Greek students wore Rosemary necklaces in ancient times to improve their memories. Today we use it to stimulate the nervous system.

Rosemary has a tonic effect upon the the circulatory and digestive systems. It relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract.

The herb's tremendous diuretic action explains its effectiveness against rheumatism and gout, as well as kidney stones and the inability to urinate.

Contains antioxidant chemicals; cooking with it may help prevent food poisoning.

May be taken internally to relieve headaches. The oil may be rubbed on the temples for migraines. Try adding some oil to your bath for a little extra relaxation. It can soothe sore muscles.

Rosemary oil is a unique compound possessing several beneficial properties. Huang notes in Cancer Research that rosemary oil is a naturally occurring antioxidant exhibiting high antioxidant activity. Umek describes in Planta Medica that rosemary oil is strongly inhibitory against viruses. Engleberg et al. In the International Journal of Immunopharmacology denotes it's impressive powers in halting severe inflammation and edema. Navarro and colleagues found that rosemary oil if taken preventively, prevents toxic liver damage. Huhtanen determined the oil to possess significant antibacterial actions. Aqel, publishing in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, discovered that rosemary oil is antispasmodic, meaning it inhibits constrictions and spasms of the internal muscles of the lungs, intestines, stomach, and uterus. Incredibly, Inatani found that rosemary oil was four times more powerful as an oxidant than BHT, the synthetic type used in commercial foods. Singletary, of the University of Illinois, discovered how rosemary oil increases the production of the liver's cancer fighting enzyme, glutathione-S-transferase. Amazingly, adding rosemary to the diet of rats increased liver glutathione levels by some 400%. That is a tremendous increase.

Ancient Uses

The ancients used rosemary heavily, both as a food herb and medicine. While we might use a dusting of it on special dishes, the ancients used it so aggressively that some of their dishes might taste to us like mentholatum. As a medicine, its ancient use is extensive, and Lawless notes that it is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs. Perhaps its most ancient use is enhancement of mental function; the Greeks used it to enhance memory. In Medieval Europe it was purported to enhance mental prowess and intellectual acumen. Europeans used it as a cardiac and kidney tonic.

Modern Uses

Europeans use rosemary extensively. They are well aware that it is a circulatory stimulant; it increases blood flow to the muscles, head and brain. Chevallier notes that rosemary reverses headaches, even migraines, probably as a result of improved blood flow to the brain and scalp.

Chevallier also describes how rosemary is effective in stress induced illnesses. Prolonged stress damages the adrenal glands and rosemary is described as an activator of adrenal function. By assisting adrenal function, the toxic effects of stress are reversed.

In testing on animals French researchers discovered that the intravenous infusion of rosemary doubled the output of bile. Currently, it is used in Europe as an aid to liver function and is particularly useful for ameliorating liver congestion and inflammation.

According to Jean Valnet, M.D., author of The Practice of Aromatherapy, rosemary is used by modern herbalists for sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, sour stomach, gas, gall bladder ailments, liver dysfunction, jaundice, impotence, constipation, bowel infections, colitis, weakness, muscular fatigue, diarrhea, indigestion, heart disease, palpitations, migraines, menstrual difficulties (PMS), arthritis, lice, scabies, failing eyesight, infected or poorly healing wounds, mental disorders, memory loss, psychosis, and adrenal failure. No doubt this is a massive list. However, Valnet only used natural plant essences for treating disease and his experience was extensive.

Rosemary tea makes a wonderful mouth wash to freshen bad breath. Steep three teaspoons in a pint of boiling water (removed from heat) for 30 minutes.

As a water purifier, just add a little Rosemary, Peppermint, Sage, Savory and/or Thyme and boil to sterilize water contaminated with bacteria, especially handy when travelling abroad.

Use this strong, fragrant herb to spice up your dishes, especially roasted potatoes and chicken, homemade bread, soups, rice and marinades.

• Recommended Dosage

Read More About It

• Stop and Smell the Rosemary: Recipes and Traditions to Remember by Junior League of Houston.

• Rosemary: A Book of Recipes (Cooking With Series) by Kate Whiteman.

• Healthy Gluten-free Cooking: 150 Recipes for Food Lovers by Darina Allen.

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