Rosmarinus officinalis
Native to sunny Mediterranean shores, rosemary is an evergreen member of the mint family. Its genus name, Rosmarinus,
means “dew of the sea” in Latin, a reference to the plant’s coastal
habitat and delicate, pale blue, droplet-size flowers. Rosemary’s piney
aroma and bittersweet flavor work well in both sweet and savory foods,
and it has been a staple in herb and kitchen gardens for many centuries.
The herb also has a long history of use as a fragrance in soaps,
lotions, and cosmetics. Since ancient times, rosemary has been a symbol
of love, loyalty, and remembrance, often included in rituals and
ceremonies associated with both marriage and death. Sprigs of the herb
were entwined into bridal wreaths or tucked in to bridal bouquets. In
some European countries, it is still customary for mourners to carry
rosemary in funeral processions and to cast the herb into the grave
during the burial.
Therapeutic Uses
Topical antioxidant
Antibacterial
Muscle and joint pain
Bronchitis
Circulation
Memory/cognition
One of those herbs that the nose knows, rosemary leaf
produces extracts that are common ingredients in many hair and skin
care products. They can combat dandruff and greasy hair and promote general
hair health. Their most convincing use, however, is as an antiseptic
and antioxidant. Preliminary research indicates that rosemary extracts
can kill bacteria, fight skin inflammation relevant to many skin
conditions, and even inhibit cancer in laboratory animals. They may also
block the detrimental effect of sunlight on skin cells.
Applied topically, rosemary packs an antioxidant
punch. One potential application is its topical use in antiaging skin
care products.
To make the essential oil, rosemary leaves are
distilled to yield a fragrant, concentrated oil containing compounds
responsible for rosemary’s medicinal effects. Rosemary essential oil is
antimicrobial. One test-tube study found that rosemary essential oil had
a synergistic action with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin against a
bacterium that can cause pneumonia.
Ingested or inhaled, rosemary oil has been used for
other conditions, such as muscle and joint pain, indigestion,
bronchitis, and sinusitis, or to improve circulation. There is also some
data supporting the use of rosemary aromatherapy for memory and mental
function. When 40 people underwent rosemary aromatherapy for 3 minutes,
changes in their brain tests indicated increased alertness, reduced
anxiety, and improved ability to do mathematics.
How to Use
Essential oil: The essential oil is used
in aromatherapy to enhance mental focus. To apply the oil topically, mix
10 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil (olive, jojoba, almond, apricot).
Cream/ointment/salve: Topical products use
various concentrations of rosemary’s essential oil for skin conditions,
such as minor bacterial or fungal infections. Apply daily to skin,
joints, or muscles, as per manufacturer’s directions.
Tea: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons dried rosemary leaves to 1 cup hot water.
Cover for 10 minutes. Strain. Drink 1 to 3 cups a day.
Capsules: Generally, 500 to 1,000 mg, once or twice daily; follow product instructions.
Precautions
Rosemary extracts with concentrated essential oils
can cause a rash with sun exposure. If that happens, discontinue use.
Using rosemary as a seasoning during pregnancy is fine, but medicinal
doses are not recommended.
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