Health Power

Rosemary adds wonderful flavor and aroma to potatoes, pork, lamb and chicken. It also adds helpful substance to a meal by exciting the immune system. It increases circulation (especially to the brain) and improves digestion. It has anti-inflammatory agents that might moderate the severity of asthma attacks or other conditions. The essential oil of rosemary, obtained by steeping in boiling water or steam distillation of all parts of the plant, may help improve memory and support healthy adrenal and lymphatic functions. Some people say its role in aromatherapy is unmatched. Some students use it at exam times to help with memory, mental stimulation and calming the nerves. It has also been noted to relieve headaches, soothe sore muscles, clear out nasal passages and help treat skin conditions like eczema, acne and rashes. Users derive these benefits by adding a bit to topical oils/creams, rubbing a few drops on directly or adding to bath water. A couple of drops have been added to shampoos and conditioners to help condition hair. The oil also has some antiseptic properties and is used to treat respiratory allergies, sore throat and flu.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

Vitamins – traces
Minerals – Iron and Calcium

Disease Prevention

Given the amount of rosemary included in meals, it is not likely to have a large role in preventing disease. It does add some healthy nutrition to a meal, and the essential oil may prove to be effective in our overall natural health.

How to Grow

Rosemary is an attractive, fuzzy little herb that grows up to 3 feet tall and produces fragrant blue flowers. Great for borders and a generally good plant to have in the garden, as it attracts beneficial insects for pollination and predation. Rosemary does best in a sunny site with soil that has good drainage and plenty of organic matter worked in. It also grows well in containers. Grow them as you like; hedges spaced 1.5 feet apart or individuals 2-3 feet apart. Trim the bushes after flowering, as they will spread along the ground more. If they do, time to replace them. Rosemary is an evergreen. It supplies fresh greens all year round unless temperatures get too cold (as in cold northern climates). To conserve trimmings you cannot eat, dry in a shady, well-ventilated shed. Then put them in airtight jars.

Insect Control

Virtually no pests threaten rosemary. Use its fragrance to advantage. It repels moths and, in many cases, can attract pollinating insects like bees.

Tips

Growing rosemary in a container, put pebbles on the bottom for good drainage. Repot container-grown rosemary each year to help the roots spread equally with the plant above ground. Fertilize again each spring.