Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (Linn)

Rosemary grows as a small perennial evergreen shrub with thick aromatic leaves. It grows 1 to 1.5 m tall. It has an open, bushy habit, gray-green, lemony-scented leaves and blue flowers. Grow in ordinary, well-drained soil.

Botanical Description: The plant has small pale-blue flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring.

Although rosemary is native to the Mediterranean, it is now cultivated worldwide. Other types of rosemary include bog rosemary (Andromeda species) & wild or marsh rosemary (Ledum palustre L.).

Rosemary extracts are commonly found as

cosmetic ingredients
Historical reports regarding the therapeutic use of rosemary as a medicinal plant are available.
Rosemary is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs, having been used centuries ago to enhance mental function and memory.
Rosemary essential oil adds a piney scent to soaps, creams, lotions, perfumes, and toilet water

Ecology requirements:
Rosemary succeeds best in a light soil, and in a sheltered situation, It prefers full sun, On a chalk soil it grows smaller, but is more fragrant. Never let it dry out and never let it sit in water. It can survives to -10F

Rosemary is propagated by: . 1- seeds (germination rate is only 30% at best), 2-cuttings 3-layers 4. Divisions of Roots Uses of Rosemary: Extracts have been used in insect repellents.

 Rosemary has many uses besides culinary. It is used as

a medicinal, an aromatic, an ornamental in the landscape, as a dye, in cosmetics, and as a houseplant. Medicinally, a warm tea is good for colds, flu, rheumatic pain, indigestion, and as a stimulating drink for headache and fatigue

Rosemary Adverse Reactions:

Ingestion of large quantities of rosemary can 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, Rosmanic acid, monoterpene ketones, are convulsants, and have caused seizures in large doses. Rosemary is also an abortifacient.

Rosemary Uses and Pharmacology

Rosemary is a known antimicrobial agent. The powdered leaves are used as an effective natural flea and tick repellent. Rosemary oil possesses marked antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

There are numerous reports available evaluating

rosemary's anticancer effects. Rosemary increased detoxification of carcinogens in human bronchial epithelial cells as well.
Several reports exist concerning rosemary's antioxidative actions. Rosemary may also reverse headaches (1), reduce stress (2), and aid in asthma and bronchitis treatment (3).

Adverse Reactions:
Ingestion of large quantities of the oil can be associated with toxicity. Toxicity from the oil is characterized by stomach and intestinal irritation and kidney damage.

Rosemary has a very soft aroma and its essential oil is obtained through steam distillation processing.
It is said that over 70 lb of leaves are needed to make 1 lb of rosemary essential oil.
Rosemary oil has widespread utilization as physical and mental stimulant. It is great booster for skin related problems and cures mild skin acne instantly.

In cold winters people suffering from congestion can obtain relief with a little massage of the oil, hence getting rid of mucus in the chest area. The effects of Rosemary essential oil are needed to be felt to be believed in. However a little caution should be taken for its usage as its an amazing brain stimulant, it should not be massaged to pregnant women or people suffering from high blood pressure or hyperactivity. Even the flowers of the plant are used to create bouquets for special occasions in life and hence they are also called the remembrance flowers ones that always reminds you of memorable moments in life be it life or death.

It has amazing effect on body so as to improve the blood circulation and relaxing the exhausted muscles. It is used widely for patients suffering from memory loss and chest infections.

It is also acknowledged as a memory enhancer and works splendidly for nervous system and mind.