Rosemary Leaf, (Rosmarinus officinalis) Powder Bulk

Family

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Etymology

The genus and common name derive from the Latin ros, "dew," and marinus, "of the sea," in reference to the origins of the plant on the Mediterranean coast.

Range of Appearance

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region but cultivated worldwide. This small woody evergreen shrub can reach 3 to 6 feet in height. the small, thin leaves are about 1 inch long, dark green, thick, leathery, and lanceolate. the small, two-lipped flowers are whitish, blue, or purple. it can grow upright or trailing.  This tender perennial grows best in full sun. It needs low to moderate amounts of water, can tolerate drought if needed, and requires well-drained soil.

Parts Used

Aboveground plant

Physiological Effects

Anodyne, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, bitter, cardiotonic, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, choleretic, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypertensive, nervine, ophthalmic, rejuvenative, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, yang tonic

Medicinal Uses

Rosemary tonifies the nervous system, improves peripheral circulation, promotes warmth, invigorates the lungs, curbs infection, promotes immunity, and uplifts the spirits. Because it improves digestion, circulation, and memory, it is an excellent herb for the elderly. It is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, amenorrhea, anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, cataracts, cellulite, colds, debility, delayed menses, depression, dyspepsia, epilepsy, fatigue, flatulence, gallstones, halitosis, headache, hypertension, hypotension, jaundice, memory loss, menstrual cramps, migraine, pain, palsy, poor circulation, poor vision, rheumatism, stress, and vertigo. It is also considered a cancer preventive. Topically, rosemary can be used as a rejuvenative skin wash to prevent wrinkles and strengthen the capillaries or as a compress in cases of bruises, eczema, sprains, and rheumatism. In the bath or footbath, it rejuvenates the body and mind and also helps relieve pain and sore muscles. As a gargle, it can be used to treat sore throat, gum ailments, and canker sores and to freshen the breath. It makes a stimulating eyewash to soothe tired eyes. When included in shampoos and hair rinses, rosemary deters dandruff, graying, and hair loss.

Culinary Uses

The young shoots, leaves, and flowers are all edible raw or cooked. They have a refreshing, pleasant, somewhat bitter-pungent piney flavor. When eaten with food they aid the digestion of fats and starches. Rosemary also has been found to be an effective food preservative, comparable with BHA and BHT.

Other Uses

Rosemary has long been considered a symbol of friendship, loyalty, and remembrance. Ancient Greek scholars would wear laurels of rosemary on their heads to help them stay sharp and to keep their memories clear when taking examinations. In some traditions brides wear a wreath of rosemary and carry it in their bridal bouquet as a symbol of their remembrance of their families and their marriage vows. Rosemary's antiseptic aroma repels many kinds of insects, and it is one of the most traditional of incenses and sachet ingeredients. It can be placed in books to deter moths. It also can be burned in sick rooms to refresh and purify the air. The essential oil is widely used in massage oils, baths, and room sprays. A yellow-green dye can be obtained from the flowers and leaves.

Constituents

Beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, essential oils (borneol, camphor, cineole, eucalyptol, linalol, pinene, thymol, verbenol), tannins, flavonoids (apigenin, diosmin, heterosides, luteolin), rosmarinic acid, rosmaricine, triterpene (ursolic acid, oleanic acid), resin

Contraindications

Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy (though using rosemary moderately to season food is safe). Though rosemary is generally considered so safe that it is a common kitchen herb, extremely large doses could cause convulsions and death.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/