Organic rosemary leaves for herbal tea — Iconic Mediterranean aromatic plant

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is one of the most iconic aromatics of the Mediterranean basin. Its narrow, leathery leaves, deep green on top and whitish underneath, exude a powerful, camphorous, and resinous aroma that is unmistakable. Used since antiquity in both cooking and herbal medicine, rosemary holds a prime position in European phytotherapeutic tradition. Herberry offers dried rosemary leaves, certified organic.

Botanical overview

Salvia rosmarinus (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis) is a small shrub in the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. It can reach 1 to 2 meters in height and is very long-lived. Its linear, evergreen leaves, curled at the edges, are characteristic. The small, two-lipped blue to purplish flowers appear from January to May. The plant grows naturally in the scrubland and on the sunny limestone hillsides of the South of France.

The leaves contain an essential oil rich in 1,8-cineole, camphor, and alpha-pinene, as well as phenolic diterpenes (carnosic acid, carnosol), phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, diosmetin), and tannins.

Aromatic and flavor profile

Rosemary infusion produces a clear, slightly yellowish to golden liquor. Its aroma is powerful, camphorous, and resinous, and immediately recognizable. On the palate, the flavor is intense, slightly bitter, and aromatic, with a distinct persistence. It is an herbal tea with a very assertive character, to be enjoyed in small quantities or combined with gentler plants (lemon balm, verbena). It is also commonly used as an after-meal herbal tea.

How to prepare the infusion

• Quantity: 1 small teaspoon of dried leaves (approx. 1 g) per cup — do not exceed
• Water: simmering, approx. 90°C
• Infusion: 5 to 8 minutes, covered
• Filter and enjoy warm, preferably after meals
• Frequency: 1 to 2 cups per day

Composition

Precautions for use

• Not recommended for pregnant women (uterine stimulant in high doses)
• Not recommended for people with epilepsy (camphor content)
• Not recommended for people suffering from bile duct obstruction without medical advice
• If you are taking anticoagulant treatment, seek your doctor's advice
• Use with moderation — high doses can be irritating
• Do not exceed the recommended usage amounts
• Food supplements do not replace a varied and balanced diet

FAQ

Is Herberry organic rosemary certified?

Yes, these rosemary leaves are certified organic, free from pesticides and synthetic chemical inputs.

Can rosemary be used for both cooking and herbal tea?

Yes, Herberry's rosemary is a food-grade rosemary, perfectly suited for Mediterranean cuisine (roasted meats, marinades, flavored oils) and for infusions. For cooking, it is used in sprigs or leaves; for herbal tea, leaves alone are preferred.

What is the difference between rosemary herbal tea and rosemary essential oil?

Rosemary essential oil is an extremely high concentration of the plant's volatile compounds, to be used with caution and heavily diluted. Dried leaf infusion is a gentle form of traditional use, much richer in non-volatile compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids) and far less concentrated in potentially irritating compounds.

How should I store my bag of rosemary?

Away from direct light, heat, and humidity. Rosemary's aromas are very persistent but gradually fade. Consume preferably within 12 to 18 months after opening.

Discover other Herberry herbal teas: See the full Herberry range