Subject: Rosemary
Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 18:29:57 +0100 ***
COMMON NAME (English/German): Rosemary/Rosemarin
LATIN NAME: Rosemarinus officinalis
TYPE OF PLANT: perennial evergreen
SYMBOLISM: remembrance, friendship, love
MYTHS/LEGENDS: If a rosemary bush grows vigorously in a garden, a
woman heads the household. In ancient Greece, students wore rosemary
garlands while studying for exams, believing the herb would improve
their memory.
MAGICKAL: Placed under a pillow, rosemary wards off demons and
prevents bad dreams. Tapping a fresh sprig of rosemary against the
finger of a loved one secures his or her affection.
- MEDICINAL: for headaches, insomnia, nervous disorders and
digestive ailments
- bath: Rosemary contains volatile oil that gets the blood
flowing. A bath is stimulating and refreshing.
- cosmetic: Adds a pleasant and refreshing scent to soaps,
creams, lotions, etc. A rosemary rinse will brighten brunette
hair. Steep a sprig in one cup of water for 5-10 minutes and use
after shampooing.
-
- EDIBLE: Flavor harmonizes with poultry, fish, lamb, beef,
veal, pork and game, particularly in their roasted forms. Enhances
tomatoes, spinach, peas, mushrooms, squash, cheese, eggs, lentils.
Complements chives, thyme, chervil, parsley and bay in recipes.
- Herb butter--combine 2 tsp. rosemary with a half-cup of
softened unsalted butter
- Herb vinegar--rosemary, raisins, orange peel, garlic with
white wine vinegar.
- Tea blend--lemongrass, rosemary and thyme
CULTIVATION
- zones: 8
- soil pH and composition: light, pH 6.8
- planting time: after danger of frost has passed
- bloom time: early summer
- sun and water: full sun to partial shade, well drained
- companions/threats: Benefits beans. Repels carrot fly, Mexican
bean beetle, slugs and snails. Susceptible to root rot, spider
mites, mealybugs, whiteflies.
HARVESTING AND STORAGE: Cut 4-inch pieces from the tips of the
branches. Do not remove more than 20% of the growth at a time. Freeze
whole sprigs.
ETC.: Sachets repels moths. Makes yellow-green dye.
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***Excerpted from my original
contributions to an online discussion graciously sponsored by
Dracona Pagan
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