Element: Fire
Planet: Sun
Energy: Masculine/Expressive
Properties: Protection, cleansing, clarity, exorcism, love, lust, purification, healing, sleep
Folk names: Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Polar Plant, Sea Dew
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen shrub in the Lamiaceae or mint family that is valued for its fragrant, ornamental foliage, and as an enhancement in cooking. The shrub grows from 4 to 5 feet tall and is generally erect and rounded. The aromatic, needle-like leaves are green on the upper surface, and the undersides are white and tomentose. The flowers are tiny, blue, lavender, or white, and are two-lipped and whorled around the square stems. It is frequently cultivated as an ornamental, as a culinary herb, or for use in sachets or potpourris.
It is native to Africa, Europe, Western Asia, and the Mediterranean and is found in dry, rocky areas.
The genus name, Salvia, is derived from the Latin word salvo which means "to save or heal." This refers to the medical uses of some plants in this genus. The epithet, Rosmarinus, comes from the Latin words ros meaning "dew," marinus meaning "sea," or in other words, "dew of the sea. " This is most likely a reference to the ability of this plant to thrive well in coastal areas, sea cliffs, and exposure to ocean mists.
Rosemary does best in light, slightly acidic, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates drought, partial shade, salt, heavy pruning, and most soil types except clay. It is easily transplanted and rooted. However, it has a low tolerance for wet, humid environments and requires careful tending in an appropriate spot. Once the bloom has passed, severely pruning is an option to encourage dense foliage growth. Rosemary plants are slow to germinate from seed, and gardeners might find more success propagating from stem cuttings, layering, or division.
Disclaimer: Use herbs with caution. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before working with or ingesting any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
We make no actual claims nor guarantee any supernatural, magical, or medicinal qualities for any product. The names and alleged powers are gathered from books, folklore, and various occult sources. Not evaluated by the FDA.
