Description
Costmary, Herbe Sainte Marie, Alecost.
Originally from the Caucuses region of the Eastern Mediterranean, Costmary slowly became naturalized throughout southern Europe. Costmary made its way into Northern Europe by the Middle Ages as it was commonly found in the gardens of royalty and monasteries alike. By the 16th Century it was one of the most commonly planted herbs throughout Europe even making its way to the North American colonies! Closely related to Tansy and Feverfew, Costmary forms a rosette of strongly aromatic leaves which have numerous culinary and medicinal uses. Traditionally used as a flavoring in beer-making before Hops entered the picture, the young leaves were eaten in spring as a potherb, and used like mint in beverages. Popular as a fragrant strewing herb and in Potpourri it helps to repel moths and other insects. Topically the plant can help soothe minor burns and insect stings, scrapes and the vapors in hot steam are helpful for chest congestion. Traditionally ingested to ease pains of childbirth, Costmary has been widely associated with Mary Magdalene and is likely the Balsam scented plant referred to in The Bible used to wash the feet of Jesus! The large gray-green pear-shaped leaves are highly aromatic and were traditionally used as a book mark giving the plant the name Bible Leaf! The rosette of pale green leaves eventually sends up a stalk of 2 to 3 foot with delicate button-like yellow blooms. Easy to grow. Hardy Perennial. Hardiness Zones 4-8
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