Glorious Herbs Of The Mediterranean

By Marilyn Zink

Welcome armchair herb travelers to the herbs and spices of the glorious Mediterranean. These herbs like lots of sun and well-drained soil. The herbs we will feature this issue are rosemary, sage and thyme.

Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary is a small evergreen shrub whose piney leaves are popular in culinary dishes. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean and is widely produced in France, Spain and Portugal. Rosemary's strong flavor blends well with garlic to season lamb roasts, meat stews and marinades.

Health Uses: Rosemary has a stimulant action that helps promote liver function, the production of bile and proper digestion. It also acts to raise blood pressure and improve circulation. Due to the danger of poisoning, rosemary is more often used externally. A salve made from rosemary oil is useful for rheumatism, scrofulous sores, eczema, bruises and wounds.

History/Legend: Rosemary has been associated with the Virgin Mary. During her flight from Egypt, she draped her blue cloak on a rosemary bush and laid a white flower on top of the cloak. That night the flower turned blue and the bush was thereafter known as the "rose of Mary." Greeks who wove rosemary wreaths into their hair believed it strengthened the brain and enhanced memory. It was also known as a symbol of fidelity.

Sage (Salvia officinalis): Sage is another evergreen shrub that has a fragrant aroma and an astringent but warm flavor. It is commonly associated with stuffing used in turkey. It's grown in North America, Dalmatia and Albania.
Health Uses: Sage's best-known effect is to reduce perspiration, which usually begins two hours after taking sage tea or tincture and may last for several days. This makes it useful for night sweats. The tea is good for nervous conditions, trembling, depression and vertigo. As a gargle, the tea is good for sore throat, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Caution should be used as extended or excessive use of sage can cause poisoning.

History/Legend: The name "Sage" comes from the Latin word "salia," meaning "to save." Greeks and Romans used it to cure snakebites and to invigorate the mind and body. In the Middle Ages, people drank Sage in tea and used it to treat colds, fevers, liver trouble and epilepsy. Although Sage is no longer used medicinally, it has become one of the world's most popular herbs.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme is a low-growing shrub in the mint family with a subtle, dry aroma. It is grown in southern Europe, France, Spain, Portugal and is indigenous to the Mediterranean. Thyme is often included in seasoning blends for poultry and stuffing.

Health Uses: Thyme gets its medicinal use from the component thymol, a powerful antiseptic that has been in use for hundreds of years. As a tincture, extract or infusion, thyme is commonly used in throat and bronchial problems, and also for diarrhea, chronic gastritis and lack of appetite. Thymol or oil of thyme has a powerful antiseptic action in mouthwashes and toothpastes. Caution should be used, as excessive internal use can lead to poisoning and overstimulation of the thyroid gland.

History/Legend: Tradition tells that thyme was in the straw bed of the Virgin Mary and Christ child. In the Middle Ages, ladies would embroider a sprig of thyme into scarves they gave to their errant knights. Ancient Greeks considered thyme a symbol of courage and sacrifice.

Next Issue: We continue our tour of the Mediterannean by looking at marjoram, oregano, saffron, basil and bay.

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