Rosemary is a small, fragrant shrub from the Mediterranean region which grows wild or cultivated on chalky soil. The long, narrow, sweet-smelling leaves, rich in essential oils, are much used today to flavour food.There is a legend that in the 16th century, Isabelle of Hungary prepared with her own hands a rosemary cordial which is supposed to have restored her to health and youth at the age of 70. Essential oils of rosemary are used in cosmetics for their aromatic powers as well as their revitalising, moisturising action. Ursolic acid, a component of rosemary, has strong anti-irritation and repairing properties which were recently discovered.