Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is one of the best-known spices in Western cuisines, but it has had other uses beyond cooking: in the cultures of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, rosemary was used for purification and spiritual ceremonies. Rosemary was also known as an incense herb in the Middle Ages, when its smoke was used for cleansing rooms and to ward off evil spirits and illness.