top of page

Rosemary  (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Botanical Overview

Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis L. (now reclassified as Salvia rosmarinus)

Family: Lamiaceae

Native to: Mediterranean region

Plant type: Woody evergreen shrub with needle-like aromatic leaves and blue to pale purple flowers.

 

Your paragraph text.png

Folklore & Traditional Uses

Rosemary has been used since ancient times for memory, protection, and purification.

  • “Rosemary for remembrance” – a reference from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, believed to link back to Greek students wearing rosemary garlands to improve memory during study (Grieve, 1931).

  • Funerals & memorials – Rosemary symbolises eternal life and memory; still used in Anzac Day ceremonies in Australia.

  • Folk beliefs – In Europe, planting rosemary by the front door was said to ward off evil spirits and unwanted guests.

 

Untitled design (3).png
Your paragraph text.png

Medicinal Actions & Therapeutic Uses

Key Actions (Herbal Medicine)

  • Circulatory stimulant

  • Nervine tonic

  • Carminative

  • Hepatoprotective

  • Antioxidant

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Antimicrobial

  • Mild nootropic

Untitled design (4).png

Clinical and Traditional Uses

​​- Memory and focus

Shown to improve cognitive performance and alertness (Moss et al., 2003). May support early cognitive decline.

- Mental fatigue & burnout

Used to uplift mood and restore energy in cases of nervous exhaustion (Bone & Mills, 2013).

- Digestive health

Stimulates bile production and reduces bloating and cramping (Weiss & Fintelmann, 2000).

- Circulatory support

Improves peripheral circulation – helpful for cold extremities and sluggish blood flow.

- Hair health

Rosemary oil has been found to be as effective as minoxidil in improving hair regrowth in cases of androgenetic alopecia (Panahi et al., 2015).

Rosemary in the Home

 

Tea - Steep 1 tsp dried (or 1 tbsp fresh) rosemary in hot water for 5–10 mins. Drink for digestion, mental fatigue, or a light liver tonic.

Aromatherapy - Diffused rosemary essential oil improves alertness and reduces mental fatigue (Moss et al., 2003).

Bath - Add a handful of rosemary sprigs or 5 drops of essential oil to warm bathwater for muscle and mind relief.

Hair rinse - Simmer fresh rosemary for 15 mins in water. Cool, strain, and use as a post-wash rinse to support scalp and hair health.

 When NOT to Use (this is for doses high than culinary amounts, but if in doubt leave it ou!)

​

Pregnancy (especially early), Large doses or essential oil may stimulate uterine activity. Food use is fine.

Epilepsy - High camphor content may trigger seizures in sensitive individuals.

High blood pressure - Caution with concentrated preparations in hypertensive patients.

Iron supplementation - Tannins may interfere with non-haem iron absorption – take separately.

​References

  • Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone.

  • Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.

  • Weiss, R.F., & Fintelmann, V. (2000). Herbal Medicine. Thieme.

  • Panahi, Y. et al. (2015). Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial. SkinMed, 13(1), 15-21.

  • Moss, M. et al. (2003). Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. International Journal of Neuroscience, 113(1), 15–38.

Providing Naturopathy & Nutrition Services to

Mudgee & the Mid-Western Region

95 Church Street

Mudgee NSW 2850

info@fundamentalwellbeing.com.au

 

Tel: +61 (0) 409 570 723

  • White Facebook Icon
  • White Pinterest Icon
  • White Instagram Icon
  • White LinkedIn Icon

Naturopathy - Nutrition - Wellness

​

 

ABN: 62 320 358 840

© 2024 by Alison Faulkner. Proudly created with Wix.com

 

bottom of page