Her Majesty - Rosemary Herb (Rosmarinus officinalis)

 

To me, rosemary herb plant always brings back fond memories. Its distinctive smell teleports me straight to the ranch-type, yellow-painted vacation home on the beach with the rosemary hedge around.

All that is far away and far back in the past of my childhood. But without a mistake, this time travel happens to me every time I brush my hand over the rosemary bush in front of my home. The magical smell fills up my nostrils and the pleasure of pure childhood happiness starts rising in my body…

Not only is its aroma, rosemary’s taste is also distinguishing. That’s a good reason to be conservative whenever using it as a spice. A fresh sprig of rosemary makes a nice decoration with many foods, especially fish. Just don’t try to put it in your mouth and chew on it.

Some sources mention the use of rosemary essential oil as a cure for stomachaches and to stimulate the blood circulation. Other natural healing uses: eyestrain, for shiny dark hair, headache, as cellulite eliminator, as pain relief. Only, I’m not a doctor and I can’t prescribe you anything.

For now, plant rosemary in a sunny spot somewhere around your home. It will also grow in a pot. Rosemary plants prefer fertile, well drained, light soil. Different kinds of rosemary are hardy in different zones. If you’re not sure, bring it in the house before first fall frost. In case you have several plants, leave one or two established plants outside and see if they survive.

Rosemary twigs look great in vases and they make the inside of your home smell fresh. Every rosemary bush can be pruned to a desired shape. Additional attribute of rosemary’s aroma is that it keeps the rodents away!

As soon as I’m done typing this article, I’m going out. There’s a rosemary bush in front of our house. In less than two years it grew from a tiny plant from the nursery to the size of about a yard across. I’m going to slide my hand over the tip of the branches, close my eyes and spend a few moments on a beautiful distant beach.