Rosemary – Rosmarinus Officinalis. A great herb for many purposes. 

Rosemary -  a small evergreen herb - shrub - which is indigenous from S. Europe to the Mediterranean area. Rosemary bushes can grow up to 4 or 5 feet tall. The wiry older branches are covered in thick leathery leaves with a dark green shine and a white underneath. There is a prominent midrib vein in the middle.

The pale blue, sometimes white flowers, grow in short clusters and appear between April and June. Rosemary seeds are very slow to germinate, so they need to be planted in a pot until well grown, a young plant is best planted in late summer, Rosemary loves hot sun and poor, slightly limed soil which is well drained.

Rosemary prostratus will flower in most months of the year! Especially if grown in dry conditions.

Medicinal
A cup of rosemary tea is as effective in relieving a headache as an aspirin. It also said to be good for the memory. Use rosemary to strengthen and stimulate hair and it can be beneficial for premature balding when used as a cold tea rinse or essential oil.
Rosemary also has value as a cardiovascular herb. It has been used to help circulation, to lower blood pressure ant to decrease capillary permeability and fragility.
Rosemary also works in the stomach where it smoothes spasms, flatulence and digestive upset. It is also active against yeast infections.

Culinary
Rosemary has a strong pine scent and can be used in many ways, place sprigs of rosemary on Lamb to enhance the flavour, and for a real difference try rosemary with fish, not only can it be used for savoury dishes try making Jams, jellies and even in biscuits. Rosemary works well with Lemon, add to oil to make wonderful condiments or marinades.
When using rosemary, finely chop when adding as an ingredient, use whole when using sprigs so that it can be removed.

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