Latin name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Common name (s): Compass weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Incensier, Libanotis (Greek), Polar Plant, Old Man, Rosemary, Sea Dew
Rosemary leaves were burned to kill germs at hospitals in France during World War II. It became known as a symbol or remembrance to the Greeks in ancient Greece because it was believed to strengthen the memory and the students during this time would were sprigs of it in their hair while they study. Drinking rosemary herbal tea will aid in lowering high blood pressure.
Rosemary is used to relieve headaches and stomach pains in China and Europe. It was used in Europe in the Middle Ages to alleviate nervous conditions and ailments. Rosemary was also used to clear the vision, sharpen the senses and to improve a weal memory during the Middle Ages. Rosemary herbal tea works in bringing relief of pain due to nervous tension and migraines according to ‘Herbal Handbook’ by Bernard Jensen.
Rosemary is a evergreen shrub that grows upright and has sprawling branches with tough blunt ended needle like leaves. In the spring it blooms pale to dark blue flowers that are tubular in shape and two lipped but sometimes they can produce pink or white flowers as well. Rosemary is a very aromatic restorative herb that improves circulation and relaxes spasms.
Rosemary is an analgesic, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, nervine, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. The parts of the plant that are used in herbal healing are the leaves, flowering tops and oil. A rosemary rinse can be used after washing your hair to aid in preventing hair loss.
Dried and fresh rosemary leaves are used in cooking to add flavor to meat, soups, stews and stuffing’s. Sprigs of rosemary are steeped in olive oil, vinegar and wine to give flavor to dressings and sauces. Rosemary can be added to salads as well. Extract of rosemary is used in bath, hair and skin products.
Rosemary can be used to treat any of the following:
Arthritis, bad breath, balding, bruises, colds, colic, convulsions, coughs, dandruff, digestive disorders and problems, eczema, edema, exhaustion, eyewash, female disorders and problems, gallbladder disorders and problems, gas, gout, hair loss, headaches, heart tonic, hysteria, high blood pressure, indigestion, insomnia, joint inflammation, liver disorders and problems, memory, menstrual disorders and problems, migraines, muscular injuries, nervous disorders, nervous tension, neuralgia, poor circulation, prostate problems, restlessness, rheumatism, scalp problems, spasms, sprains, stings, stomach disorders and problems, worms and wounds.