The rosemary herb is a perennial herb with fragrant leaves and is part of the mint family of plants. Originally a native plant of the Mediterranean region it is now grown worldwide.
It is traditionally associated with remembrance, and studies have shown that it can have a positive effect on the memory. The herb rosemary blends well with other members of the mint family as well as several other herbs including lavender.
The herb is widely used in cooking, cosmetics, and a range of herbal remedies.
Rosemary herb is available in several varieties and has a high iron and vitamin B6 content which makes it a valuable ingredient in treating several conditions.
The leaves have a strong taste and aroma similar to camphor but are used to flavour soups and meat dishes.
Rosemary Tea
Rosemary tea is a warming and stimulating drink which has pain relieving properties. The herb has been used for centuries to ease the symptoms of headaches and rheumatism, improve circulation, and fight the symptoms of epilepsy and memory loss.
Drinking rosemary tea can help those who are studying or working long hours to keep focused and aid concentration. It can also stimulate the digestive system. Cooled rosemary tea can be used as a mouthwash to combat oral bacteria. A cooled rosemary tea can also be used to rinse hair to ease scalp problems such as dandruff.
Rosemary Leaf Extract
Rosemary leaf extract is used to stimulate the circulatory system and calm the digestive system. It is ideal for the digestion when the problems are caused by emotional stress. The rosemary leaf extract also has antibacterial and astringent properties and can lift the emotional state.
The effect it has on the circulation makes it an ideal ingredient for skin creams and massage oils, and it is often seen in anti-cellulite products. The antioxidants in rosemary herb may also help to fight the signs of aging and offer a boost to fragile skin.
Oil of Rosemary
As with rosemary tea, oil of rosemary can be used to help concentration. Infusing the essential oil into the air can help to keep a clear head. The oil can be used to treat ailments such as muscle stiffness and rheumatism, problem skin, and poor circulation and is often found in hair treatments.
The oil is useful for easing the symptoms of colds and flu, and breathing in oil infused into the air can help to relieve congestion in the airways when suffering from asthma or bronchitis. A few drops of oil can be added to bath water to aid the circulation.
Precautions
There are a number of issues to be considered when using oil of rosemary herb. Large quantities should not be consumed internally, as it can have a toxic effect.
Those with epilepsy or high blood pressure should not use the oil, and it should also be avoided by pregnant women. It is not known to interfere with any conventional medications, but if the user is in doubt then a doctor should be consulted.
The oil can also be used as a heart stimulant, but those already receiving treatment for a similar condition should not use rosemary.
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