Salvia Rosmarinus, commonly known as Rosemary, is an aromatic evergreen shrub with fragrant, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple or blue flowers, in the Lamiaceae (mint) family, native to the Mediterranean. A staple herb in Mediterranean cooking, Rosemary leaf is widely used to flavour food, but it was also prized in many ancient cultures for its health-giving properties. Herbal applications for Rosemary have included the treatment of wounds, and indeed Salvia Rosmarinus contains rosmarinic acid, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Rosemary leaves may also help lower blood sugar levels. The herb can be used to brew a tea, often sweetened with honey.