Rosemary by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Rosemary
2. Folk Name(s): Compass Weed, Polar Plant, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Incensier, Sea Dew
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis)
4. Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
5. Plant Type: Evergreen perennial shrub
6. Botanical Description: Woody-stemmed, aromatic shrub reaching 2–6 feet in height. Narrow, needle-like leaves are dark green on top and silvery underneath. Produces clusters of small pale blue to violet flowers. Strong, pine-like fragrance.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: Hardy in USDA Zones 7–11 (can overwinter indoors in colder zones).
8. Best Zones for Growth: Mediterranean-type climates with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to the Mediterranean; cultivated worldwide as both ornamental and culinary herb.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers light, sandy, well-drained soil; full sun; tolerates drought once established.
2. Propagation: By semi-hardwood cuttings or layering; seeds germinate slowly and unreliably.
3. Companion Planting: Benefits cabbage, beans, carrots, and sage by repelling cabbage moths, carrot flies, and other pests. Avoid planting near basil (they dislike each other).
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Harvest sprigs year-round; peak oil content just before flowering. Snip no more than one-third of the plant at a time.
5. Drying/Preservation: Air-dry by hanging bundles upside down. Store in airtight containers away from light. Freezes well in oil or butter.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Symbol of remembrance, fidelity, and protection. Worn by brides, mourners, and students in ancient and medieval Europe. Romans used rosemary in purification rituals. In folklore, it was planted by garden gates for protection.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used for memory enhancement, digestion, circulation, and as a nerve tonic. Rosemary oil was a common liniment for sore muscles and joints.
3. Symbolism: Memory, loyalty, clarity, and protection. “Rosemary for remembrance” is a phrase found in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Essential oils (cineole, camphor, borneol, pinene), rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, tannins.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Stimulates circulation (used for cold hands/feet, rheumatism)
4. Improves memory and concentration
5. Digestive stimulant (relieves gas, bloating)
6. Mild antibacterial and antifungal agent
7. Relieves headaches and fatigue via aromatherapy
   
8. Preparation Methods: Infusions (tea), tinctures, essential oil (diluted), poultices, culinary use.
9. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
10. Tea: 1–2 tsp dried leaves per cup, steep 10 minutes
11. Oil: Always dilute before topical use
    
12. Safety/Precautions: Avoid large internal doses (may irritate kidneys). Avoid concentrated oil use during pregnancy or with epilepsy. Essential oil should not be ingested.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Fire
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Sun; associated with Aphrodite, Mary (in Christian lore), and remembrance deities
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, purification, love, fidelity, memory, clarity, exorcism
4. Ritual Use: Burn as incense for purification; add to baths for cleansing; place under pillow for dream recall; carried in sachets for protection. Used in handfastings and funerals alike as a plant of devotion and remembrance.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Dreaming of rosemary may indicate loyalty, past connections, or a need to clear mental fog.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides shelter for small insects and some beneficial predators.
3. Culinary Uses: Widely used in Mediterranean cuisine—pairs with roasted meats, breads, potatoes, and oils. Used fresh or dried.

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses:
   
2. Natural air freshener and insect repellent
3. Added to simmer pots for purification and scent
4. Infused in vinegar or oil for cleaning solutions
   
5. Notable Traits: Evergreen, aromatic year-round, hardy once established.
6. Special Notes: Often planted near doorways to protect the household; in folklore, “where rosemary thrives, the woman rules.”

Fast Facts

1. Evergreen shrub with year-round leaves
2. Symbol of remembrance and fidelity
3. Bridges culinary, medicinal, and magical use

Supporting Notes

1. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing, 2016.
2. Grieve, Maud. A Modern Herbal. 1931.
3. Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn, 1985.
4. Duke, James. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. CRC Press, 2002.