Health Benefits of Rosemary and Side Effects
Botanical Name of Rosemary: Rosmarinus officinalis.
Other Common Names: Rusmary, Rosmarinus.
Habitat: Mediterranean area, Europe, rosemary thrives in a warm sunny climate.
Description: Rosemary is an evergreen shrub like plant with petite pale blue flowers that grow in slight clusters up the stems. It can grow up to 2 meters (6 feet) high. Its leaves are slender and look a lot like curved pine needles. They are green on top and grey beneath. The dried herb is brownish green in color.
Plant Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, stems, branches. Commercially, the entire plant is used.
 Closeup Picture of Rosemary (Click on image to enlarge)
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Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Rosemary
- Rosemary has long been thought to prevent premature balding and even aiding new hair growth.
 The Herb Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ) - It has been infused into many shampoo products as an aid in fighting dandruff.
- This herb has been used as an insect repellant and is commonly placed in closets and dressers to keep moths away. Additionally it has been used to get rid of head lice.
- Rosemary is used as incense and is also very common in aroma therapy.
- Rosemary is very high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6.
- Fresh and dried leaves are often used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
- Rosemary has had a long lived reputation for improving memory. Some studies claim that the carnosic acid found in rosemary may shield the brain from free radicals. Lowering the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Lou Gehrig's disease.
- It is believed to be helpful in the digestion of starchy foods and vegetables to avoid indigestion.
- Rosemary is also believed to relieve flatulence.
- Commonly used as a circulatory and heart stimulant.
- Rosemary has been shown to have possible antioxidant properties.
- Muscle and joint pain and the symptoms of gout have been relieved throughout history with Rosemary
- Rosemary oil is sometimes used to treat muscle pain and arthritis.
- Rosemary is approved by the German Commission E.
Dosage and Administration
Rosemary as a Tea: Steep 6 g of dried herb in 2 cups boiling water divide into 3 portions. This may be consumed throughout one day. Adults should not exceed 6 grams of rosemary internally per day.
Rosemary for the Bath: Place 50 grams of dried rosemary in 1 liter water, boil, then let stand for 30 minutes. Add to bath water.
Rosemary essential oil: (6-10%) Mix two drops with one tablespoon of base oil. Do not ingest internally, do not apply to an open sore, and avoid eye contact. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the oil.
Rosemary tincture (1:5): 2 - 4 ml three times per day.
As with any medication read labels carefully, take only as directed and never under any circumstances should you ever exceed the recommended dosages.
Potential Side Effects of Rosemary
As with any supplemental herbs or medications, you should always consult with your health care provider when using rosemary.
Be sure to consult with your pharmacist when taking rosemary with any other prescribed medications.
It is not recommended that you use rosemary in children under 18 years of age.
Rosemary should not be taken by people with high blood pressure, ulcers, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Rosemary oil can be toxic if ingested, and should never be taken orally.
Rosemary may affect the blood's ability to clot, and could interfere with any blood-thinning drugs you are taking. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are taking Plavix, Coumadin, or Aspirin or any other type of blood thinner.
Rosemary may interfere with the action of ACE inhibitors in high blood pressure medications like: Monopril, Vasotec, Zestril, Capoten or any other such medications.
Rosemary may alter blood sugar levels and could interfere with any drugs taken to control diabetes.
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