The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 3 Summer 2012 | Page 19

Herbs
Growing rosemary

A natural remedy

Rosemary is a rather slow growing plant,
but once it gets going, you’ll find all
your needs met by just one plant. It likes
to be in full sun and well-drained soil.
Either get yourself a pot of rosemary
from the nursery, or you could just nab
a cutting from someone who grows it in
their garden.

Rosemary has many healing properties and is probably most well known for its
ability to clear the brain and brighten the mind. It improves memory, gives courage
and lifts the spirit. It is also a classic digestive, nerve and circulatory tonic. Used
for the treatment of low energy, low blood pressure and poor circulation, it is also
helpful for depression, headaches and premenstrual tension. The tincture, tea or
even the fresh plant may be rubbed freely into areas of poor circulation. To stimulate
a weak heart, rub into the heart region of the chest. To discourage lice infestation,
the essential oil or strong tincture can be used for dressing the hair and hairbrush.
The essential oil is also used to prevent hair loss by massaging into the scalp.

Take 10 -15 cm cuttings of the new
growth from an established plant. Strip
a few leaves from the bottom and put it
directly into the soil where you want it
to grow. It’s worth taking a few cuttings,
as you’ll find that they won’t all take
root. Another method is to stand the
cutting in a glass of water and as soon
as you see the roots forming, you can
plant it out in the soil. Many other
herbs can be propagated in
the same way.
Some of the upright
varieties can get to over
1.5 metres, so be careful
where you place it. To get
a fragrant hedge, plant
rosemary alternatively with
lavender. Remember that it
doesn’t like to be waterlogged.

Rosemary tea
To make rosemary tea place one thumb
length sprig in 1 cup of just boiled
water. Allow it to brew for 5 minutes or
until it is cool enough to drink. The tea
is also an excellent antiseptic gargle and
mouthwash.

Rosemary hair tonic
A rosemary hair rinse will revitalise
damaged hair and encourage growth
as it increases the flow of blood to the
head. Boil 2 cups of rosemary sprigs in
2 litres of water for 20 minutes, then
allow to cool and store in the fridge.
Use it after shampooing or massage and
comb it into the hair daily.

Safety precautions & warnings
Avoid daily use of strong rosemary
extracts and the essential oil during
pregnancy. Food use is fine. Avoid
direct contact with the pure, undiluted
essential oil. Although rosemary is
useful against headaches, an overdose
of rosemary tea will cause a headache.

GOLDEN STAIRS NURSERY

OPENING HOURS
Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm
Sunday 8am-12pm
PLANT NURSERY
AND
GARDEN CENTRE

72 Golden Stairs Rd Mt Pleasant
P.o Box MP 160
Tel: [phone]
Fax: 336261

Flower pots

Plants

Insectcides

Fertilisers

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