Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Flowers: March to May. Height: 50 – 100cm (20 – 40in).
Queen Philippa, wife of King Edward III, is believed to have introduced the herb to England from the Mediterranean in the 14th century when her mother sent her some cuttings. John Harvey, a 20th century authority on English medieval gardens, suggested that these cuttings were first planted in the privy garden of the old palace of Westminster. Rosemary was a popular strewing plant, used to deter fleas and moths, and burned as incense.
Medicinal: Ancient practitioners have long used Rosemary as a tonic for strengthening memory and focusing thoughts but it had multiple uses including to treat sprains, fractures, nervousness, dizziness, and hysteria. It was also burnt in order to be used for cleaning teeth. Throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, it was hung in a small cloth bag around one’s neck to ward off the plague.
Culinary: For adding flavour to soups and stews, jams, jellies, biscuits and cakes.
Magic & Myth: This herb was used as a symbol of love and faithfulness and burned as incense to remove jealousy or infidelity. Rosemary wreaths were exchanged by brides and grooms instead of rings and presented as gifts to wedding guests. Putting the leaves under your pillow guarded against nightmares. Mothers hung twigs of Rosemary above their cradles to prevent fairies from carrying away the child and it was believed to ward off evil presences and protect their homes.
