Herbal Profile: Rosemary

“There are some things I know for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.”

Life advice a whole generation embraced from the book and movie, Practical Magic. The truth is rosemary is not just magical and useful in a Hollywood Blockbuster, rosemary has been used for thousands of years for healing, protection, and cleansing.

Plant Identification Basics:

Rosemary is a woody evergreen shrub. Bushes reach approximately five feet tall and are covered with small green needles with a white underside. In the spring the bush has a beautiful spray of white, pink, blue or purple flowers.

Culinary Uses:

Rosemary is a common kitchen herb. You likely have some in your spice cupboard right now. Rosemary is a great herb to add to soups, stews, casseroles, and salads. Traditionally, rosemary has been used as a great addition when cooking poultry, wild game, lamb and fish.

Household Uses:

Rosemary has dozens of household uses. Rosemary is a great ingredient to include in an herbal mouthwash or hair rinse. Historically Rosemary was used to help repel pests, freshen air and clean.

A wonderful household cleaner can be made combining dried orange peels, rosemary, white vinegar, and water.

Medicinal Uses:

Rosemary has long been used to help fight colds and sore throats due to its antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic properties. Rosemary stimulates digestion, protects the liver, increases circulation and relieves headaches. Hair loss, halitosis, concentration, and memory are all aided by including rosemary in your diet or medicine.

Magickal Uses:

Rosemary has long been used as a smoke cleansing herb, and in ancient Roman rituals. Use rosemary in your magick to aide with protection, love and lust, exorcisms, healing, sleep, and youthful energy. Hang rosemary in the doorway to protect your home. Lore tells us that rosemary can be used to attract elves.

Be sure you check back for our next Herbal Profile. Get out there, get wild, be safe, and spend some time connecting with Rosemary this month!