The Story of Rosemary

There is a rich history, full of folklore and legends, regarding the use of rosemary that goes as far back as ancient times. In ancient Greece, it was believed that wearing a garland of rosemary on the head improved memory. Many students were remembered for there head dress of rosemary while studying for their exams. It is said that rosemary was laid in the manger with the baby Jesus. Ever since, rosemary sprigs decorate Christmas gift as a sign of remembrance.

During the Middle Ages, rosemary was a symbol of love. Tap someone on the shoulder with a sprig of rosemary, and they will instantly fall in love.  If planted outside the house, it told everyone that the woman ruled the roost. Placed under a pillow, rosemary was thought to chase away demons and bad dreams. To keep out the Black Death, rosemary branches were burned in homes during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
          
In 1235, Queen Elizabeth of Hungary was supposedly cured of paralysis by a concoction of rosemary and wine. Know for centuries as Queen of Hungary’s Water, this tonic, when applied externally, was said to heal gout, baldness, and skin problems.
         
The French hung rosemary in hospitals as a healing incense, known as incesier. During World War II, nurses used rosemary leaves as an antiseptic.

Today we still have many uses for this wonderful aromatic herb.