(Rosmarinus officinale) Rosemary, native to the Mediterranean, is an evergreen shrub in the mint family. The needle like leaves have been in recorded use since 500 bc for culinary and medicinal purposes.

In culinary recipes the fresh and dried leaves of Rosemary can be found in a wide variety of dishes, including salads, soups, vegetables, meats, fish, eggs, dressings, breads and desserts.

In herbal medicine, Rosemary has been found to have antioxidant and antiseptic properties and is used as a circulatory and nervine stimulant. It has been used to treat nervous tension, tension headaches, epilepsy, poor circulation, depression and many ailments for which stimulants are prescribed. Rosemary, due to its circulatory benefits, has a very old reputation for improving memory, and has been used as a symbol for remembrance (worn during weddings, war commemorations and funerals). Current research suggests that Rosemary may be valuable in treating Alzheimer's. Used in small amounts in cooking, Rosemary is safe for women who are pregnant, however larger medicinal quantities should be avoided.

Externally Rosemary can be used as a bath soak to help treat skin irritations and has been used as a stimulant to hair follicles.

Brew 2 tsp of leaf in 1 cup of water at 212º - steep for 10-15 minutes.

Caffeine Free.

Oven Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

2 lbs. small, new potatoes, cut in half
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried rosemary, chopped
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper

Preheat oven to 450º. Arrange potato halves in a glass baking dish (13x9x2) and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic and herbs. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.

Rosemary Hair Oil
Recipe from Natural Beauty at Home by Janice Cox

Rosemary is believed to stimulate hair growth.
2 Tbsp dried rosemary
½ cup olive oil

Mix together the rosemary and olive oil. Heat gently in the microwave (High for 2 minutes) or on the stove top, but do not boil.
Cool the mixture completely, and let sit for 2-3 days to allow the oil to absorb all of the essential oils from the rosemary.
Strain off all solids by pouring the mixture through a funnel lined with a coffee filter. Pour into a clean bottle. Use by massaging a small amount into your scalp after shampooing and before going to bed.

Please Note: The information given here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.