Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary is an attractive evergreen shrub with pine needle-like leaves.
Rosemary, the herb of remembrance, friendship and love, has been used as a medicinal and aromatic herb for thousands of years. Athenaeus, the ancient Greek philosopher, was writing about rosemary along with other herbs in the 2nd century A.D. |
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As a medicine, various preparations and extracts made from rosemary were used to treat stomach and abdominal pain, to soothe mouth ulcers and sore throats, to lessen the pains of arthritic joints, to promote healing of wounds and of eczema. Rosemary is called "the herb of remembrance."
Students in ancient Greece are reported to have worn sprigs of rosemary in their hair while studying for exams to improve their memory.
Health Benefits & Modern Medicinal uses
Rosemary helps to relax muscles, including the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and uterus. Because of this property it can be used to soothe digestive upsets and relieve menstrual cramps. A tea made form the leaves is also taken as a tonic for calming nerves and used as an antiseptic.
Boost Mental Activity: Rosemary essential oil is an excellent brain and nerve tonic. It is often used by students during exam times as it increases concentration and helps in studying efficiently. It stimulates mental activity and is a good remedy for depression, mental fatigue and forgetfulness. Inhaling rosemary oil lifts your spirits immediately. Whenever your brain is tired, inhale rosemary oil to remove boredom and get fresh mental energy.
Pain Relief: The ability of rosemary essential oil to relieve pain has resulted in its extensive usage in headaches, muscle pains, sore muscles, rheumatism and even arthritis. Massaging the part which is in pain with rosemary essential oil, gives relief from the pain.
Hair Care: Rosemary oil and rosemary teas are used extensively for hair care in shampoos and lotions. Regular use of rosemary oil helps in stimulating follicles, as a result of which, hair grow longer and stronger. It is also believed that rosemary oil slows down premature hair loss and greying of hair. Hence it is an excellent tonic for bald people. Rosemary essential oil is also beneficial for dry and flaky scalps. Regular massage of scalp with rosemary oil nourishes the scalp and removes dandruff. Further, it is often mixed with tea tree oil and basil oil to treat scalp problems.
Mouth Care: Rosemary essential oil is a disinfectant and is used as a mouth wash. It also helps in removing bad breadth.
Skin Care: Rosemary essential oil is not used in skin care as extensively as it is used in hair care. Regular massage with the oil helps in toning your skin and removing dryness. It is also considered as a beauty aid for the face.
Rosemary leaves and flowers contain a volatile oil that increases blood flow just beneath the skin. In the bath water, an infusion of rosemary leaves refreshes and stimulates. Rosemary oils are known to have antibacterial properties. For centuries herbalists have prescribed rosemary for curing dozens of maladies.
