benefits of rosemary

Rosemary is a widely used culinary spice. Tradition holds that rosemary will grow only in gardens of households where the ?mistress? is truly the master. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for its astringent, tonic, carminative, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic properties. Rosemary is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs, used centuries ago to enhance mental function and memory. Extracts and the volatile oil have been used to promote menstrual flow and as abortives. Rosemary extracts commonly are found as cosmetic ingredients and a lotion of the plant is said to stimulate hair growth and prevent baldness.

Rosemary leaf was approved for dyspepsia, high blood pressure, and rheumatism by the German Commission E at doses of 4 to 6 g/day. The essential oil has been used at doses of 0.1 to 1 mL.

Ingestion of large quantities of rosemary may result in stomach and intestinal irritation, and kidney damage. Allergic contact dermatitis has been associated with the plant, but rosemary is not generally considered to be a human skin sensitizer. Rosemary's constituents, monoterpene ketones, are convulsants, and have caused seizures in large doses. Rosemary also is an abortive.

Generally recognized as safe when used as food. Avoid dosages above those found in food because safety and efficacy are unproven. Known to have emmenagogue (to stimulate menstrual flow) and abortive effects.

Concentrated extracts like Rosemary Oil should be used externally, though the dried herb can be taken internally when used in cooking. It is an especially great herb to add to meats (and pairs well with lamb). Some research suggests that it has anti-cancer properties.

Blood levels of a rosemary oil component correlate with improved cognitive performance.The herb not only tastes good in culinary dishes such as Rosemary chicken and lamb, but it is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6. It is typically prepared as a dried whole herb or a dried powdered extract, while teas and liquid extracts are made from fresh or dried leaves.

These are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Laboratory studies have shown rosemary to be rich in antioxidants, which play an important role in neutralizing harmful particles called free radicals.

Scientists have found that rosemary is also good for your brain. Rosemary contains an ingredient, carnosic acid, that is able to fight off free radical damage in the brain.

Free radicals (also called Reactive Oxygen Species) that cause oxidative stress are directly associated with inflammation, aging, and carcinogenesis. The body possesses various anti-oxidative systems and saliva is one such system. In one study on rosemary benefits, Japanese researchers found that smelling of lavender and rosemary essential oils in aromatherapy increased the production of saliva and reduced the stress hormone cortisol levels significantly. They concluded that these oils could protect the body from oxidative stress and relieve stress. Other studies too have confirmed that rosemary leaves exhibit potent anti-inflammation and anti-tumor effects. Rosmarinic acid increases the production of prostaglandin E2 (substances that help in contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, control of blood pressure, and modulation of inflammation) and reduces the production of leukotriene B4 involved in inflammation.

Rosemary is rich in dietary fiber and contains no cholesterol. The leaves provide just 131 calories per 100g.Rosemary has so much of vitamin A that a few leaves a day in the diet would almost meet the requirement for optimal vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin.