Rosemary by Your Garden Gate   by Sarah White

in Spirituality / Metaphysical    (submitted 2008-09-10)

Rosemary, the greatly loved culinary herb, has a broad history and vast metaphysical aspects. Being such a delicious and aromatic cooking herb, it has traveled around the world, spreading its' fragrance and seeds with it. Since it is native to the Mediterranean region, it is used in that cuisine and many others, providing a very original taste. This plant also symbolizes remembrance, as it is used in weddings, war commemorations, and funerals. It is also said that rosemary's' aroma helps improve memory.

Rosemary was used to flavor ales and wine, as well as being used in Christmas decorations. Hungary Water was made for the Queen of Hungary to 'renovate vitality of paralyzed limbs'. Hungary Water contained flowering rosemary tops and was made by mixing them into a liter of spirits of wine and was allowed to sit for four days before being distilled. Rosemary was also said to have been woven into the wreath that Anne of Cleves wore at her wedding. This plant has been mentioned in various pieces of literature such as William Shakespeare's Ophelia, and is in words by Sir Thomas More.

In medicine, rosemary helps dandruff, arthritis, stomach problems, and helps calm headaches as well as prevents baldness. Rosemary hydrosol is used to ease arthritis and headaches, soothing both the joints and the mind. When made into an infusion and used as a hair wash, it removes dandruff and stimulates the hair follicles to prevent baldness. Used in food, it aids in digestion and soothes stomach aches. (Harmful if used in very large doses.)

For centuries, rosemary has been used as an incense in religious and magical ceremonies. Its' smoke is said to removed negativity, purify objects as well as the body, and to help clear the mind. It is extensively used in healing sachets and poppets and in dream pillows to expel nightmares. Wearing rosemary in a small bag or vial pendant is said to help memory and is great for students. Rosemary is also a herb associated with fairies under the name of 'elfleaf' and is said to keep harmful ones away while encouraging helpful one to come.

Rosemary, known around the world, covers everything from cooking to religion. Having this lovely and aromatic perennial, evergreen shrub close by is ideal.

About the Author

Sarah White is a contributing writer for Paula's Herbs and Plants. She is a recent high school graduate and plans to continue her education in the fall.