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The leaves of the small evergreen shrub rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), have been used extensively as a cooking spice as well as a medicinal herb. Traditionally, this herb has been used as a tonic, stimulant, carminative and for treating indigestion. Most often rosemary is used as a tea. In China, rosemary has been used primarily for the treatment of headaches.
History
This herb's antioxidant power was used for centuries to preserve food.
Function; Reasons For Use
While there has been little research on the use of rosemary for particular conditions, there are a host of biologically active constituents in rosemary too numerous to list here.
Rosemary increases coronary artery blood flow, historically used to stimulate digestion and relieve nervous tension.
Rosemary's spiky, evergreen-like leaves contain flavonoids that have antioxidant properties. One flavonoid in rosemary, diosmin, is reported to help strengthen capillaries, which can ease problems such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Rosemary may help you stay young. In 1995, Japanese researchers found that two compounds in the herb carnosol and carnosic acid, may help to protect body tissue and cells against the oxidative stresses that have been linked to diabetes, aging, and coronary arteriosclerosis.
The German Commission E, the world's leading authority on herbs, has given the nod to using rosemary for circulation problems, such as low blood pressure, and for painful joints or muscles.
Directions
As with other similar herbs, rosemary is often added to a botanical mixture rather than used as a single herb preparation.
Rosemary is often taken as a tea made from 1 teaspoon of the dried leaves per cup of water. To make tea using fresh leaves, double or triple the amount.
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Rosemary can help with the following: | | | | | Circulation |  Atherosclerosis |
Mental |
Poor Memory | Inhalation of rosemary essential oil enhanced overall memory performance and secondary memory factors, but impaired memory speed in a randomized study of 144 people. [British Psychological Society Annual Conference, March 13-16, 2002, Blackpool, UK.] |
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Tumors, Malignant |
Cancer, General| | Rosemary is a COX-2 inhibitor, and increases the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, called carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors in animals. Rosemary can be used as a seasoning or a tea: Use 1tsp dried leaves per cup of hot water; steep for 15 minutes. |
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KEY | | May do some good |
GLOSSARY
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by molecules called free radicals. These chemicals can damage important parts of cells, such as proteins, membranes, and DNA. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Carminative
Agent relieving flatulence or gas.
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Cup (Cups)
A unit of volume measurement equal to 8 fluid oz, or roughly 250ml. It also equals 1/2 pint, 1/4 quart and 1/16 gallon.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Essential Oil (Essential Oils)
Volatile terpene derivative responsible for the odor or taste of a plant.
Hemorrhoids
Varicose disorder causing painful swellings at the anus; piles.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Teaspoon (Teaspoons, tsp)
Equivalent to 5cc (5ml).
Tumor (Tumors, Tumour, Tumours)
An abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled, progressive multiplication of cells and serving no physiological function; a neoplasm. Literally, a swelling; in the past the term has been used in reference to any swelling of the body, no matter what the cause. However, the word is now being used almost exclusively to refer to a neoplastic mass, and the more general usage is being discarded.
Last updated: Nov 14, 2009
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