Rosemary is a prized herb recognized for its culinary value. It infuses a distinct aroma to enhance the way food tastes. A sprig of rosemary completes the delectable flavor of lamb and steak, making it a staple herb for such recipes.
But there is so much more about rosemary than just cooking. It has an important repertory in the history of medicine. Rosemary has been a popular constituent in many tonics and liniments used for boosting memory. It can promote overall mental health and relieve other health problems too.
There are numerous reasons why you should incorporate rosemary into your diet. Outside of the kitchen, this seemingly common culinary herb has a plethora of other uses.
Household Uses of Rosemary
Pest Control
The pungent scent of rosemary can deter many of the notorious pests like mice, cabbage moths, flies, mosquitoes and other bugs. It works well during hot weather when pests are most active. All you have to do is place rosemary in various places around the house. Plant them in containers to make it easier for you to move them around. Or, you can harvest their leaves and throw them into the coal for the smoke to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Air Freshener
Get rid of the pungent odors in your home with rosemary leaves, vodka, and a few drops of essential oil. Rosemary air freshener is a green alternative to chemical air fresheners. You can use this anywhere in the house. It can battle even the worst smell in your bathroom and kitchen area.
To make your own rosemary air freshener, gather about half a cup of fresh rosemary sprigs. Add it to one cup of cheap vodka and let it infuse in a dark place. After at least two weeks, take the infusion and strain it into a 1-liter spray bottle. Top it up with water, add 5 to 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, and shake well before using.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Rosemary contains an ample amount of ursolic and rosmarinic acid, the compounds that inhibit microbial activity. Its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties make rosemary an excellent herb for a homemade cleaner.
Rosemary blends well with lemon and vinegar to create a potent but inexpensive all-natural surface cleaner. Combine two sprigs of rosemary, peels of 2 lemons or oranges, 2 cups water, and 2 cups white vinegar in a jar with a cover. Let it sit for 10 to 14 days to allow the oil to infuse. The longer the liquid is left, the stronger the aroma will become.
Strain the infusion and transfer it into a spray bottle for general-purpose cleaning. You may add fresh rosemary and lemon to the bottle before using it to intensify the fragrance.
Medicinal Properties
Rosemary has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It contains several compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can support overall health and well-being.
You can harness the medicinal benefits of rosemary by making teas or infusions to alleviate indigestion, boost the immune system, relieve headaches, and promote relaxation. Additionally, rosemary oil is known for its stimulating properties and can be used in homemade salves or balms for muscle aches and pains.
Pollinator Attraction
Maintaining a healthy ecosystem on the homestead is essential, and rosemary can play a role in attracting beneficial pollinators. Its vibrant flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting their population and promoting pollination in the garden.
By planting rosemary strategically in the garden, homesteaders can create a welcoming environment for these pollinators, which, in turn, helps with the pollination of other crops and enhances overall biodiversity.
Rosemary Salt
Turn an ordinary dish into a gourmet meal using flavored salt. Rosemary salt is a great spice for meat, poultry, and practically any food that needs an upgrade. You can make one at home by pulsing 1 cup coarse sea salt, 3 tbsp rosemary leaves, and lemon zest in a food processor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake in low heat for 15 minutes to dry.
Rosemary Skewers
Here is another unconventional use of rosemary: turn it into a natural barbecue skewer. It will not only hold the grilled pieces but also infuses its delectable flavor as it cooks. Use a fresh plant long enough to handle the food and insert it in a pre-bored hole in meats or veggies.
Rosemary Tincture
The best and most potent form of rosemary is in its tincture form. It can be used in many ways, from soothing an upset stomach, enhancing the mood, or alleviating pain and illnesses. Traditionally, men used it for enhancing beard growth just as women used it for keeping their hair healthy.
Keep a bottle of rosemary tincture handy anytime you need its therapeutic benefits with these simple ingredients: 1 cup fresh rosemary (1/2 cup if using dried) and 1 cup 80-proof vodka (40% alcohol)
Chop and lightly crush rosemary leaves, then place them in a clean glass jar. Pour in vodka to cover the leaves completely. Cover the jar and put it in a dark and cool place to infuse, shaking the jar regularly. After 4 to 6 weeks, take out the jar and strain the tincture with a fine sieve into a sterilized jar. Store the tincture in a cabinet.
Rosemary tincture can last for about 5 years when stored properly. If you want an alcohol-free tincture, you may use vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar instead of vodka.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary is an indispensable herb for homesteaders. From enhancing the flavor of homemade meals to offering medicinal benefits, acting as a natural pest repellent, and providing a fragrant air freshener, rosemary brings a multitude of advantages to the household while promoting a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.
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