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Information about the herb Rosemary
Rosmarinus
officinalis , also known as Compass Plant is part of the Labiatae plant family. Rosemary is a perennial
plant that grows on the dry rocky hills of the Mediterranean region from the
Spanish Peninsular to Greece and the Sahara.
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General Information
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Plant Family: Labiatae
Common Names: Compass Plant, Compass Weed, Polar Plant, Romero, Rosmarinus coronarium
History: The name Rosemary comes from the Latin Ros marinus which means 'sea-dew' or 'fond of the sea'
- It was customary to burn Rosemary with Juniper Berries to purify sick rooms in French hospitals
- It was mentioned in the old Anglo-Saxon Herbals of the 11th Century
- The Spaniards revere it as one of the bushes that gave shelter to the Virgin Mary in the flight into Egypt and call it Romero, 'the Pilgrim's Flower'.
- The ancients used the herb for strengthening the memory
Tradition: Rosemary
- if drunk is said to do away with all body evil
- is considered a safeguard from witches and evil influences in both Spain and Italy
- is the Herb of Remembrance and Friendship
- leaves were placed under your pillow dispel evil spirits and bad dreams
- was the emblem of fidelity for lovers
- was grown to attract elves
- was hung on porches and doors keeps thieves out
- was used at both weddings and funerals
- was used as incense in magical spells
- was used as incense in religious ceremonies
- was used for protection and banishment
Plant Constituents of Rosemary
Contains:
- bitter principle
- resin
- tannic acid
A volatile oil consisting of:
- Borneol
- Bornyl Acetate
- camphene
- cineol
- esters
- pinene
- special camphor similar to that in the Myrtle plants
Action:
- anti-bacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
- anti-fungal [an agent that destroys fungal conditions]
- antioxidant [contributing to the oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging and dementia]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
- sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: Herb, root, oil (obtained from flowering tops)
Rosemary is used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- general debility after long-term nervous or physical illness
- improves the memory
- insomnia
- mental fatigue
- nervous anxiety and tension
- nervous depression (tea taken warm)
- nervous disorders
- restorative effect on the nervous system
- soothes the nerves
- stimulates the brain and nervous system
- tension headaches
- migraines
Cardiovascular Conditions
- improves circulation
- raises blood pressure
- stimulates the circulatory system
- weak heart subject to palpitation (in small doses)
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- bad breath (mouthwash)
- upset stomachs
- promotes proper digestion
- toning and calming effect on the digestion
Genitourinary Conditions
- dropsy
Female Conditions
- regulates the menstrual cycle
Liver Conditions
- promotes liver function
- promotes the production of bile
Reproductive System Conditions
- stimulates the sexual organs
Respiratory System
- colds
- colic
Other
- eases cramps
- expels morbid matter from the system
- failing eyesight
- headache (tea taken warm, with Peppermint and Chamomile tea)
Externally it is used to treat:
- bites
- stings
In aromatherapy the essential oil is used:
- as a decongestant
- as an inhalant
- for exhaustion (6 drops Rosemary Oil in bathwater)
- for headaches
- to enhance memory and clear concentration
The oil is used in oils/lotions for:
- arthritis
- bruises
- eczema
- gout
- muscular pain
- neuralgia
- revitalizing paralyzed limbs
- rheumatism
- rheumatoid arthritis
- sciatica
- scrofulous sores
- wounds
and rubbed into hair
- for stimulating the hair bulbs to renewed activity
- to prevent premature baldness
Other Uses:
- Perfume in ointments, shampoos and soaps
- The flowers if laid in clothes cupboards destroys moths
- The leaves if crushed into meats, fish, potato salads, etc. can help prevent food poisoning
Oil:
- carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
- nervine [an agent that has a calming or soothing effect on the nerves, any agent that acts on the nervous system to restore the nerves to their natural state]
- rubifacient [a gentle local irritant that produces blisters, inflammation and reddening of the skin]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
Caution:
- Excessive amounts of Rosemary taken internally can cause fatal poisoning
- Rosemary Oil may raise blood pressure levels when used in massage
Global Herbal Supplies has Rosemary available in the following forms:
- Rosemary Extract
- Dried Rosemary
- Rosemary Bath Foam
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- Rosemary Massage Oil
- Rosemary Hair Lotion
- Rosemary Castile Soap Pump
- Rosemary & Sage Toothpaste
- Rosemary Shampoo - Alchemy, Melrose
- Rosemary Soap - New Directions, Weleda
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
