Latin Name
Rosmarinus officinalis

General Description
The evergreen perennial known as rosemary has a plethora of uses in addition to serving as a culinary spice. Herbalists believe that its leaves stimulate the circulatory and nervous systems and therefore serve as an antidepressant. Rosemary leaves also are thought to contain anti-spasmodic chemicals that relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract. In addition they are used to treat muscle pain. In recent years, rosemary has developed a reputation for antibacterial and antifungal action, and herbalists recommend that the leaves be used externally for skin infections. Rosemary is also prescribed as a gargle for bad breath. Before refrigeration was invented, crushed rosemary leaves were wrapped around meats to prevent them from becoming rancid, and to give them a pleasant fragrance and flavor.

Target Ailments
Taken internally for:

• Indigestion, upper-respiratory infections that require a decongestant, tension, muscle pain, sprains, rheumatism and neuralgia.

Applied externally, as an antiseptic, for:

• Skin infections.

Preparations
Over the counter:
Rosemary is available as dried bulk, in tincture, and as two types of oil, one for internal use and the other for external application.

At home:
Infusion: 1 tsp. crushed leaves per cup of boiling water steeped for 10 to 15 minutes. Consumed to settle the stomach or clear a stuffy nose. For children younger than 2 years, the infusion should be diluted with more water.

Special Information

• WARNING: Do not confuse rosemary oil for internal use with that applied externally. Never ingest the external variety.
  
• Pregnant women should avoid rosemary. It may stimulate the uterus.
  
• Some herbalists suggest putting rosemary leaves in baths for relaxation and even rubbing them on the head to redress premature baldness.
  
• Recent studies indicate that rosemary may contain antioxidant chemicals that may help to prevent food poisoning and to fight tumors.