History / Traditions of Rosemary
The plant was considered sacred by Romans, being used as a decoration for statues and paintings of the gods. The Greeks also decorated statues with rosemary wreaths. The Egyptians used the plant for incense in ritual cleansing and healing and there is evidence that it was used from the earliest times.
Philospher healers such as Dioscorides, Theophanus and Conrad Gesner all recognised the beneficial effects of Rosemary in the treatments of liver, heart, brain, and eye problems.
During the plagues of the middle ages Rosemary was burnt to drive away evil spirits and protect against infection.
Rosemary was said to have rejuvinating properties and powers, and was used in Hungary water, a popular toilet water named after queen Elizabeth of Hungary. Many legends and folk tales have built up around this plant and ornaments made from rosemary were used on festive occasions as signs of love and faithfulness.
