One of my favorite herbs is rosemary. It's one of the most versatile culinary herbs with a deliciously aromatic flavor, but also offers so many beneficial, medicinal properties to us. Rosemary is traditionally known as the “herb of remembrance”. It contains compounds that relax muscles of the digestive tract, can increase the effects of essential enzymes in the brain, thus helping to improve memory and concentration. Having a rosemary plant in an area of study or work helps improve retention of information. It lifts our spirits and can help with nervous exhaustion, anxiety, and mild depression. Also said to be good for respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, colds and coughs.
Just smelling it can make you feel better, but you can also make a rosemary tea or tincture.
Recipe for tincture
Ingredients : dried or fresh rosemary and vodka
If you are using dried herbs a common ratio to use is 1:5 – 1 part plant material to 5 parts vodka. For fresh herbs the ratio is 1:3. If using a combination instead of a single herb the ratio always remains the same. Vodka is the preferred alcohol as it only contains alcohol and water.
- Chop herbs finely, then place into a glass jar. Do not pack them tightly or else the vodka won’t be able to get to it all.
- Add vodka to the herbs. If the vodka does not cover all the plant material add some more until it is all completely submerged.
- Put a tight lid on the jar and store for 2 weeks at room temperature. A dark shelf is fine, since tincture does not need light to process. Shake the contents once or twice a day to redistribute the herbs in the alcohol.
- Strain the herb pulp through a coffee filter or some muslin/cheesecloth.
- Funnel into a sterilized, dark glass bottle.
- Label and store in a cool, dark place. A tincture can be stored for 2 years or longer.
The tincture of rosemary can be taken, 2 ml or about 40 drops, two times daily, you can also mix it with tea or juice.
Happy Gardening,Claudia
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