Can Coastal rosemary be used for cooking?

Coastal rosemary (also known as sea rosemary) is not recommended for cooking. While it shares a name with culinary rosemary, it's a different plant with a different flavor and potential toxicity.

Here's why you should avoid using coastal rosemary in your kitchen:

* Not edible: Coastal rosemary is primarily a medicinal plant, used traditionally for its potential health benefits. It's not considered edible due to its strong, bitter flavor and potential for causing gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.

* Toxicity: Some sources suggest that consuming coastal rosemary can be toxic, especially in large quantities. The plant contains thymol, a compound also found in thyme but in higher concentrations in coastal rosemary.

* Confusing: Coastal rosemary and culinary rosemary look similar, but they are distinct species with different uses.

Always double-check the plant identification before using any herb or plant for culinary purposes. If you're looking for rosemary to flavor your dishes, stick to the culinary rosemary variety.