Rosemary

Known through the ages as the herb of remembrance, Rosemary is also known as the herb of friendship and love. Hence the traditions of old when a sprig of rosemary was worn or carried so to be reminded of loved ones both alive and departed. In the case of the latter, rosemary was and still is placed on or in a coffin to remind the departed they will not be forgotten.

A bride will include it in her bouquet or in floral arrangements at the reception to remind her and others that while starting a new life her old friendships will be remembered. And there was a time when students would carry rosemary with them when sitting for exams.

Rosemary is one of the world’s oldest incenses. It was burnt in place of the more expensive herbs such as frankincense and myrrh. In fact, it is one of the world’s oldest known “smudges.”

A popular folktale suggests that if rosemary flourishes in the garden, it’s the wife who rules the roost. So to save face the tale goes, the husband would spoil the rosemary’s appearance, so it would seem to be in poor condition.

Rosemary like lavender probably found its way to Europe and Brittain from the Middle East by way of the Moors King Richard’s returning crusaders.

In days of yore, rosemary was placed at thresholds and windows to protect homes from witches and to stop faeries from stealing their children. One of its names from that time was “Elf Leaf” as it was believed it would attract elves to a garden.

And like lavender, rosemary has a multitude of therapeutic uses, from preventing the plague and baldness, treating gout, acne and other skin conditions, repairing liver damage to relieving constipation and as a decongestant. The list is long!

It is a very good insect repellent and today is probably best known for its culinary uses.