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its use at weddings and funerals to symbolise fidelity and rememberance. According to Grieve 1976, it was part of the wreath worn by brides to symbolise fidelity and at funerals a sprig was thrown into the grave by the mourners to symbolise rememberance. Today in western herbalism, the herb is seen to have an affinity both for the heart and the brain, reminding us that many traditions are borne of ancient wisdoms.  The plant was also believed to flourish in gardens where the woman ruled the household and the plant remains a popular garden herb today grown for its culinary and aesthetic value. 

A more practical application of the herb was its use in hospitals where rosemary together with juniper was burnt in hospitals to clean the air and prevent infection. This practise holds resonance today as rosemary has antimicrobial properties and can be used as a wash for those suffering from acne type conditions. An ointment can also be made with an infusion of the herb together with the essential oil and used as a chest rub for respiratory infection. 

Rosemary is a pungent aromatic herb producing powerful volatile oils and though a Mediterranean plant the herb grows well in our temperate climate.  As a culinary herb rosemary can be added to soups and sautéed vegetables preferably at the end of cooking for a few minutes only, as overcooking the herb would result in the evaporation of the healing volatile oils. Longer cooking times will impart the rich flavour of the herb and rosemary can be used when baking, for example, breads and savoury scones and roasted vegetables and meats. Dried rosemary is more pungent than fresh so this form is suitable when added fragrance to a dish is required.

The volatile oils in rosemary account for its many healing properties and the herb’s reputation for improving memory and concentration is well documented as is its ability to improve circulation. Students can drink the tea infusion to support their studies though perhaps not late at night as rosemary is a stimulating herb. It is also a suitable tonic for the elderly strengthening memory and warming the body from the centre to the outer limbs. Rosemary’s warming properties make this herb invaluable in the winter months and post-Christmas its added reputation for improving mood seems particularly appropriate for many of us suffering from the winter blues. Rosemary also has an affinity for the digestive system helping to soothe stomach problems and gastric headaches or headaches associated with nervous depression. Its warming circulatory properties also help to relieve muscular pain and the herb can be used externally as an ointment to relieve painful joints and stiff muscles.

The simplest way to take the herb therapeutically is as a tea pouring boiling water over the dried leaves or a sprig of the fresh plant and leaving the plant matter to infuse for 5 to ten minutes making sure you cover the pot or cup while infusing to keep the volatile oils in.  Dosage is one teaspoon per cup of the dried herb or one sprig of fresh rosemary per cup. Therapeutically the herb can be taken three times a day for up to six weeks. When taking any herbal medicine therapeutically a break after six weeks is advised for optimum effect and in some cases this is strongly advised as many herbs have strong actions. It is always advised never to exceed recommended dosages and rosemary in large quantities can be harmful. Rosemary in recommended dosages however is a safe herb though some texts advise against this herb if pregnant or nursing. Tincture form is also an effective way of taking the herb and as an essential oil it can be used externally to stimulate hair growth and for muscular pain.

Rosemary is reputed to stimulate hair growth and an infusion of the herb in hot water and left to cool can be applied to the hair after washing. Alternatively an oil infusion together with a few drops of essential oil can be massaged into the hair and left for up to an hour. A tip I read some time ago advised that shampoo be applied directly on the scalp before you wash your hair with water as this makes it easier to wash out all the oil in your hair.

Making infusions, ointments and tinctures is relatively easy and I do hope to be running some classes in the near future looking at making herbal remedies while discussing the medicinal benefits of the herbs. Dates and venue will be advertised in this section.

Safety Considerations: There are no known safety considerations though, as above, not when pregnant or nursing. 

Caution: Do not self-diagnose or self-treat for serious or long-term conditions without first consulting a qualified herbal or medical practitioner. 

Deirdre is a qualified herbalist and can be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or  0872562109