What are the health benefits of rosemary herbs?

Answer 1

Rosemary is a potent antioxidant, antiseptic, and antispasmodic. In European folk medicine, it was used both internally and externally, for ills including nervous disorders, upset stomach, headaches, baldness, Arthritis, pain, strains, and bruises. More recently, it has been investigated as a cancer therapy. Benefits of rosemary for specific health conditions include the following:

• Alzheimer's disease. Rosemary contains compounds that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that allows the nerve cells responsible for memory and reasoning to communicate with one another. Rosemary also improves circulation to the brain.

• Cancer. Research shows that rosemary has strong antioxidant effects. Several animal studies indicate that rosemary can prevent cancer-causing chemicals from binding to and causing mutations in cellular DNA. This was later reconfirmed in human cells. Rosemary has been shown to inhibit the carcinogen aflatoxin from binding to liver cells and to prevent benzopyrene from binding to bronchial cells. These results show that its potential protective abilities go beyond one carcinogen and one type of tissue. Other research has found that whole rosemary extract can stimulate liver enzymes that defuse carcinogens and reduces those enzymes that can enhance carcinogens.

• Circulatory problems, eczema, rheumatic disorders, and sore muscles. In European folk medicine, rosemary baths were used to prevent bacterial infection complicating eczema. Rosemary baths also stimulate blood circulation to the skin. This action helps the body to circulate the immune cells that cause eczema away from the skin and to circulate antibodies and other immune cells that fight infection to the skin. Rosemary contains camphor, which increases the blood supply to the skin. Because of this property, using rosemary in the bath helps to reduce pain in rheumatic muscles and joints. Rosemary baths also help to improve disorders characterized by chronic circulatory weakness, such as low blood pressure, varicose veins, bruises, and sprains.

• Indigestion and menstrual cramps. Rosemary helps to relax muscles, including the muscles of the digestive tract and the uterus.

• Irritable bowel syndrome. Rosemary relieves intestinal cramps and spasms. It also eases bloated feelings and stops flatulence. The bitter substances in rosemary stimulate the release of bile, aiding the digestion of dietary fat and lowering cholesterol levels. Rosemary also protects the liver from toxins leaking through the bowel.

• Yeast infection. Rosemary is both diuretic and fungicidal. Its diuretic action increases the likelihood that infectious yeasts will be flushed out of the body before they have a chance to cause infection. Its fungicidal action kills Candida albicans, destroying many of the yeast cells that remain. Rosemary is not so potent, however, that it completely wipes out the natural bacterial population of the digestive tract, an action that helps keep the intestines in healthy balance.

Precautions

• Use sparingly if pregnant and not at all during first trimester because it could trigger a miscarriage (in therapeutic doses)

  Jorge

  www.herbosophy.com.au

Answer 2

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has many uses.

The whole plant is decorative.

- The trailing or prostrate form can be used in pots (in colder areas) or along slopes in a rock garden.

- The upright form is great as a hedge or back-ground plant (in warmer areas).

- The trimmed branches are wonderful in fresh flower arrangements and as the base or "bones" of garlands.

- In ancient time (and still in some cases today) brides carry rosemary as part of their bouquet for "remembrance."

- The trimmed branches can be used in dried flower arrangements and potpourri.

Cosmetic and Household Uses

- Rosemary essential oil is found in some shampoos.

- It is used in combination with borax to treat dandruff.

- And also as a final rinse for dark hair

- Rosemary can be found perfumery, as an ingredient of some "woodsy' fragrances.

- The flower is an ingredient in "Hungary water," an old flower water made from rosemary, lemon, rose, neroli, sage & mint.

- It is a common ingredient in soaps and household sprays.

- Place sprigs among your lines for a fresh, but less floral scent.

- Water boiled with rosemary in it makes a nice anti-septic cleaning solution for your bathroom.

Culinary uses are many and varied.

- It is found in many meat dishes, particularly with lamb or pork.

- Used as part of Italian spice mixes.

- The flowers may be tossed in salads or crystallised in sugar.

- The leaves can be used (sparingly) to flavour baked potatoes or in an herb butter for vegetables.

- The stems work as skewers for barbequing meats and vegetables.

- Rosemary is an ingredient in some liquors.

Medicinally

- Rosemary oil is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

- Used to treat headaches, either as an infusion, or externally.

- It improves circulation and strengthens fragile blood vessels due to the effects of the flavonoid, diosmin.

- It is one component in liniments used to treat rheumatism.

- To treat digestive problems, particularly to reduce flatulence.

- It stimulates digestion, liver and gall bladder secretions (bile).

- It is also used to treat painful periods.

Aromatherapy and other uses for Rosemary essential oil.

Skin care

- To treat acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, greasy hair, lice, scabies, & varicose veins.

- It also regulates seborrhea, stimulates hair growth, & the scalp and as an insect repellent.

Circulation, Muscles & Joints

- To treat arteriosclerosis, fluid retention, gout, muscular pain, and palpitations.

Respiratory System

- To treatAsthma, bronchitis, & whooping cough.

Immune system

- For treatment of colds, flu and infections.

Nervous system

- To treat headache, hypotension, neuralgia, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and stress-related disorders.

* CAUTIONARY NOTE

The use (ingestion) of rosemary and particularly rosemary essential oil is inadvisable if you are pregnant or suffering from a depression disorder.

And just for the fun of it

Magical Uses

Other names: Compass weed; Dew of the Sea; Elf leaf; Guardrobe; and Libanotis.

Gender: Masculine.

Ruled by the Planet: the Sun.

Element: Fire

Magical Powers: Exorcism, Healing, Love, Lust, Memory, Mental powers, Protection, Purification, Sleep (anti-nightmare), & Youth.

Magical uses

- As a smudge to cleanse, purify and rid the area of negativity.

- Under a pillow/bed to protect the sleeper, help restful sleep and drive away nightmares.

- Hung on a porch/door post to guard the house from thieves.

- Carried as an amulet to protect the wearer from theft and illness.

- Used in a bath to purify.

- Worn or kept close by, to aid memory.

- The wood, smelled frequently or used in a bath will preserve youthfulness.

- In incense as part of love and/or lust spells.

- In combination with juniper berries (incense) in sick-rooms for healing.

- Rosemary is an acceptable magical substitution for frankincense.