The evergreen leaves of this shrubby herb propagated by seeds and whose cutting is always taken in August, are about 1 inch long, linear, revolute dark green above and paler, and grandular beneath. There are silver and gold triped varieties of Rosemary, but the green-leaved variety is the kind used medicinally. It seems that the ancients were really very acquainted with the scrub which had a reputation for strenghthening the memory: on this account it became the emblem of fidelity for lovers, due to the symbolism attached to it.
Not only was it used at weddings, but also at funerals, for decking churches and banqueting halls at festivals, as incense in religious ceremonies and magical spells. Also, it was given as a New Year’s gift as Ben Jonson’s tells as in his plays.
The oil of Rosemary, distilled from the flowering tops, is a superior oil both obtained from the stem and leaves: the bulk of the commercial oil comes from France, Dalmatia, Spain and Japan.
The plant of Rosemary contains some tannic acid together with a resin and a bitter principle and a volatile oil. The chief constituents of the oil are Borneol, bornyl acetate and other esters, a special camphor similar to that possessed by the myrtle, cineol, pinene and camphene. It’s colourless, with the odour of Rosemary and a warm camphoraceous taste.
Tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, stimulant, the oil of Rosemary is an excellent stomachic and nervine curing many cases of headaches. Also it’s employed in hairs lotions or as an antispasmodic: a spirit of Rosemary may be used in the preparations of Eau de Cologne and as a spice when cooking, especially in the Mediterrar dishes.
Other uses were for its fragrance in soaps and other cosmetics and medicines. In medicine it improves memory, it has antioxidant properties, and against indigestion, stimulate hair. It also alter blood sugar levels and could interpher taking the control diabetes. Rosemary has traditionally been in paired with lamb, chicken, game but it’s also suited to fish and bean dishes.
In order to store fresh Rosemary in the fridge for several days it’s important to use a closed container, or a plastic bag.
botanical.com - Rosemary
www.umm.edu - Rosemary
bbcgoodfood.com - Rosemary
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