Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae)

ROSEMARY

Long endowed with powers to influence life, rosemary is a key Mediterranean herb, whose leaves are used by herbalists for skin diseases, migraines, depression, and dandruff.

Grown in gardens since ancient times, rosemary was considered to have mythical powers of protection against evil spirits and was used in weddings and funerals. It is still said that rosemary grows strongly in the kitchen gardens of households where the woman rules supreme. A native of the northern shores of the Mediterranean but grown around the world, it is a shrub with leathery needle-like leaves that have a blueygreen hue, and pink to blue flowers from spring to midsummer.

PARTS USED

Leaves.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Volatile oil containing borneol, linalool, pinene, camphene, cineol, and camphor; flavonoids, apigenin, diosmetin, and diosmin; rosmarinic acid; tannins; resin.

ACTIONS

Circulatory stimulant; dilates the blood vessels; anti-inflammatory; astringent; restores the nerves; antiseptic.

MEDICINAL USE

Given for depression, debility, migraines, and skin disease. It is also used when poor liver function is combined with poor circulation, and as a hair rinse for dandruff.

PREPARATIONS

Infusion, juice, tincture.