Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular household herb. Its principle uses today are in cooking (often with lamb) but it was once a very important medicinal plant. Both Gerard and Culpeper the 17th Century herbalists, recommended using rosemary for ‘weaknesses of the brain’ and it is said to strengthen the memory. Today it is found used in cosmetics, particularly shampoos.

Species information

Distribution: Mediterranean; cultivated worldwide

Habitat: Dry, sunny position and thrives in poor soil.

Form: Shrub

Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae)

Rosemary has been used for a multitude of culinary and medicinal purposes. It is taken internally for nervous complaints such as depression, apathy, tension headaches and digestive upsets caused by stress. It is applied externally for muscular injuries and complaints such as rheumatism, arthritis and neuralgia. Rosemary is also valued as an ingredient in shampoos and preparations to treat dandruff and hair thinning. In large quantities, rosemary can cause convulsions and should not be used by pregnant women.