Rosemary
This finely scented, evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves has been used in the Mediterranean since ancient times and was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite as a symbol of love and beauty. Known as a medicinal herb since the Middle Ages, rosemary remains indispensable in the kitchen today.
Rosemary contains iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C.
The fresh “needles” (shoot tips) of rosemary are a key spice used throughout the year in Mediterranean cuisine and, depending on people’s taste, go well with almost everything. When vegetables, pizza, meat, cheese and salads are prepared with rosemary, its delicate scent is immediately recognisable in the kitchen.
If you feel exhausted, it is advisable to drink a cup of rosemary tea made from dried leaves in the morning and at noon (pour 250 ml of water over a heaped teaspoon of rosemary tips and let it steep for a good quarter of an hour).
The positive effects of rosemary on the gastrointestinal system and its ability to counteract inflammation are well known. The few scientific studies carried out on the effects of rosemary in humans relate primarily to the psyche and memory. However, they are not yet conclusive due to low participant numbers. Nevertheless, the essential oils contained in rosemary are thought to positively affect sleep quality and depressive moods.