Rosemary's therapeutic uses
Rosemary, scientifically known as Rosmarinus officinalis, has a long history of use in both culinary and medicinal contexts. Its primary therapeutic application is in treating dyspepsia, or nonspecific digestive distress, while other proposed uses include alleviating muscle aches, enhancing cognitive function, and reducing stress. Traditionally, rosemary leaf preparations have been utilized for various ailments including headaches and anxiety, and the herb's aromatic properties are believed to aid memory enhancement. Rosemary oil, applied topically, is noted for its potential to relieve joint pain and improve circulation.
Emerging scientific studies have begun to support some of these uses, particularly for digestive issues and muscle pain, though more rigorous research is needed to confirm efficacy. Additionally, rosemary exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may offer protective benefits against chronic health conditions. However, caution is advised with the use of rosemary essential oil, as it can be toxic if ingested, and may pose risks to pregnant women or those with certain medical conditions. Overall, rosemary presents a variety of potential health benefits, but users should approach its application with awareness of possible safety issues and consult healthcare professionals when necessary.
Rosemary's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Dyspepsia
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Chemical dependency, muscle aches, cognitive function, neurodegenerative diseases, mood enhancement, reduce stress, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hair growth, antimicrobial, antibacterial
Overview
Since ancient times, the herb rosemary has been used as a food spice and medicine. Traditional medicinal uses of rosemary leaf preparations taken internally include digestive distress, headaches, and anxiety. The fragrance of rosemary leaf has been said to enhance memory. Rosemary oil has been applied to the skin to treat muscle and joint pain and taken internally to promote abortions.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dosage of rosemary leaf is 4 to 6 grams daily. Rosemary essential oil should not be used internally.
Therapeutic Uses
Germany’s Commission E has approved rosemary leaf for treating dyspepsia (nonspecific digestive distress) and rosemary oil (used externally) for treating joint pain and poor circulation. Meaningful scientific evidence has begun to emerge in the twenty-first century that rosemary may be effective for these uses. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove that a treatment really works, and small studies conducted in the 2010s found rosemary effective for these conditions.
Like many essential oils, rosemary essential oil has antimicrobial properties when it comes in direct contact with bacteria and other microorganisms. Note, however, that this does not mean that rosemary oil is an antibiotic. Antibiotics can be taken internally to kill microorganisms throughout the body. Rosemary oil, rather, has shown potential antiseptic properties.
There are many other proposed therapeutic uses for rosemary. Rosemary oil may promote cognitive function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Some early studies have indicated that rosemary may reduce stress and depression symptoms. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help protect against free radicals that cause chronic health conditions. Rosemary applied topically to the scalp has been shown to promote hair growth and scalp health.
Scientific Evidence
One animal study found evidence that rosemary might help withdrawal from narcotics. Even weaker evidence hints that rosemary, or its constituents, may have antithrombotic (blood-thinning), anticancer, diuretic, liver-protective, and ulcer-protective effects.
Rosmarinic acid from rosemary has shown potential anti-inflammatory and antiallergic actions, but most published studies (including double-blind trials) have used a different plant source of the substance (the herb Perilla frutescens).
One controlled study failed to find rosemary cream protective against skin irritation caused by sodium lauryl sulfate (a common ingredient of cosmetic products).
Rosemary essential oil has been used in aromatherapy (treating conditions through scent). One controlled study evaluated rosemary aromatherapy for enhancing memory and found results that were mixed at best. Another study failed to find that rosemary aromatherapy reduced tension during an anxiety-provoking task; in fact, it appeared that the use of rosemary actually increased anxiety. A 2020 study published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences suggested that rosemary extract did benefit in issues involving mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep.
Safety Issues
Although rosemary’s use in foods suggests a relatively low level of toxicity, rosemary has not undergone comprehensive safety testing. Rosemary essential oil can be toxic if taken even in fairly low doses, and the maximum safe dose is not known.
Based on its traditional use for abortion, as well as preliminary evidence showing embryotoxic effects, rosemary should not be used by pregnant women or women who wish to become pregnant.
One study suggests that rosemary may have diuretic effects. If it does, the herb could theoretically present risks in people taking the medication lithium.
Other weak evidence hints that rosemary may enhance the liver’s rate of deactivating estrogen in the body. This suggests that rosemary might present risks for females as well as for anyone who uses medications containing estrogen. Additionally, one study hints that rosemary might worsen blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
Persons who are taking lithium should use rosemary only with caution. Persons taking medications containing estrogen should be aware that rosemary may decrease the effects of such medications.
Bibliography
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Rahbardar, Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh, and Hossein Hosseinzadeh. "Therapeutic Effects of Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.) and Its Active Constituents on Nervous System Disorders." Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, vol. 23, no. 9, Sept. 2020, 1100–1112, doi: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.45269.10541. Accessed 20 Dec. 2022.
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