rosemary flower

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis – aerial parts

Rosemary is an aromatic herb rich in antioxidant compounds which acts as a circulatory and nervine stimulant, well suited to the aging population facing cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to being used as a heart and brain tonic rosemary can tone and calm the digestive system, relieving nausea and gas, and supporting the liver. It also assists the respiratory system and can bring relief to cold and influenza symptoms such as fever, sore throat and stagnant congestion in the sinuses and lungs.

Actions

Primary: antioxidant, circulatory stimulant, hepatoprotective.

Secondary: spasmolytic, antimicrobial, soothes gastro-intestinal tract.

Indications

  • Indigestion, poor appetite, low mood.
  • Supports healthy memory function.
  • Relief of headache.

Considered non-toxic.

Rosemary contains salicylate. People with reactions to aspirin may also react to rosemary.

May increase the risk of bleeding and congestion in people with abnormal blood clotting.

The analysis of contents below is a guide only, product specific data including expiry date is with the item in the shop.

Rosmarinus officinalis 1:2. Each 1 ml contains 500mg of dry herb.

Liquid extract in 60% ethanol. Use 15 to 30 ml weekly.

Our clinic uses fluid extracts from Optimal Rx, Herbal Extract Company, Nutrition Care, Mediherb or Sunray Botanicals, in this order.

William Shakespeare was correct when the character Ophelia mentioned rosemary’s medicinal properties in Hamlet: “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray, love, remember.” Rosemary has been associated with remembrance since ancient Greece where scholars would wear garlands of rosemary, whilst studying, to aid their memories. It is for this reason sprigs of rosemary are worn on the lapel on Anzac Day in remembrance of fallen service men and women.

Shakespeare was proven right in a 2018 study which found that rosemary could be used to boost prospective and retrospective memory, reduce anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality in university students. In a double-blinded randomised controlled trial 68 students randomly received 500mg of rosemary or placebo twice daily for one month. Prospective and retrospective memory performance, depression, anxiety and sleep quality of the students were measured. The scores of all the scales and subscales (except the sleep latency and sleep duration components) were significantly decreased in the rosemary group in comparison with the control group after one month.