Rosemary is a woody herb with needle like fragrant leaves and is native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the mint family and in Latin it means- Dew of the Sea, "dew" (ros) and "sea" (marinus).

The flower tops contain rosmarinic acid which is a phenolic antioxidant and its volatile oils found in other parts of the plant. Oils like cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, a-pinene) have numerous health benefits. They contain anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties. Rosemary is rich in phytochemicals which are plant derived compounds that help prevent disease and promote health.

Besides being used in food, rosemary helps to improve memory, relieve muscle pains and is also used as a topical treatment to stimulate hair growth.

Hair treatments

Essential oil and tea of rosemary extract is found in hair treatments and shampoos that treat male pattern baldness. Regular use is said to stimulate the hair follicles making the hair shaft stronger and encouraging new growth. At the same time, it also prevents premature hair loss and greying.

Memory

Inhaling the essential oil is a good brain and nerve tonic; it helps boost concentration as it stimulates mental activity.
In latest human trials, aromatherapy is an efficacious non-pharmacological therapy for dementia and may have some potential for improving cognitive function, especially in Alzheimer's disease patients, due to its free radical scavenging activity.

Cancer treatment

The herbs of the Mediterranean diet have not received as much nutritional and health importance as with other ingredients such as fatty fish, olive oil, fruits and vegetables. Studies done have highlighted the use of rosemary for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties as well as the role it plays in cancer prevention. Because of its complex mixture of polyphenols, it can provide a multi-targeted effect as compared to individual phytochemicals.

Wound healing and pain relief

Headaches, muscle pain, arthritis and rheumatism have been treated using rosemary essential oil by massages and vapour baths. The anti-inflammatory qualities help provide pain relief and stimulate good blood circulation which helps in faster clotting.

In animal studies, it was found that the topical application of rosemary ointment caused a decrease in inflammation and helped the wound to contract speeding the healing process. Based, on this research it was believed that the wound healing activity of Rosmarinus is due to its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Preservative

Rosemary Essential Oil functions as an antioxidant and has antimicrobial properties. It is capable of extending the shelf-life of food products and maintaining their quality during storage. Therefore, it has already being used as a bio preservative in food industry and is an approved food preservative of the European Union.

Digestion

In Europe, this herb is used to treat indigestion. It also helps to relieve flatulence, constipation and bloating. The essential oil helps form and release bile which helps to detoxify the liver. When added to meat dishes it can help with better digestion. The menthol extract of rosemary helps to protect the liver by scavenging for free radicals.

Uses:

• Dried Rosemary can be used as a tea or a tincture/ decoction can be used in bath water. The essential oil can be mixed with other oils for topical use. However, you should not take it without consulting a doctor first; they will advise you depending on your condition. The total daily intake should not exceed 4 to 6 grams of the dried herb.
• Microwaving, simmering and stewing are preferred cooking methods as these increases the antioxidant capacity probably as a result of heat liberating the antioxidant compounds. However, dry heating, grilling and frying, results in a decrease in antioxidant capacity.
• Rosemary can be used fresh or dry to add flavour to soups, pasta, meat dishes and vegetables.
• Due to its bittersweet and nutty flavour, it goes well with meat as it balances out the richness and fattiness from the meat.

Precaution:

Do not take rosemary oil orally as it is toxic. High doses of rosemary should not be taken by pregnant women as it may cause miscarriage. Pregnant and nursing women should not take rosemary as a supplement. However, it is safe to eat as a herb in food.

Interesting fact- The Ancient Greeks held the belief that Rosemary could strengthen memory. When a family member died, sprigs of this herb were scattered on the grave to show that the deceased would not be forgotten.