Rosemary an aphrodisiac

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which also includes many other herbs. Forms range from upright to trailing; the upright forms can reach 1.5 m tall, rarely 2 m. The leaves are evergreen, 2-4 cm long and 2-5 mm broad, green above, and white below with dense short woolly hairs. The flowers are variable in color, being white, pink, purple, or blue.

The fresh and dried leaves are used frequently in traditional Mediterranean cuisine as an herb; they have a bitter, astringent taste, which complements oily foods, such as lamb and oily fish. A tisane can also be made from them. They are extensively used in cooking, and when burned give off a distinct mustard smell, as well as a smell similar to that of burning which can be used to flavor foods while barbecuing. Rosemary, in the dried form, is extremely high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6. It is in fact more nutrient rich in its dry form than fresh rosemary across the board.

The Ancients were well acquainted with the shrub, which had a reputation for strengthening the memory and has been used as a symbol for remembrance. On this account it became the emblem of fidelity for lovers. It holds a special position among herbs from the symbolism attached to it. Not only was it used at weddings, but also at funerals, for decking churches and banqueting halls at festivals, as incense in religious ceremonies, and in magical spells. Mourners would throw it into graves as a symbol of remembrance for the dead.

Tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, stimulant; oil of Rosemary has the carminative properties of other volatile oils and is an excellent stomachic and nervine, curing many cases of headache. It is employed principally, externally, as spiritus Rosmarini, in hair-lotions, for its odor and effect in stimulating the hair-bulbs to renewed activity and preventing premature baldness. An infusion of the dried plant (both leaves and flowers), combined with borax and used when cold, makes one of the best hair washes known. It forms an effectual remedy for the prevention of scurf and dandruff.

Rosemary oil helps to clear the mind and strengthen the memory. The penetrating actions of Rosemary oil are beneficial in the treatment of muscular pain and arthritic conditions. It has a very intoxicating aroma. According to Cynthia Mervis Watson, author of “Love Potions: A Guide to Aphrodisiacs and Sexual Pleasures,” rosemary plays on our scent memory – our strongest tie to emotional experiences. Therefore, if the scent of rosemary is present during an amorous event the smell of the herb will act as a Pavlovian “call to love” in the future.