Rosemary Herbal Information

NAME
Rosemary


LATIN NAME
Rosmarinus officinalis

ALSO KNOWN AS
Polar plant, Compass weed, Compass plant French=Romarin or Encensier, German = Rosmarin, Spanish = Romere, Italian = Rosarine

ORIGIN
Southern Europe

PARTS USED
Leaves, twigs, and oil.


TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Rosemary is a remedy for the cardiovascular system, it is known to be good for stimulating circulation, and strengthening fragile blood vessels. It is indicated to be of use when recovering from flu or pneumonia, particually in the elderly, is also a tonic for the nervous system.

Rosemary is a tonic for the liver, and stimulates bile, gall bladder and digestive function. It is useful for general debility and depression. Rosemary is used in connection with digestive problems, circulatory problems, pain, neuralgia, mild spasms, wounds, eczema, muscle pain, sciatica, rheumatism and depression as well as parasites.

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Rosemary was reputedly first grown in England by Philippa of Hainault, wife of Edward III, in the 14th century. Gerard said of the herb, 'it comforteth the harte and maketh it merie'.
Grown in gardens since ancient times, it was considered to have powers of protection against evil spirits and was the emblem of fidelity for lovers. It is said that rosemary grows well in the kitchen gardens of households where the woman reigns supreme. It is an ingredient of many shampoos and hair preparations, and an infusion of the herb with borax is used as a rinse for treating dandruff. The leaves are one of the ingredients of eau de cologne.

The name comes from the Latin ros-marinus (dew of the sea), which refers to its favourite habit by salty sea spray. Rosemary was known as a traditional symbol of friendship and love and a wreath of rosemary was worn by brides as a sign of love and loyalty.

The pungent scent was believed to protect from disease and infection. It was used as an alternative to incense by the Ancient Greeks, who believed it improved memory. Greek students used to wear a wreath while sitting examinations.

CONSTITUENTS
About 1% volatile oil (containing 2-5% esters, mainly borneol acetate and 10-18% free alcohols including borneol and linalol), camphor, camphene and cineole; flavonoids (diosmin, apigenin, diosmetin, genkwanin, 6-methoxygenkwanin, hispidulin, sinensetin, luteolin and derivatives), phenolic acids (rosmarinic and others); diterpenes such as carnosilic acid , picrosalvin (carnosol), and rosmariquinone; triterpenic acids (ursolic and oleanic acids and derivatives); carnosic acid (rosmaricine)


TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
Rosemary can be taken as a tincture. 1-2ml of the tincture should be taken x3/day. It should not be taken for more than 6 weeks.

PRECAUTIONS
Rosemary should be avoided during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant. Excessive amounts can cause symptoms of poisoning. It should also be avoided by epileptics.