Rosemary: A Queen's Gift

"Where Rosemary flourishes, the woman rules" — Old Victorian adage

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Rosemary (rosemaris officinals) is without a doubt the world's most exquisite herb. Its pale blue flowers, narrow evergreen leaves and piny scent have a taste as interesting as its legend!

Native to Mediterranean countries, Rosemary thrived in the sea salt air—perhaps that explains the origin of its name, which means "dew of the sea." King Edward III of England once brought a Rosemary plant home from his travels for his wife, Phillipa. Long before, Rosemary had been used ceremonial as incense to honor the Gods and Goddess. Leave it to an English woman to be resourceful; Phillipa discovered new beneficial uses for Rosemary. It was not only the perfect herb to conceal the odor and rancid flavor of decaying meats (don't forget, there was no refrigeration way back when), but it also added a unique taste.

The Greeks regarded Rosemary as an herb of remembrance—students wore Rosemary garlands on their heads while studying to aid in memory. Rosemary also shows up in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" with Ophelia announcing "There is Rosemary—that is for remembrance." A tip: burn Rosemary incense at times when your memory needs a boost.

Rosemary shared a strong connection with love and romance and was an important part of wedding ceremonies. The bride would wear a headpiece made of Rosemary and the groom and wedding guests wearing sprigs for good luck. Newly-weds would plant a branch of rosemary on their wedding day and if the plant grew hardy, it was an omen of a long fertile union. For the single ladies, it was believed that by placing a sachet of dried Rosemary under the bed pillow her true love would appear in her dreams! Some bridal bouquets today still carry a bit of Rosemary! 

Rosemary is also used medicinally as the word officinalis indicates. Rosemary tea will relieve a headache, as it stimulates oxygen in the body helping the flow of blood to the brain. A tincture (tea) of Rosemary will also help in treating bruises and rheumatism. Many old Herbals list Rosemary as a breathe sweetener.

Despite the feminine sound of the name, Rosemary's gender is male and it is ruled by the sun. Keep that in mind when growing, as it requires full sun. It also likes to be misted often, but take care not to over water. Add a bit of lime to the fertilizer once each growing season and pinch off the tips to encourage a healthy, bushy plant. Brush the Rosemary plant often with your hands as it loves to be stroked and it will reward you with a wonderful clean scent that will stay on your hands and linger in the air around you.The scent of Rosemary is so magically penetrating that it is said simply inhaling the fragrance will help to preserve ones youth! 

Conceivably this was the reason Queen Elizabeth of Budapest, known for her beautiful skin, coveted her recipe for "Budapest water" (I will share that secret recipe in just a moment). Legend has it that the Queen's complexion rivaled skin of women a fraction of her age, and that at the age of 70 years old, the Queen was still able to stir the passion of her lover—aged 26! Now, if you dare, here is the formula:

In a clean sterile jar place 4 oz. of Rosemary leaves, 1 oz. Mint, 1 oz. Lemon-balm, 1/4 Cup alcohol, 2 Cups rose water and zest of 1 orange. Cover and let stand for approx. 2 weeks, then decant into decorative bottle adding a few sprigs of fresh Rosemary. Its fresh light scent is fantastic to use either as a light cologne or in the bath. Certainly don't ignore Rosemary in the kitchen. Its a must in veal, pork and poultry dishes. Try Rosemary honey on warm biscuits for a unique taste treat. It is easily prepared by adding approx. 8- 10 sprigs of Rosemary into a 4 oz. jar of honey. Let stand about 3 days. Enjoy it yourself or use as a hostess gift.

Rosemary has long been used as a protective herb guarding the home against negative energies, too, so how about tying a festive ribbon to a Rosemary plant to give as a housewarming gift? What a nice way to wish blessings upon a new home.

Until next time, remember—magic happens.