Ingredient Wed Aug 26 2009

Rosemary: For Your Food, Skin and Memory

My friends and I used to play this game where we'd ask people "If you were a condiment, what would you be?" "If you were a carb, what would you be?" If I were an herb I would be, without a doubt, rosemary. I love it in sauces, on chicken, in olive oil, breads, potatoes, almonds - I could go on.

One thing I never expected to find it in was a mixed drink. About a month ago I found myself at The Whistler in Logan Square and, after talking to the incredibly helpful bartender, decided to get a drink called "Welcome Back" - it contained gin, fresh lemon, absinthe and some other liquors I can't remember. To complete the drink, the bartender added an entire sprig of rosemary that gave it a unique and refreshing taste.

I'm happy to report that rosemary has some health benefits as well. The delicious herb has a long history of medicinal uses including treating upset stomachs, digestive disorders and headaches. Additionally, rosemary has been found to help prevent cancer and age-related skin damage.

I also found it interesting that, according to an article on HealthMad, thousands of years ago people used rosemary to aid in remembering and often times sprigs of rosemary were placed in the hair of students while studying for exams. Still today, research is showing that rosemary has the ability to aid in memory.

Not only is rosemary healthy for the inner workings of your body, but it's also great for your skin. The essential oil helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating effect, which is why you'll find it in many cosmetics and soaps.

In food, drinks, hair or on your skin, it seems to me the consumption of rosemary is a no-brainer. Enjoy.

— Kaitlin Olson / Comments (1)