[Rosemary

January 22, 2005

Rosemary

(Rosmarinus officinalis)

A favorite herb to grow, rosemary is known as an all-around stimulant that uplifts and revitalizes. IT has been valued for its ritual significance and its medical applications since classical times. In songs, the herb has been extolled as a symbol of fertility ad of remembrance.

Plant Facts:

A member of the Labiatiae family, the evergreen shrub can grow 10-15 feet tall in the United States. When touched, the needles give off a distinct aroma-faintly camphor like and spicy. When eaten, the needle-shaped leaves have a pungent, somewhat better taste.

Parts Used:

For medicinal purposes, the dried leaves and flowers are used, as well as the essential oil, which is obtained by steam distillation.

Components:

Rosemary contains large amounts of an essential oil, whose primary constituents are cineole, borneol, thymol, camphor and pinene. The oil is an effective disinfectant and antispasmodic. It also stimulates circulation; by increasing blood flow it invigorates the whole body. The needle like leaves contain bitters, tannins, flovonoids and nicotinic acid as well.

Indication:

Rosemary is used internally for problems of the digestive tract, particularly boating and cramps; the herb’s antispasmodic properties come into play here. In addition, by increasing production of stomach juices, it stimulates the appetite and promotes digestion. Whine made with rosemary is considered to be a fortifying remedy for nervous agitation, low blood pressure and heart and circulatory weakness, it is especially helpful during convalescence. Rosemary oil applied topically increases blood flow and relieves sore, aching muscles.

Extra Tip:

You can gather leaves from the rosemary shrub all year long. Dry them in an airy, shady place at room temperature less that 95 degree F, in order to sustain the medicinal power of the essential oil.

Methods of Administration:

Tea infusion:

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of rosemary leaves and strain after 15 min. You can drink 1 cup 2-3 times a day.

Rosemary wine:

Add about 1 ¾ oz. of rosemary leaves to 1 qt. of white wine or liqueur. Let the wine and leaves stand for 5 days; then filter. Take 1 tbsp. after meals 2-3 times a day.

A bath

Bring to a boil 1 ¾ oz. of dried leaves or 2 ½ oz. of fresh leaves in 1 qt. Of water. Cover and le it stand for 15-30 min; add to warm bathwater.

Dandruff rinse:

A hair rinse with rosemary adds life to dull hair and combats a dry, flaking scalp. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over ½ cup of rosemary leaves and 1 tsp. of borax Steep for 2 hours; then strain. Apply 1/2 -1 cup after shampooing and conditioning; don’t rinse out. Us the rinse within 10 days.

Before undertaking the advice contained here, you should consult with a health care professional, who can better assess your individual needs, symptoms and treatments.

~The Complete Guide to Natural Healing~