The Memory Herb

Rosemary is the memory herb. This is both a fact and a metaphor: the smell of rosemary improves retention and concentration, and its stems were traditionally offered as tokens of devotion, especially between lovers who were driven apart.

I don’t know if it works for memory and concentration, but I became fond of its fragrance, which is both sharp and soothing. For some reason it reminds me of rain, a strange memory association for an herb that thrives in dry soil, on sun baked cliffs.

According to plant lore you should always plant rosemary by the door for luck, and you should never buy the plant for yourself; it is supposed to be received as a gift, otherwise it will not thrive.

Rosemary tea makes a great leave-in rinse for dark hair, especially when combined with sage: it strengthens the hair’s roots, makes it smooth and shiny and gives it rich highlights.

Romantic associations aside, rosemary’s main utility is to flavor meat, fish and poultry.

The dried version, the one that comes in spice jars, doesn’t do the plant justice, fresh rosemary is tender, fragrant, and soft to the touch, and its scent lingers, roused by any breath of air.