Rosemary and remembrance: what the lore says, and what it does not

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly classified as Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It has long been grown in gardens and used in cooking.

What history and literature say

Rosemary has been associated with remembrance in European tradition for a long time. The best-known literary example is in Shakespeare's Hamlet, where Ophelia says: "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance." The herb also features in customs around weddings and funerals in parts of Europe. These are cultural associations: they tell us what people have meant by the plant, not what the plant does.

What this article is not saying

Traditional associations are not health information. This article makes no claim that rosemary improves memory, treats any condition, or works as medicine. If you are curious about the health effects of any herb, look to current reviews from reputable health bodies and speak with a qualified professional, especially if you take medication or are pregnant.

A small, ordinary way to enjoy it

Rosemary grows well in a sunny, well-drained spot and tolerates being slightly neglected. A sprig in the kitchen, or a plant on the windowsill, is a pleasant everyday reminder of how long people have lived alongside plants and given them meaning.

Three kinds of statements, kept apart

• Historical: rosemary has been grown and used in cooking for a very long time, and linked with remembrance in European customs.
• Interpretive: many people today enjoy using it as a personal symbol of remembering someone. That is a personal meaning.
• Evidence-based health claims: none are made here.

Source details should be checked and updated by the editor before publication.