Rosemary
Common Name: Rosemary
Latin Name: Rosemary officinalis
Description:
I love growing rosemary in the garden. It has so many culinary uses and is such a gift to have on hand all season long – I especially love it as a seasoning for roasted meats and potatoes. Beyond the kitchen, rosemary is valued for its medicinal properties. It is known to have stimulating and calming effects to the digestive system and is traditionally considered a brain tonic supporting concentration and memory.
Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean. When travelling in sunny destinations, I am often amazed at how large and tree- like the plants can grow as they thrive in warm sunny areas. Sadly, I have yet to master keeping rosemary happy year after year in our Northen climate where it must be brought indoors to overwinter. It often develops a mold indoors that I’ve yet to conquer.
Its genus name Rosmarinus means “dew of the sea” a beautiful reference to its natural habitat on sunny coastal hillsides.
Parts Used: Leaves and twigs
Origin: Mediterranean
Actions: Circulatory stimulant, carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressive, antiseptic, rubefacient, parasiticide
Medicinal Uses:
Rosemary acts as both a circulatory stimulant and nervine stimulant to gently tone the digestive system while also supporting the nervous system. Traditionally, it has been used to ease tension, headaches, migraines and mild depression. Known as a classic brain tonic, rosemary can be used to help improve concentration and memory.
Externally Rosemary’s circulatory and nervine properties make it beneficial for muscle aches and nerve-related issues such as sciatica or neuropathy. It contains high levels of rosmaricine compounds that offer mild analgesic and antioxidant actions, making it a supportive ally for inflammation of all types including haemorrhoids, arthritis, muscle pain, cramps, nervous tension, rheumatism.
You’ll often find rosemary in hair care preparations, as its stimulating qualities help awaken and nourish hair follicles, increases circulation and aids in the elimination of toxins.
Used In: