![[ Rosemary: A rose by any other name... ] ~ from Monterey Bay Spice]()
c. a rose by any
other name...
Rosemary takes its name from the Latin ros maris, which means “dew of the sea.” This is likely in reference to the herb’s preference for growing at low altittudes (albeit not necessarily along the coasts) of its indigenous domain. The name was combined in Middle English to rosmarine.
It was then further refined so as to emphasize the "Mary" which was in reference to an account of the Flight into Egypt. Reputedly while resting during the Virgin Mary and Christ child's journey to Egypt to escape King Herod, the Virgin hung her blue cloak on a rosemary bush thus causing its white flowers to turn blue. It has also been said that in her honor the plant came to be known as Rose of Mary, which was eventually shortened to the modern name rosemary—familiar to us today.
The Flight into Egypt
by Vittore Carpaccio
c 1500
![[ The Lure of Lavender: In the Kitchen and Bath ] ~ from Monterey Bay Spice]()
d. rosemary &
uses beyond the kitchen
During the Middle Ages, rosemary was thought to be capable of dispelling negativity. As such, it was tucked under pillows to thwart nightmares and visits from evil spirits. It was also burned in the house to keep the black plague from entering. Perhaps this association with protection is why rosemary is still a common ingredient in incense used to cleanse sacred spaces. It was also thought to promote prosperity. In fact, 16th century merchants would often hire perfumers to infuse their shops with spirits of rosemary. The herb was also a popular addition to nosegays, wreaths, and other floral displays to encourage happiness of home and hearth.
Historically rosemary had a variety of uses. In one of the earliest herbals known to be printed in England, Rycharde Banckes recommended that one gather leaves of rosemary and “...boyle them in fayre water and drinke that water for it is much worthe against all manner of evils in the body." Indeed, rosemary was once thought to be a good for poor digestion, migraine, joint disorders, and muscle aches. In fact, Queen Elizabeth of Hungary was reputedly saved from a semi-paralysis when she sipped a concoction of rosemary to ease her painful joints. Hence, this formula came to be known as the infamous Hungary Water.
Today, rosemary is recognized as possessing a wealth of interesting components. For one thing, the plant contains salicylic acid, the forerunner of aspirin. This may explain why massaging the oil of rosemary into joints was sometimes used to ease arthritic or rheumatic pain. It also contains antibacterial and antimicrobial agents, and is used by modern herbalists in their cosemtic formulas made to address a variety of skin issues, including dandruff.
Researchers have discovered that certain phytochemicals in the herb prevent the degradation of acetylcholine, an important brain chemical needed for normal neurotransmission. A deficiency of this chemical is commonly seen in Alzheimer's patients.
