History of Rosemary

Rosemary has been known in ancient folklore as Dew of the Sea, Rose of Mary, Rosa Marina, and Compass Weed. It has long been considered the herb of friendship, remembrance, eternal bonds and enduring love, featuring prominently in weddings and funerals throughout history, dating back to 5000BCE. In ancient Egypt, Rosemary branches were used to adorn pharaohs’ tombs to perfume their journey through to the afterlife, and there are records of King Ramesses III offering Rosemary to the god Amon at Thebes. Ancient Greek students consumed rosemary to improve memory and focus, and wore rosemary garlands on their heads and around their necks when studying for examinations. The ancient Romans believed that rosemary’s perfume aided in the preservation of dead bodies, and the green colour of the leaves symbolised eternity. Both the ancient Romans and Greeks believed Rosemary harboured protective healing and mystical powers against evil spirits. The Greeks would burn Rosemary branches during rituals dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, and the ancient Arabians made Rosemary a symbol of remembrance due to its effects on boosting one’s memory. The French used rosemary to embalm the dead during Medieval times, and the herb was traditionally eaten on the eve of St.Agnes “to ease the mind of the lovesick”. Rosemary eventually made its way to Britain, introduced by the Romans, and from there spread into the New World, where it was used to improve blood circulation, treat rheumatism, soothe a sore stomach, heal wounds, and aid respiratory illnesses. Throughout history, Rosemary has long been used to aid memory, boost brain function, and ward off evil spirits.