Rosemary

Rosmarinus Officinalis

Rosemary (oil of leaves) France (Labiatae)

A tonic whose use goes back to ancient times, used by royalty and then widely by others for a variety of complaints.

Used as a love charm, memory enhancer and as a meat preservative in olden times, in fact, some of this spices components do fight bacteria. An old home remedy for colds, cough, sore throat, nervous conditions, sore muscles, foul breath, headache, hysteria and to enhance digestion and strengthen the eyes.

More recently noted for its benefits to the liver, heart, circulatory system and gall bladder.

66:1

Borneol, Bornyla acetat, Dipenten, Eucalyptol, Camphen, D-a-pinen and L-a-thujan

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.) is a common household plant grown in many parts of the world. It is used for flavoring food, drinks, and in cosmetics. In folk medicine, rosemary is used as an antispasmodic in renal colic and for dysmenorrhoea, in relieving respiratory disorders and to stimulate growth of hair. Extracts of rosemary relax smooth muscles of trachea and intestine, and have liver protective and anti-tumor activity.

The most important constituents of rosemary are carnosol, carnosic acid, caffeic acid and its derivatives such as rosmarinic acid. These compounds have powerful antioxidant activity. Rosmarinic acid is well absorbed from gastrointestinal tract and from the skin. It increases the production of prostaglandin E2 and reduces the production of leukotriene B4 in human white blood cells, and inhibits the complement system. This makes rosmarinic acid a strong anti-inflammatory agent.

Rosemary and its constituents have a therapeutic potential in bronchial asthma, peptic ulcer, prostate disorders, inflammatory diseases, liver toxicity, atherosclerosis, ischaemic heart disease, cataract, leukemia, cancer and poor sperm motility. However, at this time we know very little regarding rosemary extracts and their clinical application in human health and disease.

Health Benefits

The wonderful smell of rosemary is often associated with good food and great times. But it could just as easily be associated with good health. Rosemary contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion. Rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks. In addition, rosemary has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration. So, the next time you enhance the flavor of some special dish with rosemary, congratulate yourself for a wise as well as delicious choice.

Description

It is not surprising that the taste and aroma of the herb rosemary, historically used for strengthening the memory, is unforgettable. Rosemary has a unique pine-like fragrant flavor that is balanced by a rich pungency, a combination that evokes both the forest and the sea. Its memorable flavor and unique health benefits makes it an indispensable herb for every kitchen. Rosemary grows on a small evergreen shrub belonging to the Labiatae family that is related to mint. Its leaves look like flat pine-tree needles, deep green in color on top while silver-white on their underside.