ROSEMARY  /ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS/     

                                                                                       

Common Names

Rosemary

Botanical Name

Rosmarinus officinalis

Family

LAMIACEAE or LABIATAE Mint Family

• Parts Used: Leaves, stems and flowers
• Constituents: essential oil (borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole, limonene, linalool); flavonoids, rosmarinic acid and other phenolic acids; diterpenes, triterpenes

Medicinal Uses & Health Benefits

Rosemary is such an extremely useful herb, with so many culinary, medicinal and aromatherapy attributes that it is hard to qualify which ones are the most important. Rosemary stimulates the central nervous system and circulation making it beneficial for low blood pressure and sluggishness. Rosemary oil and rosemary essential oil are used to alleviate the pain of sprains, arthritis, sciatica and neuralgia. Rosemary extract (rosmarinic acid) is a natural way to stabilize and extend the shelf life of hand made cosmetics, creams, lotions, and other herbal compounds. Use rosemary in skin care to tone and soften skin.

Rosemary for memory, concentration and focus.Rosemary has a long herbal tradition as a herb that improves concentration and memory, Greek students would braid Rosemary into their hair to help them with their exams. Modern science attributes much of rosemary's action on the central nervous system to it's potent antioxidant, rosmarinic acid. However,you don't have to take their word for it, the uplifting aroma of a fresh sprig of rosemary in the summer will go far to convince you.

Rosemary for Hair Care. Rosemary is one of best hair tonics available, whether you are worried about hair loss, or just want healthy, happy hair, rosemary extracts used in shampoos and herbal hair rinses will work wonders. A few drops of the essential oil can be applied directly to the scalp or hairbrush to restore dry, flyaway hair and make it shine. Rosemary essential oil stimulates hair follicles and circulation in the scalp, which may help prevent premature baldness. Use rosemary on a continuing basis for a healthy scalp that encourages healthy hair growth and slows hair loss. ^{Hoffman 177}

Rosemary for pain relief and circulation. Rosemary infused oil and rosemary essential oil are both used inmassage oil formulations to relieve the pain of arthritisand of sore aching muscles. Rosemary used as a massage oil also helps to tone the circulatory system. Antioxidant compounds in rosemary prevent uterine spasms andmenstrual cramps. Rosemary essential oil helps alleviate water retention and increases circulation when used in massage blends.

Culinary Uses of rosemary. Unlike milder herbs, rosemary can withstand longer cooking times, and lends itself well to roasted meats, chicken and hearty stews. A few teaspoons of chopped rosemary lends a tangy taste to biscuits as well. Rosemary vinegars are an excellent and healthy way to dress cold vegetables and salads. Even the twigs, stripped of their leaves find use as kindling, and as a aromatic addition to barbeque fires.