Rosemary Rosemarinus officinalis Both its systematic generic name and the common are said to be derived from ros marinus, dew of the sea, after its tendency to grow in coastal regions where it is found wild in the Mediterranean. The ancient Greeks believed that it improved the power of the mind and wore garlands of it around their heads during examinations. Rosemary was also used in Classical Rome but primarily as a medicine, and it was taken with them to their colonies. Later its associations grew to include remembrance and mourners would often carry sprigs to toss into the grave, to indicate that the deceased would not be forgotten. Shakespeare reflected this when writing for Ophelia’s pre-suicide ramblings, (Hamlet, Act IV, Scene IV), “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray you, love, remember.” Rosemary was also worn at weddings to signify fidelity and was traditionally incorporated into the bridal bouquet; Anne of Cleves wore a wreath of rosemary on her marriage to Henry VIII - either proving it totally ineffective in this capacity, or the king’s immunity to herbal cures. Had he been more susceptible to rosemary’s charms, Henry may also have been able to avail himself of another benefit of the plant; rosemary oil is a traditional remedy for gout, a disease from which he suffered very badly. The oil is also used in herbalism to ease muscular ashes and pains and was the active ingredient in ‘Hungary Water’, a preparation made by a hermit for Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary, in around 1235. A distillation of rosemary, lavender and myrtle, it is said to have restored life to her paralyzed limbs. Its antiseptic properties have been well-known throughout the ages. During the 15th century, rosemary branches were burnt to protect homes from the Black Death and during World War II rosemary and juniper branches were burnt in French hospitals to prevent the spread of infection. In popular magic, rosemary is said to be ruled by the sun and is used to promote sleep, enduring youth, protection, love, mental awareness and purification. One superstition held that if rosemary sprigs were placed under the pillow, it would banish evil spirits and the nightmares they bring. Used in incense for purification and insight and may be slightly hallucinogenic, as it was inhaled by practitioners to promote visions and ‘the sight’. It was also used as a cheaper alternative to frankincense. The flowers of the rosemary were said to have once been white, turning blue after the Virgin Mary rested her mantle over them. Culinary use of the herb is usually restricted to the savoury side, for roasts such as lamb, flavouring vegetables and for stuffings for poultry and fish. Slender rosemary branches can also be used to make skewers which flavour meat from the inside-out to stunning effect. It is said to stimulate the circulatory, nervous and digestive systems, relieving indigestion and flatulence. A herb for all uses, rosemary has also been used in cosmetics throughout the ages. The oil used to stimulate the head and scalp being a common ingredient in many hair tonics and shampoos. Herbal medical practitioners also use weak rosemary tea to relieve headaches, dizziness, neuralgia and colds and its antiseptic properties makes an infusion of rosemary an ideal gargle. Modern medical scientists are also exploring the cancer-busting properties of the herb. Apparently, it contains substances known as quinones, which have been shown in laboratory tests to inhibit carcinogens and cocarcinogens, chemicals which enhance the action of cancer-causing substances.