Rosemary Leaf

Rosmarius officinalis

In addition to using Rosemary as a spice or in a tea, it had many traditional societal uses as well. It was thought to bring peace, love and prosperity, so brides would wear it on their wedding day or adorn their bridal bed with it. It also served as a way to remember the dead and was often included in the casket. An old couplet reflects that belief, "There’s rosemary for you, that's for remembrance: I pray you, love, remember." Students would take rosemary to their classroom to help them remember their test material. Finally, there’s the favorite of wives everywhere, "Where rosemary flourishes, the lady rules."

Part Used — The tops

Description — Rosemary is an erect perennial, evergreen shrub, 2 to 4 feet high, with numerous branches of an ash color and densely leafy. The leaves are sessile, opposite, and linear, over an inch in length, dark green and shining above, and downy. The flowers are few, bright blue or white. Calyx purplish.

Suggested Use - Create a tea or use in recipes calling for whole rosemary.