Salvia rosmarinus · Leaf
Rosemary
Traditional use'There's rosemary, that's for remembrance,' says Ophelia. This Mediterranean evergreen was woven into wedding and funeral garlands for centuries.
Traditionally used for
- Traditionally associated with memory and remembrance
- Used as a digestive kitchen herb and in hair rinses
What research says
Rosemary has been studied mostly in the lab and in small human trials; there is not enough evidence to support health uses.
How people use it
- Sprigs with roasted potatoes, lamb and bread
- Infused into olive oil (refrigerate, use within a week)
- Steeped as a fragrant tea
Safety and interactions
- Food amounts are safe
- Concentrated rosemary oil should not be swallowed
- Avoid medicinal amounts in pregnancy
Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using rosemary as a supplement, especially with prescription medicine, in pregnancy or before surgery.
Sources
- PubMed: current research on rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis human trial
- Nicholas Culpeper, The Complete Herbal (1653), Project Gutenberg
- USDA FoodData Central (nutrient data)
Reviewed October 25, 2026. Evidence tier: Traditional use: Traditional and culinary use; little or no clinical research. How we rank evidence.