|
Rosemary has a long history of culinary and medicinal use; it's also been used in magic and religious ritual. The official botanical name for rosemary is "Rosmarinus Officinalis". Rosemary has antibacterial properties. Before the refrigerator was invented, herbs like rosemary, thyme and hyssop were rubbed into fresh meat to preserve and prevent spoilage. In early spring, rosemary bears clusters of mottled, sky blue flowers on the previous season's growth. The flowers contain large amounts of a sweetly pungent essential oil with an aroma reminiscent of pine needles. Cultivated forms of rosemary include plants with decorative golden foliage, pink and white flowered forms. The rosemary plant is light blue and blooms from March to May. Rosemary essential oils have a strong woodsy, camphor-like aroma. Rosemary is known to be a part of the mint family of herbs. This family is described as the Labiatae herb family. Other members of the same family include basil, patchouli, lavender, hyssop, myrtle, mint, clary and sage. For most tonics and recipes the rosemary leaves are used more often than the flowers or the rest of the plant. Rosemary is a bushy type of evergreen that can grow six feet or higher. The tree contains leaves that are stiff and leathery. Rosemary essential oil is extracted by a method of steam distillation of the entire flowering plants that bloom in the spring and early summer. The resulting liquid of the rosemary essential oil is a light buttery yellow. To make rosemary spray one has to infuse the ingredients properly. Rosemary is great for scalp problems like dandruff and also is wonderful mixed half and half with Peppermint Infused oil for a muscle rub. It supports the circulatory, nervous and muscular systems and it has been used for centuries to promote healthy hair and skin it has a strong, clean and refreshing scent. It is also known as one of the "brain herbs" because it stimulates mental activity. Rosemary is an all-purpose herb.
|