Rosemary grows as a small evergreen shrub with thick aromatic leaves. The plant has small, pale-blue flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. Although rosemary is native to the Mediterranean, it now is cultivated worldwide. Other types of rosemary include bog rosemary (Andromeda species) and wild or marsh rosemary (Ledum palustre).
Scientific Name(s)
Rosmarinus officinalis
Common Name(s)
Rosemary also is known as old man.
What is it used for?
Rosemary oil is widely used as a food additive, perfume, and flavoring. Rosemary oil is known to have a high concentration of rosmarinic acid, which is believed to inhibit tumor growth.
It is a common cooking herb. The name rosemary comes from the Latin word ‘ros marinus’. It is related to sage and thyme. Rosemary is a member of the mint family, and belongs to the subfamily Lamiaceae. The herb grows as a perennial shrub or small tree with grey-green leaves and yellow flowers. It is native to parts of Europe, Asia and North America. The aroma of rosemary is reminiscent of spearmint.
It is used in the treatment of cold sores.
The essential oil is added to shampoos to help control dandruff.
It is used in cosmetics to fight acne and reduce blackheads. It is used in soaps to fight germs.
Rosemary roasted potatoes and Asparagus
Rosemary is a great food additive. It makes food taste better. Some people add it to their food in order to make it more nutritious. The flavor of food improves with the addition of rosemary.
Many chefs recommend adding a sprig or two of rosemary to your favorite recipes. It helps to improve the flavor of food. You can use rosemary in just about any kind of recipe.
Add a couple of sprigs of rosemary to your cooking dishes. That way, your food will have a delicious, rosemary-flavored aroma. It’s a great way to add flavor to your meals. You can also add rosemary to soups, stews, and casseroles.
Rosemary is one of the most commonly used plants for culinary purposes. This amazing herb has its own special place in the kitchen, helping out with everything from roasting potatoes to preparing the perfect omelet.
Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
Rosemary is a widely used culinary spice. Tradition holds that rosemary will grow only in gardens of households where the “mistress” is truly the “master.” The plant has been used in traditional medicine for its astringent, tonic, carminative, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic properties.
Rosemary is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs, used centuries ago to enhance mental function and memory. Extracts and the volatile oil have been used to promote menstrual flow and as abortives.
Rosemary extracts commonly are found as cosmetic ingredients and a lotion of the plant is said to stimulate hair growth and prevent baldness.
Miscellaneous uses
Rosemary is a known antimicrobial agent. The powdered leaves are used as an effective natural flea and tick repellent. Rosemary oil possesses marked antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral