH REPELLENT WITH ROSEMARY
2 cups dried lavender
2 cups dried rosemary
1 Tbs. crushed cloves
Dried peel of a lemon
Bruise all the ingredients together in a small bowl, and divide among muslin bags. Tie, and set among the woolens.
HERB PILLOW WITH ROSEMARY
4 cups dried rosemary
4 cups dried lemon verbena
8 cups dry pine needles
Crush the ingredients together, and fill a small bag to place under the pillow, or in the drawer with nightclothes.
Enjoy!
