Rosemary – a versatile herb that can be used for your home and health. Maya E. Nahra, RD, LD, shares all the different ways to incorporate this sprig into your home, kitchen or on your body!

HOME

1. Clean with it – Rosemary oil makes a wonderful natural disinfectant that smells better than any chemical cleaning product. Simply mix ½ cup borax into a gallon of hot water, toss in a few sprigs of rosemary and steep for 10 minutes. Store in a spray bottle for all your basic cleaning needs.
2. Natural flea repellant – Add ½ cup chopped rosemary to 4 cups of boiling water. Let cool, strain out rosemary, and add to a spray bottle to spray on your pet’s furry coat.
3. Natural air freshener – A pot of rosemary in your home isn’t just decoration; it’s the perfect ‘green’ air freshener!
4. Repelling mosquitos – When planted outside in pots or in your garden, the natural, yet powerful, oils in the leaves repel unwanted insects.
5. Aromatherapy – Add rosemary oil to your bath, or burn a bundle of it in your fire, for a relaxing scent.

BODY

1. Hair tonic – Boil ½ cup of rosemary in 2 cups of water for a natural hair moisturizing tonic plus dandruff eliminator.
2. Tea – Rosmarinic acid is the antioxidant compound, found to be useful in stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion. Steep fresh rosemary in hot water with lemon and a tab of honey for a fresh tea.
3.  Food – A powerful brain booster and, anti-inflammatory, rosemary has been shown to increase blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration and increasing cognitive performance.
4. Steam treatment – Used for years, this natural remedy of inhaling the steam of boiling water with rosemary has been used to assist in relieving symptoms of bronchitis, chest congestion, and those associated with colds and flu.
5. Ointment – Rosmarinic acid has also been used as a natural remedy for rheumatism, sores, eczema, bruises, and wounds when used in skin ointments.

KITCHEN

1. Flavorful skewers — Large rosemary bushes often have woody stems which can be used as skewers for the barbecue, adding a subtle flavor to natural meats and fresh vegetables!
2.  Flavor olive oil — Make your own rosemary olive oil by heating oil in a pan on medium high heat and adding a few sprigs of rosemary. Alternatively, add a few sprigs to your bottle of olive oil.

RECIPES

Lemon Rosemary Butter

• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, removed from the stem
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 stick butter, softened

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Reshape the butter by placing it on a long piece of wax paper. Form a log and roll the wax paper over it to further roll and shape your lemon rosemary butter. Store in the refrigerator. Pair with fresh baked breads, spread on bruschetta, or flavor grilled or roasted fish!

Maya’s Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

• 5 baby red potatoes, chopped
• 2 regular spuds, chopped
• 5 small purple potatoes, chopped
• 5 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Unrefined sea salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all the chopped potatoes on a baking sheet. Sprinkle all the butter over the top, ½ the olive oil, pinch of salt, and all the rosemary. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Add the remaining olive oil and place back in the oven to roast until all the potatoes are cooked through and halfway crispy.

Please note: None of the information provided is meant to treat or diagnose disease. Always consult your doctor before starting a new dietary or treatment regime.
Maya E Nahra, RD, LD Registered Dietitian, Holistic Nutritionist, Intentful Chef , www.IntentfulChef.com