If you’re looking for an herb that is astonishingly versatile, explore the possibilities that rosemary has to offer. Touted as a medicinal herb, as well as a great cooking companion, this beautiful evergreen shrub is

Rosemary in the Kitchen
While this delicious herb is often used in savory dishes, it also has a legitimate place in the other areas of the menu, such as when it’s included as a complement to chocolate or used in a sorbet. One of the most popular ways to integrate this herb into your daily cooking is through its grilling and smoking properties. Rosemary is also used in a number of stuffings and dressings, as well as in the production of certain oils, since it’s a strong-flavored member of the mint family.

This delightful herb can be used in its natural or dried state, and is a great addition to more than just chicken. There are numerous dishes that can benefit from the integration of rosemary. The next time you’re preparing homemade pizza, consider including a bit of rosemary among your toppings. It’s also a great complement to biscuits and breads, as well as sauces and dressings. You can even make a lovely rosemary

Herbal Recipes: Dishes Enhanced by Rosemary
There exist, perhaps, hundreds of recipes utilizing rosemary, both online and in various cookbooks. Due to the popularity of the herb, it can be used in nearly any dish that calls for an herb with a stronger flavor. Among such recipes are Beet Roesti with Rosemary; Grilled Veal Chops and Zucchini with Rosemary; Herb-Wrapped Filet of Beef; Lamb Stew with Rosemary; Olive, Rosemary and Onion Focaccia; and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes. But, don’t think for a moment that this herb is only used as a complement to entrees. You can find it in a number of dessert items, as well, such as in the case of Rosemary Honey Ice Cream, Rosemary Shortbread and Rosemary Walnuts.

The Medicinal Side of Rosemary
As with many others of the herb family, rosemary is often used as a homeopathic remedy for a number of ailments. From problems with the nervous system to memory loss, this versatile herb has been known to bring curative properties to illnesses that have been suffered through the ages. Rosemary has also been known to encourage hair growth, assist circulation, lower blood pressure and ease pain. When used in a mouthwash, its medicinal properties are known to alleviate the pain of sore throat.

Side Effects
While rosemary is considered safe when taken according to instructions, there are some very real dangers that may present themselves, if taken in abundance. Such dangers include vomiting, spasms, coma, pulmonary edema, miscarriage or damage to the unborn fetus. The pure oil of this herb should never be ingested, as it can cause convulsions, and topical treatments that utilize the herb will cause serious reactions in those who are allergic to camphor.