Plant Profile: Rosemary

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Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis)

Family: LAMIACEAE 

Energetics: Warming. Drying. 

Taste: Pungent. 

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Digestive. Nervous system. Brain. Skin

Parts Used: Leaves. 

Key Components: Flavonoids. Rosemarinic acid. Volatile oils (1% including: borneol, linalol, camphene, cineol & camphor). Tannins. Resin. Bitters. Beta-carotene. Vitamin C. Calcium. Iron. Magnesium. Triterpenes. 

Preparations & dosage: Food: Infusion: Tincture: Herbal steam: Essential oil: 

Actions: 

 Foundational: Aromatic. Astringent. Stimulant.
Primary: Carminative. Circulatory stimulant. Nervine (both stimulating and relaxing). Diaphoretic
Secondary: Antioxidant. Anti-parasitic. 

Uses: 

 Inhibits the growth of bacteria which is why it was once rubbed into meat to prevent it from spoiling before the time of refrigeration. 

 An amazing antioxidant that can help reduce oxidative stress and its associated diseases as well as improve memory and cognition. 

 Adding Rosemary to meats that are being cooked at high heat such as when panfrying or grilling can prevent the formation of cancer causing compounds. These compounds have been shown to alter the DNA of the one who eats it, causing cancer. 

 I was actually surprised by another study that found that taking an extract of rosemary and lemon (sounds yummy!) decreased damage to humans done by UV rays. 

 For the Brain: Rosemary is legendary for the brain as a tonic to improve memory and concentration. It is often used with alzheimer's and dementia patients to help improve memory and cognition. 

 It is a mildly uplifting and stimulating herb that increases our cells ability to take in oxygen. 

Drink a cup of tea for headaches & migraines as well as other inflammatory conditions. 

 Circulatory stimulant that can improve poor circulation and low blood pressure. 

 Stimulates hair follicles and it often found in formulas to help hair growth.  Essential oil in hair products or a strong infusion as a hair rinse after shampooing. 
Combines well with: 

Identifying: 

Growing: Grows well in zones 7-10. Doesn't like our northern climate. Best to plant in a large pot and bring in when the weather gets cold. Prefers full sun. Picky about its water, doesn't like to be drenched but doesn't like to dry out either. Rosemary Gladstar recommends misting the leaves weekly for  

Harvesting: Leaves can be collected at ay time but are most potent during flowering. 

Contraindications: None Known
Sources: 

 Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: Rosemary Gladstar. Pg 83-85
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 309-310
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra: Pg 79-81, 188-189. 

Studies:

Inhibition of Heterocyclic Amine Formation in Beef Patties by Ethanolic Extracts of Rosemary:    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01491.x


Protective effects of citrus and rosemary extracts on UV-induced damage in skin cell model and human volunteers: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134414001079

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.

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