Studies show rosemary leaves increase circulation, reduce headaches and fight bacterial and fungal infections. It is considered one of the strongest natural antioxidents. The flavonoid diosmin strengthens fragile blood vessels, possibly even more effectively than rutin. German pharmacies sell rosemary ointment to rub on nerve and rheumatic pains and for heart problems.

A traditional European treatment for those suffering from poor circulation due to illness or lack of exercise is to drink rosemary extracted into white wine. Rosemary contains many compounds that are reported to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, usually a symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Several if not all can be absorbed through the skin, and some probably cross the blood-brain barrier so using a using a final rinse of vinegar with rosemary essential oil added may be beneficial in prevention. Of these antioxidants, at least four are known cataract fighters and Japanese researchers find it promising for removing wrinkles.

Rosemary is recommended for flatulence, heartburn and as a digestive. It improves food absorption by stimulating digestion and the liver, intestinal tract and gallbladder. It is also used to inhibit kidneyand bladder-stone formation. Studies on rosemary conducted in Paraguay show that it almost completely inhibits the enzyme urease which contributes to kidney stone formation. It makes an antiseptic gargle for sore throats, gum problems and canker sores. Researchers speculate that rosemarinic acid might even be a good treatment for septic shock. In addition, it inhibited, although did not destroy, 87% of the cancer cells tested in a laboratory study. Asthma sufferers used to smoke it with coltsfoot and eat bread that had been baked over rosemary wood.

Properties:

astringent, tonic, antiinflammatory, digestive remedy, nervine, carminative, antiseptic, diuretic, promote sweating, promote bile flow, antidepressant, circulatory stimulant, antispasmodic, restorative tonic for nervous system, cardiac tonic

Applications:

Take the hot infusion for colds, influenza, rheumatic pains and indigestion; also as a stimulating drink for fatigue or headaches. Take the tincture as a stimulant tonic. Combine with oats, skullcap, kola or vervain for depression Soak a pad in the hot infusion and use for sprains. Alternate two to three minutes of the hot compress with two to three minutes of applying an ice pack to the injury.

For capillary fragility and varicose veins, it combines well with horse chestnut, yarrow, hawthorn and ginkgo.

Homeopathic Use: For conditions of premature menstruation, violent pains followed by uterine hemorrhage, a feeling of heaviness and drowsiness in the head, chills, icy coldness in the lower extremities, and thirstlessness followed by heat.

Toxicity:

Prolonged handling of fresh rosemary plants or using cosmetics scented with rosemary oil may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people. Use sparingly if pregnant and not at all during first trimester because it could trigger a miscarriage (in therapeutic doses).