Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia rosmarinus, Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia rosmarinus, Rosemary. Shakespeare immortalized rosemary in the line from Hamlet (Act IV, Scene 5) as Ophelia, says, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.” Indeed, in the ancient world, rosemary strengthened memory and comforted the brain. English herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper in his 1653 Complete Herbal, states “It helpeth a weak memory and quickeneth the senses.” Rosemary extracts are powerful antioxidants, due to the action of rosmarinic, carnosic and labiatic acids. Rosmarinic acid has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. But out with tradition, and in with genetics. As Shakespeare and Culpeper roll in their graves, the long-standing Rosmarinus officinalis has been plucked from history to become Salvia rosmarinus. Blame: Drew, B.T. & al. (2017). Salvia united: The greatest good for the greatest number. Taxon 66: 133-145. Lumpers you're splitting my taxonomic tolerance.

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