Rosemary is not just a culinary herb with health benefits; even in ancient times, it held a special position among herbs for its versatility. Its symbolic significance in ancient times persists today. Rosemary also has cosmetic and other uses, further strengthening its claim to versatility.
Symbolic Significance of Rosemary
Shakespeare’s immortal line: "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance” in “Hamlet” may have originated from the belief that Rosemary enhanced memory. This ancient folk remedy made Rosemary the emblem of fidelity for lovers.
Rosemary was used for all kinds of occasions, from weddings to funerals and religious ceremonies, and for decorating churches and halls. The ancients used rosemary for religious ceremonies, instead of the more costly incense.
- At weddings, a twig of Rosemary was entwined in the bridal wreath, after being dipped into scented water. Moreover, a Rosemary branch, richly decorated and tied with multicolored silk ribbons, was presented to wedding guests as a symbol of friendship and love. Rosemary was also given as a New Year’s gift. There are references to this custom in Ben Jonson's plays.
- Sprigs of Rosemary were carried at funerals, and distributed to the mourners, to be thrown on to the coffin after it had been lowered into the grave. This custom of giving mourners a twig of Rosemary before leaving the house for the funeral still prevails in many parts of Wales.
Cosmetic Uses of Rosemary
- Rosemary can be used as an infusion to tone, strengthen and condition the hair, as well as lighten the color. Rosemary is also available as a toner and astringent. When used as a hair lotion, Rosemary is reputed to stimulate hair growth and prevent premature baldness. It also prevents scurf and dandruff.
- Rosemary is one of the ingredients used in the preparation of Eau-de-Cologne. Moreover, it is used to scent perfumes and cosmetics.
Other Uses of Rosemary
- In the olden days, especially in France, Rosemary was burnt in sick chambers, sometimes with Juniper berries, to disinfect the atmosphere, and prevent infection. Rosemary sprigs were placed even in the dock of courts of justice, to prevent the infectious gaol-fever from spreading. It is still used as a disinfectant.
- The Rosemary shrub acts as an insect repellant, and is often grown for this special property. Rosmary is grown as a companion plant for sage, beans, cabbage and carrots, as it helps to deter bean beetles, cabbage moths,and carrot flies.
- Finally, dried Rosemary can be made into a potpourri or put in sachets, and used to scent clothes and linen. Sachets of rosemary can also be used as moth repellents in cupboards.
Rosemary has been a popular herb since ancient times for its symbolic associations, as well as cosmetic and other uses. It also has a number of medicinal properties and health benefits.
Caution: Rosemary, like all herbs, contains active substances that can have side effects, so it should be used for cosmetic purposes only under the guidance of a practitioner.
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