The Latin name rosemarinus means 'dew of the sea'. Rosemary was an important plant in biblical and medieval gardens. Charlemagne decreed in the 8th century that rosemary should be grown in all imperial gardens. In olden times rosemary was an emblem of remembrance and was often used at weddings and funerals. Among the uses ascribed to the plant is that of wrapping its twigs round the limbs to relieve gout, rubbing the ash of burnt twigs on the teeth to cure toothache, burning branches as a substitute for incense, making combs to prevent giddiness and using the steeped leaves as a hair tonic for baldness. Applications: astringent, antispasmodic, antiseptic, diuretic, stimulant, tonic. Handfuls of rosemary can be steeped in a cup of water to yield an antiseptic solution, which can also help clear blocked noses. Rosemary oil is useful for rubbing over painful rheumatic joints and can help concentration. A tea made from the leaves can be used as an antiseptic gargle. Tea made from the flowering tips is good for headaches. Bath: rosemary was used by the Romans in a bath to relieve tired limbs after a long march. It relieves stiff joints and relaxes aching muscles.

Each SeedPotT Greetings Card has a transparent resealable pot which keeps your seeds in the best possible condition. They contain seeds which transform into the flower on the front of the card. Follow the sowing instructions carefully and watch them grow over time into a unique and colourful expression of natural beauty.