Rosemary

$1.74

Quantity
Rosemary Leaf (whole) sold by the weighed ounce.

Thousands of years before refrigeration, ancient peoples noticed that wrapping meats in crushed rosemary leaves preserved them and imparted a fresh fragrance and pleasing flavor. To this day, the herb remains a favorite in meat dishes and its preservative ability is the basis for its use in herbal healing. Rosemary’s ability to preserve meats led to the belief that it helped preserve memory. Greek students wore rosemary garlands to assist their recall. As the centuries passed, the herb was incorporated into wedding ceremonies as a symbol of spousal fidelity and into funerals to help survivors to remember the dead. Placed under one’s pillow, the aromatic herb was believed to repel bad dreams. As recently as World War II, French nurses burned a mixture of rosemary leaves and juniper berries in hospital rooms as an antiseptic. Rosemary and its oils contain chemicals that are strongly antioxidant. Like most culinary herbs, rosemary may help relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic). It may also help relieve nasal and chest congestion caused by colds, flu and allergies. Due to it antispasmodic effect it may soothe the uterus as well; however, Italian researchers have discovered that it does exactly the opposite. Pregnant women should steer clear of medicinal preparations of this herb. Other women may try the herb to bring on their periods. Rosemary has a tonic effect on the nervous sytem and is good for circulation. It reduces high blood pressure. For a pleasantly aromatic infusion to settle the stomach or clear a stuffed nose, use 1 teaspoon of crushed herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10-15 minutes. Weak rosemary preparations may be given to children under age 2. Check with your doctor first.