Medicinal Plants : Rosmarinus officinalis

Name

Rosemary

Biological Name

Rosmarinus officinalis

Other Names

Rosemary, garden rosemary, rosemary plant

Parts Used

Leaves and twigs

Active Compounds

Volatile oil: composed of borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole, limonene, linalool, isobutyl acetate, 3-octanone, terpineol, verbenol etc.

Flavonoids: apigenin, diosmetin, diosmin, genkwanin, 6-methoxygenkwanin, hispidulin, sinensetin, luteolin and derivatives.

Rosmarinic acid and other phenolic acids

Diterpenes such as picrosalvin (= carnosol), carnosolic acid and rosmariquinone

Miscellaneous; rosmaricine, the triterpenes ursolic acid, oleanolic acid & derivatives.

Remedies For

Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressive, rubefacient, anti-microbial, emmenagogue, stimulant, cephalic, tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, nervine, aromatic.

Rosemary is a circulatory and nervine stimulant, which in addition to the toning and calming effect on the digestion is used where psychological tension is present. Useful for flatulent dyspepsia, headache or depression associated with debility. Externally it may be used to ease muscular pain, sciatica and neuralgia. Acts as a stimulant to both the hair follicles and circulation in the scalp and thus may be helpful in premature baldness. The oil is most effective in this case.

Combinations : For depression it may be used with Skullcap, Kola and Oats

Description

Native to the Mediterranean region, cultivated widely elsewhere.

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse in a covered container for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: Take 1-2ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.