HERBS: ROSEMARY
Rosmarinus officinalis
Action: Tonic, aromatic, stomachic, carminative, cholagogue,
diuretic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, astringent, antiseptic.
Systems Affected: Nerves, heart, lungs, stomach, liver,
gall-bladder, kidneys, bladder, uterus.
Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Fresh or dried leaves, dose
1-5 grams by infusion.
Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean coast and both the common
and generic names are derived from the early Latin ros maris (dew of
the sea), from its habit of growing close to the sea. From the
earliest times its medicinal benefits were recognized and it has
always been popular as an aromatic and culinary herb.
In the late fourteenth century it became famous as the principal
ingredient of the Queen of Hungary's Water. Donna Izabella, Queen of
Hungary, aged seventy-two and severely afflicted with gout, received
a single brief visit from a hermit who left behind a herbal formula
for treating her condition. Based on Rosemary and taken every
morning for a year, it led to her full recovery, so much so that, in
the words of Donna Izabella herself, 'I recovered my health and
regained my strength, and on beholding my beauty, the King of Poland
desired to marry me; which I refused for the love of our Lord Jesus
Christ, believing that the Receipt had been given to me by an Angel
. . .'
Rosemary has been used to treat an almost bewildering variety of
ailments, hence its attribution as a general tonic. Particularly
high in calcium, it stimulates the brain, kidneys and nervous system
and is good for nervous depression.
The infusion, used internally, has been applied to such problems as
colds and flu, physical and mental overstrain, anaemia, debility
following severe illness, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic, hepatic
insufficiency, jaundice, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, gall-stones,
rheumatism, gout, renal insufficiency, retention of urine, oedema,
obesity, painful menstruation, nervous palpitations, dizziness,
fainting, loss of memory, nervous headache and migraines. It is
considered by some to be of great benefit in relieving headaches and
as a substitute for aspirin.
Externally Rosemary is used to treat rheumatism, gout and neuralgia.
It is applied as a compress, or as an ointment which is massaged
into the affected area (the essential oil being the most effective).
The infusion, used once or twice a day as a lotion, acts as a skin
tonic and will remove puffiness beneath the eyes. Renowned as a
tonic for the hair and scalp, it is sometimes used to prevent
falling hair: a strong infusion, cooled, is used as a rinse after
shampoo. Rosemary is smoked with Coltsfoot leaves to relieve asthma
and congestion of the throat and lungs.
Cautionary Notes: Allowing for all its possible uses, Rosemary
should be used with some discretion. The essential oil should not be
used internally. Extremely large doses of the leaf are toxic,
possibly causing abortion, convulsions and, very rarely, death.
*48/66/5*
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