01/20/2026
Rosemarinus officinalis, with her distinctive narrow, pointed leaves and her arresting fragrance, offers so much to herbalists.
Aromatherapeutically, she has a cleansing effect. A few drops of the essential oil, when added to baking soda, adds an extra disinfectant activity to laundry. I like to add the oil to rinse water when cleaning house.
In the kitchen, she brings more magic. The sharp piney flavor serves as a brilliant accent to soups, chicken dishes, venison, potatoes, and beef. If you get long, sturdy branches, you can strip the leaves and use the stems as kabobs when grilling.
Thanks to William Shakespeare, rosemary has the reputation for enhancing our ability to concentrate. I can't speak to the veracity of this. Ophelia lost her mind after the iconic line, " There's rosemary, that's for remembrance."
In floriography, the language of flowers, rosemary communicates, love, fidelity and remembrance.
I've grown the trailing variety, the upright and the shrubby types. All smell glorious.
In winter, you can find fresh bits of rosemary in the produce section. Work her into your life. She will amaze you.
