Rosmarinus officinalis is a perennial shrub native to southern Europe, known from at least the time of Dioscorides, or the first century of this era. The herb’s ability to stimulate the appetite is recognized in the kitchen, but the ancient Greeks recognized also some other stimulating qualities. Ancient Greek students wore rosemary wreaths around their heads when studying for exams, because the herb was also known as a mental stimulant. The plant’s active compounds are some very powerful essential oils such as borneol, bitter elements, various esters, saponins, rosmarinic acid, etc.
- Antioxidant. Studies have shown that rosemary is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. This was impressively demonstrated when the administration of rosemary succeeded in reducing lipid peroxidation by 50 percent.
- Anti-viral. Recent studies have demonstrated the herb’s potency against several viral pathogens. Something that seems to fully justify the fact that earlier, in many Greek and French hospital wards they burned rosemary to disinfect the room and keep infections at bay.
- Carminative. Rosemary is also known as an agent preventing the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. This seems to be the function of the volatile oils and their soothing effect on digestion by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. In earlier times, they believed that it increased bile secretions, but also had extensive activity against diarrhea, colitis and general digestive disorders, not unconnected with the herb’s carminative properties.
- Detoxifier. Rosemary extracts have been shown to support detoxification through its influence on cytochrome P450. This hemoglobin-like protein found in many of our organs, plays a vital role in the metabolism of steroid hormones and fatty acids and in the detoxification of a variety of chemical compounds. In addition, the herb seems to increase the Phase II enzymes, which also play a crucial role in detoxifying our cells of destructive agents.
- Perspiration inducer. This property is useful where a reduction of body temperature is required, as in some forms of malaria. In reality, the traditional uses of rosemary are far too many to be even listed here.
Caution. It should not be used during pregnancy. Earlier, high doses of rosemary were used for abortive purposes.