Rosemary

• English:  rosemary
• Spanish:  romero
• Portuguese:  alecrim
• French:  romarin
• Italian:  rosmarino
• German:  Rosmarin
• Dutch:  rozemarijn
• Czech:  rozmarýn
• Hungarian:  rozmaring
• Greek:  dendrolívano
• Danish:  rosmarin
• Norwegian:  rosmarin
• Swedish:  rosmarin
• Finnish:  rosmariini
• Polish:  rozmaryn
• Turkish:  biberiye
• Hebrew:  rozmarin
• Arabic:  iklīl al-jabal
• Persian/ Farsi:  rozemari
• Swahili:  rosemary
• Russian:  rozmarin
• India  
  • Bengali:  rosemary
  • Hindi:  dauna, rusameri
  • Gujarati:  rōzmarī
  • Marathi:  rojamerī
  • Sanskrit:  rusmaryah
  • Tamil:  rōsmērī
• Sri Lanka (Sinhala): rōsmarī
• Burmese:  rosmari
• Thai:  ros̄mæri
• Cambodia (Khmer):  rosmêri
• Vietnamese:  hương thảo
• Malay:  rosemary
• Indonesian:  rosemary
• Filipino:  rosemary
• China
  • Mandarin:  mí dié xiāng
  • Cantonese:  mai dit hoeng
• Korean:  rojeumari
• Japanese:  rōzumarī

Source:  USDA FoodData Central

Daily Value % based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Rosemary is a truly beloved herb. Its distinctive aromatics stem from a complex interplay of diverse volatile compounds. While cineole and α-pinene are the major players, other terpenes, phenolic compounds, and phytochemicals round out rosemary’s unique flavor profile. The ratios of these compounds vary by cultivar, but the core components of all types of rosemary are:

Aroma & Flavor Compounds

• Cineole
  • Culinary:  One of the major components of rosemary essential oil, responsible for its fresh aroma akin to eucalyptus 
  • Medicinal:  Potent decongestant - used in many cough drops, chest rubs, and inhalants. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential.
• α-Pinene
  • Culinary:  True to its name, pinene adds an earthy, woody, fresh note reminiscent of pine and fir. 
  • Medicinal:  Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential. Also used for its positive effects on the respiratory system. 
• Camphor
  • Culinary:  Contributes a cooling, minty effect.
  • Medicinal:  Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Borneol
  • Culinary:  Contributes a woody, earthy note with a hint of spice.
  • Medicinal:  Potential antimicrobial and analgesic properties.
• Verbenone
  • Culinary:  Adds a sweet, lemony note.
  • Medicinal:  Potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Other Terpenes
  • Rosemary contains smaller amounts of other terpenes like limonene, myrcene, and camphene. 

Other Phytochemicals

• Rosmarinic Acid
  • Culinary:  Adds a slightly bitter, astringent flavor.
  • Medicinal:  Potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
• Carnosic Acid & Carnosol
  • Culinary:  Contributes to the herb's bitterness.
  • Medicinal:  Potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects.
• Ursolic Acid
  • Culinary:  Adds a mild bitterness.
  • Medicinal:  Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.
• Flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin)
  • Culinary:  Contribute to the color of rosemary.
  • Medicinal:  Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Phenolic Acids
  • Culinary:  Contribute to rosemary's distinctive taste.
  • Medicinal:  Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Notes

• Since the macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) are listed in the nutrition facts above, this section focuses on the compounds most responsible for a spice or herb's unique culinary and medicinal properties.
• Keep in mind that chemical composition can vary, mainly in proportion and concentration, but it is possible for certain compounds to be entirely absent. In fact, these variations are the reason for differences in quality. This is why spices are typically graded by measuring the levels of key compounds that directly contribute to aroma, flavor, and color.
• Composition variation (and hence, quality) is affected by plant part, variety/ cultivar, age/ freshness/ ripeness, region, terroir, environmental stressors, potential adulteration, and the techniques deployed throughout the following processes: cultivation, harvesting, processing (drying, curing), shipping, storage, and preparation (grinding, grating, infusing, roasting). A magnificent spice is thus a celebration of a complex journey, shaped by natural forces and human ingenuity.

The key bioactive compounds in rosemary, particularly rosmarinic acid and various terpenes, contribute to its diverse range of potential health benefits:

• Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Action
  • Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and various flavonoids. Studies suggest that rosemary extracts and its compounds also possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. 
• Brain Health & Cognitive Function
  • Rosemary has been traditionally used to enhance memory and cognitive function, a belief supported by modern research that indicates that rosemary's compounds may have neuroprotective effects. Also, inhaling rosemary aroma or consuming its extracts may improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance cognitive performance, including memory and alertness.
• Digestive Health 
  • Rosemary has been used in traditional medicine to alleviate digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and gas. Studies suggest that rosemary may have carminative and antispasmodic properties that relax the digestive tract muscles and promote healthy digestion. 
• Hair Growth
  • Topical application of rosemary oil has been traditionally used to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. Some studies suggest it may be as effective as minoxidil, a common hair loss treatment.
• Pain Relief
  • Rosemary oil may help alleviate pain associated with muscle aches, headaches, and menstrual cramps when applied topically. 
• Antimicrobial Activity 
  • Rosemary extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi. 

Important Considerations

• Essential Oil Safety:  Rosemary essential oil is highly concentrated and should be used with caution. It should be diluted before topical application or ingestion, and pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its use.
• Dosage Matters:  Researchers commonly use concentrated extracts, so keep in mind that standard dietary consumption may not yield the same results. More studies are required to establish proper dosages and administration methods.
• Medication Interaction:  Rosemary should not be considered a replacement for conventional medical treatments, and while it is generally safe for most people, it is critical to exercise moderation and consider potential interactions with other medications. 
• Disclaimer:  Consult healthcare professionals before using spices and herbs for medicinal purposes. 

Here are some of the most popular alternative use cases for rosemary:

• Aromatherapy
  • Rosemary's invigorating aroma, rich in terpenes like 1,8-cineole and alpha-pinene, is widely used in aromatherapy to promote mental clarity, focus, and memory. Its essential oil is often diffused, inhaled, or used in massage oils to enhance cognitive performance and reduce mental fatigue.
• Hair & Scalp Health
  • Rosemary oil has been traditionally used to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. Some studies suggest it may stimulate hair follicles and reduce hair loss.
• Insect Repellent
  • The strong aroma of rosemary can act as a natural deterrent for insects. Dried rosemary bundles, sachets, or essential oil sprays can be used to protect clothes and spaces from unwanted pests.
• Air Freshener
  • Rosemary's fresh, herbaceous scent makes it an ideal natural air freshener. Dried rosemary bundles, sachets, or essential oil diffusers can be used to freshen up rooms and eliminate unpleasant odors.
• Cleaning Solution
  • The antimicrobial properties of rosemary oil make it a potential addition to natural cleaning products. It can be added to homemade cleaners or used to create fragrant disinfecting sprays.
• Skincare
  • Rosemary oil's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular ingredient in skincare products. It is believed to help tone and revitalize the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve circulation.
• Hair Care
  • Rosemary oil is often added to shampoos and conditioners for its potential to strengthen hair, reduce dandruff, and promote a healthy scalp.
• Gardening
  • Rosemary plants can be used to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to gardens, while also repelling certain pests.
• Potpourri & Sachets
  • Dried rosemary sprigs and flowers add a delightful fragrance to potpourris and sachets, infusing spaces with a warm and inviting aroma.

Disclaimer:  While rosemary shows promise in these areas, it's important to manage expectations. Its effectiveness may be limited compared to commercial alternatives.

While rosemary's unique character is difficult to replicate entirely, several substitutes can offer similar nuances or provide a gentler alternative, depending on the dish and desired outcome:

• Thyme
  • A close relative of rosemary, thyme shares its earthy, herbaceous notes with a touch of minty sweetness. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for rosemary in most dishes, although its flavor is slightly milder.
• Sage
  • While more pungent and earthy than rosemary, sage offers a similar warmth and complexity. Use it sparingly, especially in dishes with robust flavors like roasted meats or hearty stews.
• Marjoram
  • With its delicate, floral aroma and slightly sweet flavor, marjoram provides a gentler alternative to rosemary. It's suitable for dishes where a subtle herbaceous note is desired.
• Savory
  • This herb, also known as summer savory, has a peppery, slightly bitter flavor with hints of pine. It can be used as a substitute for rosemary in small amounts, especially in dishes where a warm, savory note is desired.
• Bay Leaves
  • While not a direct flavor substitute, bay leaves offer a similar aromatic profile to rosemary, with hints of pine and eucalyptus. Use them whole in soups, stews, and braises to infuse a subtle, woodsy aroma.
• Juniper Berries
  • This spice has a piney, resinous aroma that can evoke a sense of rosemary. They can be used whole in marinades or brines. 
• Herbes de Provence
  • This blend often includes rosemary, along with thyme, marjoram, oregano, and lavender, among other herbs. It can be used as a substitute for dried rosemary in a variety of dishes, offering a complex, aromatic flavor. Best used in French and Mediterranean dishes, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats.
• Italian Seasoning  
  • This common blend includes dried rosemary, oregano, thyme, and other herbs, making it a convenient substitute when you need to replace rosemary’s flavor in Italian or Mediterranean recipes.

Notes

• Incomplete Substitution:  All spices and herbs are too complex to match exactly, so it's crucial to consider the specific characteristics you aim to replicate, such as certain aspects of its flavor, aroma, texture, or color.
• Quantity Adjustment:  Start with a small amount of the substitute and adjust to taste, as it won't be a perfect 1:1 exchange for the original's flavor or potency.
• Context:  Consider the dish you're making and how the substitute's entire flavor profile will merge with other ingredients. Each alternative brings its own properties that will influence the final dish differently. 
• Experimentation:  Playing with substitutions is a great opportunity to explore how tastes and aromas interact. If you approach it with an open mind, you may really enjoy the process of fusing new flavors, and make some amazing discoveries along the way.

Rosemary was a treasure to the ancient world. It’s so fascinating that throughout history, rosemary has always been associated with memory. How did the ancients know that it should be related to this? In their burial rituals, the Egyptians placed sprigs of rosemary in tombs as a symbol of remembering the dead. It was also used in embalming processes because its powerful aromatics helped quell unpleasant odors and preserve bodies.

Rosemary’s connection with memory strengthened in Greece. Greek scholars would don garlands of rosemary on their heads to better retain information. This led to its symbolic use in weddings. Brides would wear rosemary as a sign that they would remember their vows, which in turn broadened rosemary’s symbolism to include love and loyalty. The herb was also sacred to the Romans for its medicinal, culinary, and symbolic uses. They used it in religious ceremonies, believing it had protective powers. "Rosemary" comes from the Latin "ros marinus," meaning "dew of the sea.” The Romans must have been impressed with its ability to flourish along the cliffs of the Mediterranean coast. 

Through the Middle Ages, sprigs of rosemary were often exchanged as tokens of affection or placed in the hands of the deceased like the Egyptians. This gesture said, “We will remember you, and love you eternally.” Rosemary as an emblem of memory, love, and protection persisted through the centuries. It was also a common practice to plant rosemary outside the home as a way to ward off evil spirits and protect against illness. 

The herb was also essential to medieval medicine. It was used to treat everything from indigestion and headaches to depression. The herb’s essential oils, which we now know are rich in beneficial compounds like camphor and rosmarinic acid, were believed to have potent healing properties. As legend has it, rosemary water was used by Queen Elizabeth of Hungary in the 14th century to treat her rheumatism and restore her youth. “Hungary water,” as it came to be called, became a popular tonic infusing rosemary with alcohol. This was one of the earliest alcohol-based perfumes that was thought to have medicinal and cosmetic value. During this period, rosemary also established itself as a culinary herb. Its robust flavor made it a popular seasoning for meats like lamb as well as stews and soups. The herb’s strong preservative qualities were also highly valued in an era before refrigeration. 

Rosemary’s popularity continued to rise throughout the Renaissance. The herb was grown in the gardens of monasteries, apothecaries, and even royal courts. It was a symbol of prosperity and was often included in bouquets and small flower arrangements called nosegays, which were used like potpourri.

As Europe entered the Age of Enlightenment, scientific inquiry into the properties of plants became more systematic and rosemary was seriously studied for its medicinal properties. They found it could actually strengthen memory, echoing the beliefs of the ancients. It could also promote hair growth and improve circulation. Rosemary’s symbolism didn’t wane in this period either. It was used in bridal wreaths and as a traditional strewing herb, scattered on floors to freshen and disinfect the air in homes and public spaces.

In the modern era, rosemary continues to be a beloved culinary and medicinal herb. Recent scientific research has validated many of the traditional uses of rosemary. Studies have shown that rosemary contains powerful antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Research into rosemary’s cognitive benefits continues as well, with some studies suggesting that it may improve memory and cognitive function like we’ve known all along. How did the ancients know of properties that stem from its unique chemical composition? It's truly awe-inspiring. 

Rosemary's cultural significance endures as well. It is still used in weddings, funerals, and other rituals to this day, symbolizing remembrance, love, and fidelity. Without a doubt, it is an herb to remember.