Historically used to strengthen the memory, as an anti-aphrodisiac and as an aphrodisiac, for plague protection, as an antiseptic, to restore appetite, for paralysis, gout, heart and stomach remedy, for dropsy, for the brain and nervous system, headache, insomnia, mental fatigue, head congestion, stimulate circulation, mitigate baldness, healthy shiny hair, as a heart tonic, to restore speech after stroke, for a torpid liver, for chronic colds, for wounds, local pains, as an abortifacient and to promote menstruation.

An ash-colored evergreen shrub, with numerous branches, and a scaly bark. The needlelike leaves are opposite, leathery, thick, dark green above, downy white underneath with a prominent vein in the middle and margins which are rolled down. The flowers are pale blue or white and grow in short axillary racemes. It originated in the Mediterranean, now widely cultivated.

Historically used for its aromatic leaves and kitchen seasoning. The flowers are used fresh, as a garnish, or dried for decoration and for preserving food. The tea is used for a hair rinse or added to the bath.