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Rosemary

Rosemary
Rosemary, known as Rujamari in Ayurveda, is an aromatic medicinal plant. It is famous for its essential oil that is widely used in the manufacturing of soaps and perfumes. Besides this, it also has ornamental and culinary value.
Rosemary oil is beneficial for skin as it prevents wrinkles and signs of aging due to its antioxidant property. It also promotes hair regrowth in males by improving the circulation of blood in the scalp. You can also use Rosemary oil for massaging your joints as it possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosemary helps in boosting memory by improving the signal transmission in the brain. Drinking Rosemary tea and massaging forehead with Rosemary oil relaxes the brain and relieves headaches. You can also inhale Rosemary essential oil to manage stress and depression.
You should avoid the excessive use of Rosemary as it might cause certain side effects like vomiting, uterine bleeding, skin redness, or irritation[1-3][23].

What are the synonyms of Rosemary?

Rosmarinus officinalis.

What is the source of Rosemary?

Plant Based

Benefits of Rosemary

What are the benefits of Rosemary for Cognitive enhancer?

scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary might help improve memory due to its memory-enhancing properties. It increases the amount of certain compounds in the brain that improve functions like memory and cognition. Rosemary tea is rich in antioxidants that protect the brain (neuronal) cells against damage caused by free radicals, thus, its regular consumption might help in preventing further memory loss[9][10]11].

Tip to use Rosemary to improve Memory
a. Take 3-5 gm of dried or fresh Rosemary leaves.
b. Add 1-2 cup of water to it.
c. Boil the herb for 5-10 minutes so as to prepare Rosemary tea.
d. Strain the leaves and have it twice a day or as directed by a physician.
e. Consume regularly to improve Memory.
f. You can add stevia as a natural sweetener if required.

What are the benefits of Rosemary for Age related memory loss?

scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary might help prevent Age-related mental decline or loss as it has antioxidant properties. It protects the brain (neuronal) cells against damage caused by free radicals and increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in enhancing cognition[9].

Tip to take Rosemary to prevent Age-related mental decline
a. Take 1 Rosemary capsule or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with water after taking light food twice a day.
c. Take it on a regular basis to prevent Age-related mental decline.

What are the benefits of Rosemary for Diabetic kidney disease?

scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary might help prevent Diabetic kidney damage also known as diabetic nephropathy which is commonly seen in diabetic patients. Rosemary contains certain constituents that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants protect the kidney cells against damage caused by free radicals and helps reduce inflammation thus preventing kidney damage[13][14].

What are the benefits of Rosemary for Low blood pressure?

scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary might help in managing Hypotension as it has antihypotensive property. It contains certain constituents that decrease the contractility of blood vessels and increases blood pressure[15].

What are the benefits of Rosemary for Opioid withdrawal?

scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary might be useful in opioid withdrawal symptoms. Studies suggest that Rosemary helps in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms like muscle jerks, convulsions and musculoskeletal pain (pain in bones, muscles, ligaments etc.) due to its anti-inflammatory and
Psycho-stimulant (agents that improve physical and mental functions) properties[16][17].

What are the benefits of Rosemary for Flatulence (gas formation)?

scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary oil might be useful in managing Gas (flatulence) as it has carminative property. It prevents the formation of gas as well as helps in expulsion of excessive gas from the gastrointestinal tract, thereby relieving flatulence[14][18][19].

What are the benefits of Rosemary for Headache?

scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary might help in managing Headache (including migraine headaches) as it helps to reduce the dilation (enlargement) of blood vessels which is the main reason for headaches. Drinking Rosemary infusion helps to relax the brain and relieves headache[14][20].

Tip to use Rosemary to get relief from Headache -
a. Take some fresh Rosemary leaves in a cup.
b. Add hot water over it.
c. Cover it with a lid and wait for 10-15 minutes.
d. Enjoy the hot Rosemary infusion to get relief from Headache.

What are the benefits of Rosemary for Indigestion?

scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary might be good for getting relief from Indigestion as it has digestive property. It improves food absorption by stimulating digestion and thus manages indigestion[22][23].

What are the benefits of Rosemary for Heavy menstrual bleeding?

scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary might help in Increasing menstrual flow as it stimulates uterine contractions. The increased contractions cause an increase in uterine blood flow. It also helps to relax the smooth muscles and relieve menstrual cramps[2][21][22].

How effective is Rosemary?

Likely effective
Cognitive enhancer
Insufficient evidence
Age related memory loss, Diabetic kidney disease, Flatulence (gas formation), Headache, Heavy menstrual bleeding, Indigestion, Low blood pressure, Opioid withdrawal

Precautions when using Rosemary

Advice from Experts
Important
scientific
Modern Science View
It is advised to always dilute Rosemary oil for internal use. Rosemary oil when used in undiluted form might cause gastroenteritis, spasms, vomiting and irritation to the kidneys. Therefore, it is advised to always check the strength of Rosemary oil before using it[2][3].
Allergy
scientific
Modern Science View
Rosemary should not be taken along with Aspirin as it contains the same chemical component “salicylate” as Aspirin and might cause complications in people who are allergic to Aspirin[2].
Breastfeeding
scientific
Modern Science View
Little is known about the effect of Rosemary on infants, however, it is recommended to avoid its use in uncontrolled amounts during Breastfeeding as it might cause gastroenteritis, spasms, vomiting and irritation to the kidneys[3].
Pregnancy
scientific
Modern Science View
Use of Rosemary during Pregnancy is not recommended as its use might cause gastric problems like spasms, vomiting, uterine bleeding or even miscarriage. However, aromatherapy using Rosemary oil helps to relieve stress in Pregnant women. Also, women who are trying to get pregnant should avoid using Rosemary as it has the potential to alter hormones[2][3][4][8].
Side Effects
Important
scientific
Modern Science View
Overdose of Rosemary might cause side effects like:
1. Vomiting
2. Gastroenteritis
3. Kidney irritation
4. Uterine bleeding[3].
Also taking Rosemary in excess quantities has the potential to cause bleeding disorders[2].
severe medicine interaction
scientific
Modern Science View
1. Rosemary has the potential to interact with Aspirin as both of them share the common active constituent “salicylate”. Their use together might lead to an overdose[2].

2. Rosemary might worsen seizures, therefore, it is recommended to avoid its use while taking anticonvulsant medication[2].

3. If you are taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication, then it is advisable to avoid the use of Rosemary as it might cause bleeding due to its antithrombotic activity[8].

How to use Rosemary

1. Rosemary Tea
a. Take 3-5 gm of dried or fresh Rosemary leaves.
b. Add 1-2 cup of water to it.
c. Boil it for 5-10 minutes so as to prepare Rosemary tea.
Strain the leaves and have it twice a day or as directed by a physician.
d. Consume on a regular basis to help improve memory.
You can add stevia as a natural sweetener if required.

2. Rosemary Infusion
a. Take some fresh Rosemary leaves in a cup.
b. Add hot water over it.
c. Cover it with a lid and wait for 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy the hot Rosemary infusion to get relief from Headache.

3. Rosemary Capsule
a. Take 1 Rosemary capsule or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with water after taking light meals twice a day to manage mental stress.

4. Fresh Rosemary in daily diet
a. Rosemary leaves can be chopped and added to your daily meals as garnishing or for flavouring.
b. Rosemary leaves can also be cooked or roasted along with food.

References

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  2. WebMD.Rosemary: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].External Link
  3. Heidari V.H, Ebrahimi HR, Sadeghi M.R, et.al.Evaluation of an Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract from Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) for its Activity on the Hormonal and Cellular Function of Testes in Adult Male Rat.Iran J Pharm Res.2013;12(2):445-51.External Link
  4. Igarashi T.Physical and psychologic effects of aromatherapy inhalation on pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial.J Altern Complement Med.2013.;19(10):805-10.External Link
  5. M. Miroddi, G. Calapai, S. Isola, P.L, et.al.Rosmarinus officinalis L. as cause of contact dermatitis, Allergologia et Immunopathologia,2014;42(6):616-619.External Link
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  9. Pengelly A, Snow J, Mills S, et.al.Short-Term Study on the Effects of Rosemary on Cognitive Function in an Elderly Population.Journal of medicinal food.2011;15(1):10-7.External Link
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  16. Solhi H, Salehi B, Alimoradian A.Beneficial Effects of Rosmarinus Officinalis for Treatment of Opium Withdrawal Syndrome during Addiction TreatmentExternal Link
  17. Programs: A Clinical Trial.Addict Health, Summer & Autumn.2013;5(3-4):90-93.External Link
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.

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