Have you ever wondered about the differences between rosemary vs. lavender and when one herb is better than the other? Both plants have similarities and differences that we are going to review.
Rosemary and Lavender are two aromatic plants that have been used for a long time for both health care and beauty.
Rosemary and Lavender are often called “cousins”, due to their family ties. That’s why there has been a rosemary vs. lavender teams after all!
They both belong to the same family and share many benefits.
Still, there are also differences between Rosemary and Lavender, so it’s important to become familiar with these exceptional plants.
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About Rosemary and Lavender
Rosemary
Salvia Rosmarinus is the scientific name of Rosemary, which until 2017 was known by the name of Rosmarinus Officinalis.
Rosemary is a woody perennial shrub of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic leaves that are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
The mint and many other herbs, such as Thyme, Basil, and Lavender, also belong to this family.
The ancients used the fresh branches of the rosemary plants, together with myrtle and laurel, to braid crowns.
It is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically southern Europe and northern Africa. It can reach a height of up to 3 ft.
Culinary and medicinal uses for this fragrant herb date back thousands of years.
Lavender
Lavender is also a plant of the Lamiaceae family, that includes Mint, Thyme, and Rosemary, among many other plants.
It is native to the Mediterranean and Asia, but widely cultivated worldwide.
This herbaceous flowering plant grows up to 2 ft. tall, with slender stems and small, dark green leaves.
Lavender flowers are purple or blue and bloom between June and August.
It’s widely used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its pleasant aroma.
It is a true spectacle to contemplate the extensions of land planted with Lavender in bloom during the flowering date.
There are four types of lavender varieties:
- English Lavender
- Portuguese Lavender
- French Lavender
- Spanish Lavender
Lavender has been used in many ways, becoming popular as a perfume. It was also used as a herbal remedy to treat skin infections and burns.
The Lavender essential oil has been used to improve sleep.
The benefits of Rosemary and Lavender
Rosemary
With the rosemary oil extracted from the leaves, alcohol is prepared with which people suffering from rheumatism can relieve pain.
While an infusion of the Rosemary plant’s leaves, before or after meals, can be effective against intestinal spasms.
Furthermore, the antioxidants in Rosemary protect the body from free radical damage, which causes premature aging, cancer, and chronic diseases.
A clinical trial has shown that moderate consumption of Rosemary can improve cognitive function.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular herb used in many beauty products, including soaps, lotions, perfumes, and shampoos.
It is also used for medicinal purposes as a disinfectant or to help with insomnia.
You can find Lavender oil in many household products, including body lotions, laundry detergents, and air fresheners.
Lavender is used for aromatherapy, which involves inhaling its scent for specific health benefits.
The essential oil, derived from the Lavender flower (Lavandula angustifolia), is a popular and versatile ingredient in aromatherapy.
A few drops of Lavender oil in an aromatherapy diffuser may reduce anxiety and help to relax before bed.
Three drops of essential oil are a good starting point for an aroma diffuser that holds 100 ml; if you want to try a larger amount, add one extra drop.
Essential oils of Rosemary and Lavender for your hair
Essential oils have become part of the hair care routine.
Although they have been used for centuries, now you can get them in various products ranging from shampoos to serums.
Lavender and Rosemary oils are used for hair benefits.
Rosemary oil stimulates healthy hair growth, protects against hair loss, and stimulates circulation.
While Lavender oil keeps hair shiny and can help control dandruff.
How to Grow Rosemary and Lavender
Rosemary plant
It is very easy to propagate Rosemary plants; just check the growing season.
It is a plant that needs well-draining soil, light, and full sun. So, if you are going to plant it at home, make sure it is in a place with the light it needs.
Rosemary flowers are pale purple, white or pink.
As a curiosity, its flowers are very aromatic, and bees love them.
Lavender plant
Growing Lavender is easy; it also likes a sunny location and well-drained soil.
It is enough that you water it once a week during the summer and in the winter every fifteen days.
Lavender and Rosemary: Nutritional information
Let’s take a look at the nutritional information for every 100 grams of each of these two herbs:
Rosemary
Calories: 135
Carbohydrates: 20
Protein: 3.3
Fiber: 14
Lavender
Calories: 49
Carbohydrates: 11
Protein: 1
Fiber: 0.2
As for vitamins, Lavender has fewer vitamins than Rosemary.
The similarities between Lavender and Rosemary
The two plants are members of the same family, a very large group of aromatic flowering plants.
Both are used in many commercial products, and both have many benefits for health.
Rosemary and Lavender can be found in many commercial products, including soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and medicines.
Both are also used as culinary herbs, especially in Mediterranean and European cuisine.
Both plants have medicinal uses and have been known to be antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic for centuries.
The differences between Rosemary and Lavender
Although both Rosemary and Lavender are aromatic herbs, they have important differences in things like flavor. Each one has unique flavors and smells.
Rosemary is a staple of Italian cuisine, and it has a strong piney taste.
On the other hand, Lavender has a soft floral flavor with a slight hint of mint.
The flavor of Rosemary is intense, and due to this characteristic, it is used in the preparation of savory dishes, while Lavender is more used in the preparation of desserts.
While Rosemary’s scent is strong, Lavender’s scent is mildly sweet. It can be used in potpourri, as an essential oil, or as an ingredient in bath and beauty products.
While Rosemary has needle-like leaves, Lavender leaves have an oval-shaped form.
Rosemary is best known for its use in Italian cooking, while Lavender is popular in natural healing practices due to its calming scent.
How to store dried Lavender and Rosemary leaves
Any culinary herb lasts longer dry than fresh, but we still have to be careful to preserve all its flavor.
The best way to do this is to store them in airtight containers, in a cool, dry place, away from direct light or heat sources.
The Uses of Rosemary and Lavender
Rosemary
Part of the mint family, Rosemary is a perennial herb with aromatic leaves that can be used in cooking and medicine.
Rosemary has a peppery and slightly bitter taste, making it a great choice for marinades, roasted meats, and stews.
It is one of the vital seasoning ingredients in Italian cuisine and commonly used to enhance meat flavors in Mediterranean cuisine.
It is also used to season lamb, poultry, roast meats such as pork, beef, ribs, or chicken, and a variety of vegetables. Besides, it is fantastic in soups.
Rosemary pairs well with garlic, onion, lemon juice, and tomatoes.
When used in cooking, Rosemary enhances the flavor of meats and other savory dishes.
You can find Rosemary dried or fresh, use it in refreshing teas, make a delicious lemonade and employ it as a garnish.
Lavender
Lavender has many uses, from culinary uses to its benefits in teas and aromatherapy.
Lavender is even used as an air freshener, often in potpourri.
You can find fresh Lavender in farmer’s markets and dried Lavender in grocery and specialty stores.
Lavender can be used both for cooking and beverage preparation.
You can use dried Lavender flowers to prepare sweet dishes like cakes, jams, or ice cream.
If you want to prepare some delicious lavender cupcakes, then be sure to check out this cupcake recipe.
You also complete them with a fantastic lavender frosting.
