Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae)

Description: Woody evergreen perennial growing up to 10 ft. Bushy stems with gray bark are covered with narrow aromatic leaves. Small blue flowers appear in early summer.

Uses: Use leaves gathered at flowering time fresh or dried in the shade. Used medicinally to treat depression, migraine, and digestive or liver disorders. Leaves can also be made into an ointment to treat eczema, wounds, and rheumatism. CAUTION: Excessive quantities or frequent use may cause poisoning.

Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1½ ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours.

Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1½ cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

Medicinal uses: migraine, digestion, neuralgia, rheumatism, eczema, mouthwash

Used in spells relating to: Protection from evil