Rosemary (salvia rosmarinus)
Synopsis of rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, now classified as Salvia rosmarinus) is a fragrant, evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is well known for its needle-like leaves and aromatic properties. Beyond its use in cooking, rosemary has long held a significant place in herbal medicine due to its wide range of bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, carnosol, carnosic acid, and essential oils such as cineole and camphor.
Medicinally, rosemary has been prized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cognitive-enhancing properties. It is commonly used in modern herbalism to support memory, reduce muscle pain and arthritis inflammation, stimulate circulation, and aid digestion. Rosemary extract is often included in nootropic formulas for its potential to improve mental clarity and prevent neurodegeneration. Some evidence suggests its active compounds can inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme linked to cognitive decline in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Rosemary also plays a role in dermatology and personal care; its essential oil is applied topically to support hair growth, reduce dandruff, and improve skin tone. Its antimicrobial and astringent qualities make it useful in oral hygiene products as well.
Historical Usage:
Historically, rosemary has been used since ancient times. The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all valued the plant not only for culinary purposes but also for ceremonial and therapeutic uses. In ancient Greece, students wore rosemary garlands around their heads to enhance memory and concentration, giving rise to its enduring association with remembrance.
Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, recommended rosemary for liver and digestive health. During the Middle Ages, rosemary was a common component in monastic medicine, used to treat ailments ranging from joint pain to epilepsy. It was often burned as incense or infused into wines and oils for medicinal balms.
In traditional European folk medicine, rosemary was infused in vinegar or spirits and used as a rub for rheumatism and sore muscles. One of the most famous historical preparations is “Hungary Water,” a 14th-century tonic distilled from rosemary and alcohol, reputed to restore youth and vitality. Rosemary was also placed under pillows to ward off nightmares and used in fumigation rituals to cleanse the air during plagues.
Across centuries, rosemary has symbolized fidelity, purification, and protection, and was often planted at the entrance of homes and in gardens for its protective aura.
Today, while modern research continues to validate many of its traditional uses, rosemary remains a staple in both natural medicine cabinets and scientific investigations focused on neuroprotection, inflammation, and antioxidant support.
Rosemary is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Body Odor (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Energy (lack of) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Scientific)
rosemary is used to support these body systems
Acetylcholine (Scientific)
Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Hair (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Smell (Scientific)
Stomach (Traditional)
Products containing rosemary
Metagenics
Axis Endo™ Mango
Designs For Health
Inflammatone™
Designs For Health
Inflammatone™
Designs For Health
Inflammatone™
Metagenics
Kaprex
Metagenics
Kaprex® (loading dose)
Metagenics
Meta I 3 C®
Metagenics
Meta I 3 C
Metagenics
MetaKids Vitamin D3 Liquid
Designs For Health
Migranol™
Metagenics
OmegaGenics EPA DHA 2400 Fish Oil
Metagenics
OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 300 Lemon Lime
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 1000 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 1000 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 500 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 500 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Neuro 1000 mg
Metagenics
PhytoMulti™ Multivitamin
Metagenics
PhytoMulti With Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMulti Without Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMultivitamin
Metagenics
PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
Douglas Laboratories
THYROMEND™
Designs For Health
Ultimate Antiox Full Spectrum
Metagenics
Ultra Calm® Bar Chocolate Coconut
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
Vitamin D3 Liquid
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
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