As is the case with many herbs, growing rosemary is a good idea. It’s a fresh, earthy and hearty herb that stands up well to cooler temperatures. It’s also extremely flexible around the house. In fact, there are almost as many ways to enjoy rosemary as there are uses for lavender. If growing yours from scratch doesn’t appeal to you, small pots of rosemary can be purchased affordably in the garden sections of most box stores. From there, they’ll take off on their own outside, or you can keep them in a large interior pot. Here are some of the many ways that growing rosemary can help you out.

Food

Nothing perks up homemade food like the use of fresh herbs. One way I like to indulge my love of international cuisines and still stay on budget is with the occasional homemade batch of focaccia bread. Because I’m growing rosemary in my back yard, I’m able to indulge in the inclusion of this freshly-chopped herb into my bread mix. There are other ways to jazz up affordable homemade recipes with rosemary, including money-saving side dishes such as oven-roasted rosemary potatoes, and rosemary-roasted chicken.

Hair Tonic

If you enjoy experimenting with homemade beauty products as a way to stay spiffy without overspending, then you may want to try out this rosemary hair tonic from the folks at Natural News. Many people believe this herb helps with dandruff and gives hair a glossy shine, which are two additional ways that growing rosemary can be financially beneficial.

Infused Olive Oil

RosemaryLooking for an elegant hostess gift that doesn’t cost a mint? Try a homemade rosemary-infused olive oil in an attractive glass bottle. The recipient will be able to use it in pasta dishes and to brush over the tops of home-baked goods prior to putting them in the oven. It also looks great on the counter while it’s being used up.

Gift Wrap

Another benefit of growing rosemary is that the cut branches make fabulous additions to the top of a hand-wrapped gift. Using it in this way is one of my favorite green gift wrapping ideas, and gives the recipient a little extra something to use in the kitchen after they receive it.

Potted Holiday Tree

For small apartment dwellers and cooking enthusiasts, this is one of the more elegant holiday ideas I’ve ever encountered. Provided they are well decorated, that is. If you don’t feel like pruning one yourself, they are available at various grocery stores throughout the holiday season and cost significantly less than a poinsettia. They also last much longer and are more stable during temperature transitions.

DIY Massage Oil

If you don’t have time for a spa getaway but still feel the need to unwind, consider incorporating at-home massage treatments using your own table and homemade spa products. One of the hot new trends these days is to use rosemary massage oil in conjunction with specific treatments. If you can infuse your own, you’ll be saving that much more of your hard-earned money.

Myscha Theriault

Myscha Theriault

A lifelong money cruncher who can squeeze a nickel ‘til it cries, Myscha is a syndicated columnist, best-selling author, and founder of Trek Hound and We Be Sharin’.