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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


ROSEMARY
(Rosmarinus officinalis) and (Rosmarinus prostratus)
R.officinalis R.prostratus
Images
Also see: Rosemary Variety Chart

PROPAGATION: By fresh seed (many varieties do not come true from seed), by cuttings of new growth (best), by layering. There are two basic types of growth habit - upright and prostrate. All are tender perennials.
NEEDS: Full sun and well drained soil. Not hardy in northern zones and must be grown as a pot plant. Place out in summer months. Do not allow to dry out completely, but do not overwater. Likes to be misted daily.
HARVEST: Cut 4-inch pieces as needed; never take more than 20% of the plant. Rosemary dries well. The dry or frozen herb is twice as strong as the fresh.

USES

MEDICINAL:
Has some antibacterial properties; contains antioxidants; contains natural camphor.
Has been used as a general tonic and stimulant .
Has been used for lack of energy, depression, and as a brain stimulant (reputed aid to memory).
Has been used for liver and gall bladder ailments, as well as a cardio-tonic.
Has been used externally as a rubifacient and in salves and ointments.
An effective muscle relaxant which acts through the sympathetic nervous system (good after a day of outdoor activity).

CULINARY:
Used as a seasoning. Leaves added to white wine and allowed to steep for a healthful wine. Leaves added to white wine vinegar for a flavored vinegar.

COSMETIC:
A strong tea used in the herbal bath to refresh. Is also astringent, stimulating and fragrant. Considered to be rejuvenating.
Used for dry skin, dandruff, and hair thinning. Used as a hair rinse best suited for dark hair.

STEAM FACIAL = Make an infusion and allow steam to wash over the face to perk up a dull complexion. Use caution around steaming hot water.

FOOT BATH = 1 Tbsp rosemary to 4 pts boiling water for an infusion; let stand 15 minutes; strain; use while warm; soak feet 20 minutes.

AROMATHERAPY:
Used for mental fatigue, mental strain, poor memory and sadness. Oil used in diffusors, for massage, baths, facials, bodywraps, and hair care.

CRAFTS:
Used to fragrance incense, soaps, creams, lotions and in sachets.

DYE:
Produces various shades of yellow-green to green.

INSECTS:
Repels cabbage moth, bean beetles and carrot flies.

LANGUAGE:
Remembrance


RECIPES

ROSEMARY WATER = 4 Tbsp rosemary flowers, 1 nutmeg (grated), 2 Tbsp grated cinnamon, 1 quart alcohol spirit; stand and steep 10 days; strain.

HUNGARY WATER = Used for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary to cure her paralysis by being rubbed with it.
1 gallon brandy or other clean spirit, 1 handful rosemary, 1 handful lavender; infuse in brandy along with 1 handful myrtle; let stand 3 days; strain. (The Country Housewife and Lady's Director - 1732)



VARIETIES OF ROSEMARY
This list is not all inclusive
Alba, heavy-leaf (R. off. 'Nancy Howard')
Alba, thin-leaf (R. off. 'Albus' ssp)
'Arp' (R.off. 'Arp')
Benenden Blue (pine-scented) (R. off. 'B.B.')
Blue Angustifolium (Rosmarius sp)
Blue Boy (R. off 'B.B.')
Blue Lady (R. prostrata x Wood)
Blue Spire (R. off 'B.S.')
Collingwood Ingram (R. off 'C.I.')
Common (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Constance DeBaggio (R. off. 'C.D.')
Dancing Water (R. Wood x Huntington Carpet)
Dutch Mill (R. off. 'D.M.')
Foresteri (R. off. 'Herb Cottage')
Gilded (Rosmarinus sp)		 Golden Rain (R. off. 'Joyce DeBaggio)
Golden (R. off 'Aureus')
Gorizia (R. off. 'Gorizia')
Hill Hardy (R. sp. 'H.H.')
Huntington Erectus (Rosmarinus sp)
Huntington, 'Very-Oily' (R. off. 'V.-O')
Lockwood de Forest prostrate (R. off. 'L de F')
Logee Blue (R. off. 'L.B.')
Lottie DeBaggio (R. off. 'L.D.')
Maggie's Choice (R. sp 'M.C.')
Majorca Pink (R. off 'M.P.')
Mercer (Rosmarinus sp)
Miss Jessopp's (R. off 'M.J.'s Upright')
Pinkie (R. off. 'Pinkie')
Prostrate (R. off. 'Prostratus') 		Prostrate, Alida Hyde (R. of. 'A.H.')
Prostrate, Dwarf (R. off 'Prostratus' ssp)
Prostrate, Golden (R. off. 'Prostratus' ssp)
Prostrate, Holly Hyde (R. off 'H.H.')
Prostrate, Huntington Carpet (R. off 'Prostratus ssp)
Prostrate, Kenneth (R. off 'Prostratus' ssp)
Prostrate, Santa Barbara (R. off lavandulaceus 'P' ssp)
Rex (Rosmarinus sp)
Roman Vivace (R. off 'R.V.')
Salem (Rosmarinus sp)
Severn Sea (R. off 'S.S.')
Shimmering Stars (R. prostrata x majorica)
Synonym Angustissmus (R. sp)
Taylor's Blue (R. off. 'T.B')
Tuscan Blue (R. off 'T.B')



©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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