How to Grow Rosemary and It's Benefits Anna's Musings

Today we will explore growing rosemary. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an herb with a rich history that is well known throughout the world.

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Growing

Rosemary does best in fertile well drained soil. Since it doesn’t like “wet feet”, in other words to be overwatered, it can grow well in rock gardens. The one important requirement is at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. It originates from the Mediterranean so choose a site that may mimic those conditions.

It is recommended to grow rosemary in zone 7 to 10. Generally, it will not survive in an outdoor garden when temperatures drop below 40° F. I was able to have some success in zone 5, in Illinois. This was probably a result of the plant being close to my house which kept the soil warmer. I have also seen it survive winters in northern Nevada. If you know you have harsh winters plant it in a pot so that you can bring it indoors during cold months.

Rosemary can be trimmed as a hedge or more like a tree. If you keep it in a pot it could be used as a substitute for your Christmas tree.

Rich History of Rosemary

According to legend rosemary got its name from Mother Mary. As she rested during her escape to Egypt, she was sheltered by a rosemary bush. While resting she threw her blue cape on the bush to dry and the white flowers turned blue, thus the plant became known as “the rose of Mary”.

The Greeks believed including a sprig of rosemary under a pillow will ward of evil spirits and bad dreams. Some believe dried rosemary laid in bed will ensure faithfulness. This could account for it being included in wedding ceremonies.

Shakespeare included rosemary in Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 5. Ophelia states “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray you, love, remember. And there is pansies, that’s for thoughts”.

Another historical quote comes from Sir Thomas More (1478-1535) a British writer, statesman and philosopher. “As for rosemary, I let it run all over my garden walls, not only because my bees love it but because it is the herb sacred to remembrance and to friendship, whence a sprig of it hath a dumb language.”

Health Benefits

Rosemary has remained a part of our diets and a part of the medicinal community as far back as records can be found. Rosemary is known to have stimulant, astringent, and diaphoretic properties.

Research has shown rosemary has calcium, diterpenes (plant compounds), antioxidants (vitamin E and flavonoids) as well as caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid. All of these combine to make rosemary mildly antibiotic and antiviral.

During the 12^th century smoldering boughs of rosemary were carried through hospitals to disinfect the air. It also had been placed in a pouch or stick on judge’s benches to help ward of the plague and typhoid.

In recent years there have been many studies about the benefits of rosemary potentially helping prevent Alzheimer’s disease. We are learning from the past the rosemary has benefits for our mind.

My Experience

When my eldest son was young, he developed allergies to several antibiotics. This is what began my quest for natural alternatives. It was one of the first herbs that I began studying.

Rosemary can be beneficial for clearing sinuses, so I like to use a spring of it in simmering water during allergy and cold season. I do occasionally work with the essential oils, but it is important to understand that there are medical contraindications so do your research.

Cooking with Rosemary

Rosemary can be added to many of your favorite sauces and soups, because of its distinctive flavor it is generally used to enhance meat dishes. During the summer this chicken salad with rosemary is great for a picnic.

Chicken Salad with Rosemary

3 celery ribs
3 cups, cubed, cooked chicken
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 tbsp, finely chopped, fresh rosemary

Thinly slice the celery and combine it in a bowl with the chicken. Blend together the mayonnaise, sour cream and rosemary then pour over the chicken and celery stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Additional Gardening Tips

From my experience rosemary has been tolerant no matter where I grow it. Although it does best in rich soil it can survive in poor soil. While living in Florida I do generally keep it in pots only because we tend to get more rain than it can handle.

One thing I appreciate is it is easy to start new plants. When I notice the plant starting to fade, I will take some of the stronger branches and cut them off. You can create new plants from these cutting. My favorite tip, take off a few of the lower leaves, roll the exposed branch in cinnamon and put it in water on a well-lit windowsill. Change out the water periodically, in a few weeks you will see roots. Plant it in a new pot or outside.

The plants truly teach me something new each day. I enjoy having a garden for my own mental health, it also helps keep my family healthy and well fed. I would love to hear about your favorite herb, what do you enjoy most?

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