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Ready for rosemary?
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Here is a herb known for its medicinal properties
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Photo: K. Ananthan
Headache? Have a rosemary infusion
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen needle-like leaves. Member of the mint family Lamiaceae, rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region. One of the oldest rec
orded herbs in history, rosemary survives well in well-drained sandy and rocky soils.
Medicinal uses
Rosemary has been found to be a stimulant and a mild analgesic, and used to treat headaches and poor circulation. (For a tonic against headaches, put some sprigs into a teapot; add hot water, strain and serve.)
Rosemary can be used as a disinfectant, as a mouth wash and to treat fever or rheumatism. Externally it can be used in hair lotions; a few drops of rosemary oil massaged into the scalp, can revitalise hair.
Used in this manner, it is supposed to prevent premature baldness.osemary is also said to check dandruff. Rosemary has an old reputation for improving memory, and has been used as a symbol for remembrance (during weddings, war commemorations and funerals) in Europe, probably as a result of this reputation.
Rosemary and its constituents carnosol and ursolic acid have been shown to inhibit the growth of skin tumours and to provide a natural anti-oxidant protection against skin cancer and photo damage.
The fresh and dried leaves are used frequently in traditional Mediterranean cuisine as a herb; they have a bitter, astringent taste, which complements oily foods, such as lamb and fish. A tisane can also be made from them. They are extensively used in cooking, and when burned gives off a distinct mustard smell, which can be used to flavour foods while barbequing. Rosemary also makes a refreshing summer drink.
Though there are many varieties, Rosmarinis officinalis and R. officinalis prostratis are the two basic types. Rosmarinis officinalis commonly refers to the upright varieties of rosemary.
R. officinalis prostratis refers to prostrate or creeping rosemary which, as its name suggests, tends to grow close to the ground.
It is an ideal plant for rock gardens and hanging baskets. Both varieties are great for cooking.
N. GOPI
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