Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis
Family:Rosmarinus officinalis; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Aromatherapy; Aromatic; Astringent; Cardiac; Carminative; Cholagogue; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Nervine; Ophthalmic; Stimulant; Stomachic; Tonic.
Common name:Rosemary
Rosemary is commonly grown in the herb garden as a domestic remedy used especially as a tonic and pick-me-up when feeling depressed mentally tired nervous etc. Research has shown that the plant is rich in volatile oils flavanoids and phenolic acids which are strongly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Rosmarinic acid has potential in the treatment of toxic shock syndrome whilst the flavonoid diosmin is reputedly more effective than rutin in reducing capillary fragility. Rosmarol an extract from the leaves has shown remarkably high antioxidant activity. The whole plant is antiseptic antispasmodic aromatic astringent cardiac carminative cholagogue diaphoretic emmenagogue nervine stimulant stomachic and tonic. An infusion of the flowering stems made in a closed container to prevent the steam from escaping is effective in treating headaches colic colds and nervous diseases. A distilled water from the flowers is used as an eyewash. The leaves can be harvested in the spring or summer and used fresh they can also be dried for later use. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women since in excess it can cause an abortion. An essential oil distilled from the stems and leaves is often used medicinally that distilled from the flowering tops is superior but not often available. The oil is applied externally as a rubefacient added to liniments rubbed into the temples to treat headaches and used internally as a stomachic and nervine. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Stimulant'.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:43 []