Rosemary originated in the Mediterranean area and on the continent of Africa. Today it grows around the world in sunny warm climates. This plant enjoys open sunlight of the Houston, Texas area and grows very easily. I have Rosemary growing in my backyard herb garden. It grows readily in this area and is a common ornamental and culinary plant. There are many species depending on where the plant is grown.

Rosemary - Rosmarinus Officinalis of the family Lebiatae.

Parts used: the leaves.
Energy properties: Spicy and cool.
Body Organs Rosemary Influences Include: the liver, the stomach, the spleen and the pancreas. The nervous system the cardiovascular and the hair.
Properties include: Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, nervine, diaphoretic, astringent, and antiseptic. (cineol, camphor, borneol, thymol and pinene are the key components that give rosemary its medicinal properties.)

1. Rosemary has been used in cooking as a spice for many centuries.

2. Rosemary has been used to help headaches and migraine headaches ( works as well as aspirin on headaches without the side affects)  

3. It can help to relieve painful menstrual periods.

4. Rosemary improves indigestion, reduces flatulence, prevents indigestion and increases bile flow.

5. It will help reduce colds and inflammation of the joints and muscles.

6. Rosemary will help to eliminate dandruff and it will help thinning hair regain its thickness and luster; thus is often used in shampoos and conditioners.

7. It will also improve circulation over time.

This herb has many uses. It is a great plant to grow so that you can use it everyday. It is easy to grow and grows into a large bush. In warm climates it grows year round and can be harvested quite frequently. Used topically it is a mild herb and it can be used internally in the form of teas and cooked in foods as a spice. The pure essential oil of Rosemary should never be used in its pure form on the skin, always mix it with a transporter oil such as sesame oil.

1. For the Scalp: Rosemary will help rid the scalp of dandruff as it has antiseptic properties. When used as an essential oil mixed in with a little sesame oil and massaged into the scalp it nourishes the hair follicles strengthening them and increasing hair growth where there is thinning. Regular massage with this oil will help you regain hair thickness if you are experiencing hair thinning. It also gives the hair shine and luster. When a few drops of essential oil of Rosemary is mixed with a teaspoon of sesame oil and massages into the temples and scalp it can relieve tension headaches and migraines.

2. For Circulation and Digestion: taken in small doses internally Rosemary will help improve the circulation, support the nervous system, enhance and aid digestion. It is rich in minerals; Ca, Mg, PO4, Na, and K ( calcium, magnesium, phosphates sodium and potassium) All these minerals are needed by the nervous and circulatory systems . Rosemary has a mild sedating affect on the body and can calm frazzled nerves. It can enhance memories and improve memory. The ancient Greek students always wore Rosemary garlands while studying and taking exams. Rosemary has very powerful antioxidant properties which increase overall vitality, improves circulation and your improves mental out look. This herb has been shown to inhibit mammary tumors in mice. Carnosol and ursolic acid are the major constituents of Rosemary and have been shown to inhibit tyrosine protein kinase (TPA) and ornithine decarboxylase activity and inhibit tumor promotion.

3. Topical skin applications: Rosemary is a natural skin softener. It is often added to soaps, lotions, shampoos and conditioners. If you are fatigued and worn out a rosemary tea bath can help rekindle your energy and mood. Pour 6 cups of boiling water over 3 tablespoons of rosemary leaves. Steep for about 15 min. Run a warm bath, strain the tea and add 5 cups to the bath water and drink one cup while you are bathing. Your energy will improve and your skin will be soft and radiant. Hair rinse: Take two handfuls of fresh Rosemary and pour a quart of boiling water over it and allow to steep for 72 hours; strain the solution and use it as a final rinse. It will also enhance brown tones in the hair and nourish the hair promoting hair growth. Essential oil of Rosemary can be rubbed onto the hair brush before brushing your hair; this will nourish the hair follicles. Rosemary can be mixed into an ointment to make a soothing liniment for sore muscles. It will also reduce swelling. Use essential oil of Rosemary diluted in sesame oil and massage it into the affected joint or muscle for soothing pain and swelling relief. You can make your own Rosemary oil by taking two handfuls of fresh Rosemary leaves. and soaking them in a pint of sesame or olive oil for one week. Strain and store the mixture in a cool dark place. Rosemary is a natural preservative so this oil will last a while. You can also use this as a compress over the affected joint or muscle. Rosemary can be used on hard to heal cuts and wounds and will often speed up healing when applied topically. Use as a tea or as an essential oil mixed with jojoba oil.

4. Rosemary Tea: When used as a weak tea Rosemary has diuretic properties and is very affective against arthritis, gout, renal calculi and it will increase bile flow to the intestines thereby enhancing digestion. Rosemary tea can have a stimulating, strengthening effect on the circulatory system and nervous system, helping those with poor circulation and low blood pressure accompanied by fatigue. As it can increase blood flow through the heart and brain it is especially good for the aging brain in enhancing memory. The elderly who drink rosemary tea on a regular basis were observed to be able to better resist colds, flu and other illnesses. It can also be used as a mouth wash to freshen bad breath. Put three teaspoons of dried rosemary in one pint of boiling water and allow to steep for thirty minuets. Strain and refrigerate. Gargle and rinse the mouth with this tea one to three times per day.

5. Used in Cooking: It enhances tomatoes, spinach, peas, mushrooms, squash, cheese, eggs, lentils and mixes well with chives, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Use when roasting meat or chicken. Used in soups, salad dressing, herbal butter and cream sauces. Easiest way to use it in the kitchen it either to pick it fresh each time or you can freeze the whole rosemary sprig and when needed you just slide a few leaves off the frozen branch. Another good way to use rosemary is when barbecuing or grilling. Add a handful of fresh leaves to the coals before you grill the food and the aroma will diffuse into the food.

6. Can be used as a dye for wool and cotton. Shades of yellow and green.

7. Rosemary is the symbol of remembrance, friendship and love.

8. Natural water purifier: it can sterilize water that is contaminated with harmful bacteria. If you have contaminated water, boil the water and add a few leaves to the water.

Rosemary will prevent travelers diarrhea and it a great travel companion for risky water areas. Its antibacterial properties would prevent diarrhea, fever and illness due to harmful microbes. Good to carry some rosemary when traveling to high risk areas.

As you can see Rosemary has many, many uses. It can be used in varying doses both high and small doses depending on its purpose and use.

References:

1. Miracle Healing Herbs by John Heinemann.
2. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Herbal Remedies by Frankie Avalon Wolfe.
3. Natural Guide to Medicinal Herbs and Plants published by Barnes and Noble.
4. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs.
5. Herbal Medicine, Healing Cancer, by Donald Vance CN, MH, AHG. + A. Valentine.
6. The Way of Herbs M. Tierra.