Latin Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Description
Rosemary is a shrub like herb growing to 90cm high. Evergreen, pointed, narrow leaves approx 2.5cm in length and small pale blue flowers distinguish this plant. It flowers in late spring or early summer. There are variegated silver and gold striped varieties but the green-leaved variety is the only one used for medicinal purposes. Other members of the rosemary family include clary sage, basil, thyme, marjoram, mint, patchouli, myrtle and hyssop.
The name is derived from the latin 'ros maris' meaning dew of the sea based on its growth close to the sea and the appearance of the blossoms from a distance. The essential oil is colorless or pale yellow. The plant was considered sacred by the Romans, being used as a decoration for statues and paintings of the gods. The Greeks also decorated statues with rosemary wreaths. The Egyptians used the plant for incense in ritual cleansing and healing, and there is evidence that it was used from the earliest times. Philosopher healers such as Dioscorides, Theophanus and Conrad Gesner all recognized the beneficial effects of rosemary in the treatment of liver, heart, brain and eye problems. During the plagues of the Middle Ages rosemary was burnt to drive away evil spirits and protect against infection. Rosemary was said to have rejuvinating properties and powers and was used in Hungary water, a popular toilet water named after queen Elizabeth of Hungary. Many legends and folk tales have built up around this plant, and ornaments made from rosemary were used on festive occasions as signs of love and faithfulness.
The higher quality oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and the flowering tops of the plant. In Spain a lesser quality oil is produced from the whole plant. About 66 pounds of plant material yields about a pound of essential oil. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region. The main oil producing countries are France, Spain and Tunisia. The plant is now cultivated worldwide in California, Russia, England, France, Spain, Portugal, the Middle East, Yugoslavia, Morocco and China. It has a strong, fresh, clear woody aroma. Poor quality oils have a strong camphoraceous note.
