Rosemary

Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) derives its name from the Latin ros (dew) and marinus (sea), meaning ‘dew of the sea’.

Rosemary has long been associated with remembrance. During exams, the Ancient Greeks wore a crown of Rosemary as it was thought to improve memory.

It has been traditionally used in weddings since the Middle Ages to symbolise remembrance, fidelity and love. Brides would wear a headpiece entwined with the herb. Anne of Cleves wore one at her wedding to Henry VIII.

Wedding guests would sometimes be given gilded branches of rosemary to represent the happy couple’s new life.

The health virtues of rosemary have been documented as far back as the 1300s for everything from keeping nightmares at bay to a remedy for gout.

Today, research has shown that rosemary contains an ingredient that helps fight off free radical damage in the brain. It has also been shown to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Star Anise

Originally from southwest China, Star Anise (Illicium verum) is a member of the magnolia family.

Its culinary and medicinal history reaches back more than 3,000 years. English navigator Sir Thomas Cavendish first brought the herb to Europe in 1578.

It is used in Chinese medicine to help against coughs, colds and flu and is also thought to suppress sugar cravings and aid digestion.

Today, an ingredient of star anise is used in the manufacture of anti-flu treatment Tamiflu.