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.
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.
Medicinal Actions & Therapeutic Uses
Key Actions (Herbal Medicine)
-
Circulatory stimulant
-
Nervine tonic
-
Carminative
-
Hepatoprotective
-
Antioxidant
-
Anti-inflammatory
-
Antimicrobial
-
Mild nootropic
.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.