Guest Author - Jenn Givler

Rosemary is a wonderful, refreshing herb with many culinary and medicinal uses. It is an ash-colored evergreen shrub with thick leaves and scaly bark. Leaves are dark green on top and white underneath. Flowers are pale blue, sometimes white, and are relatively small.

In folk lore, Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance, and was used to banish melancholy. It was also a symbol of fidelity, and was put on pillows to keep away evil dreams. An old saying about Rosemary says "where Rosemary thrives, woman rules."

Rosemary adds a fragrant, fresh flavor to chicken or pork. In a baking dish, add pork and brush with a little bit of olive oil. Sprinkle rosemary on top and bake until meat is white and no longer translucent. You can cook chicken using this same method.

Rosemary can be sprinkled over salad that is dressed with a simple oil and vinegar dressing.

As a medicinal herb or essential oil, Rosemary is stimulating and promotes easy digestion. It can also be used for arthritis pain, rheumatism and can ease minor headache pain.

To use medicinally, you can add a few drops of Rosemary essential oil to an unscented lotion. Or you can make a bath tea with the leaves. To make a simple bath tea, fill a muslin bag with ¼ cup Rosemary leaves, ¼ peppermint leaves, and 2 tlbs. Epsom salts. While filling the tub, drop the muslin bag in. As you soak, you can breath in the wonderful aroma.