Herb Profile - Rosemary

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Mint family

Distribution: native to Mediterranean. Used extensively as a culnary spice.

Parts used: dried leaves

Active Constituents: volatile oil, flavonoids, tannins, rosmarinic acid

Actions: Antioxidant, Circulatory stimulant, Spasmolytic actions, hepatoprotectie, carminative, mild anticeptic

Main Uses: Improving circulation, improving mental alertness and memory, liver protection, aiding digestion, topical treatment to promote wound healing and in rheumatic conditions.

Topically: excellent herb to use topically for joint and muscle pain. Excellent natural flea and tick treatment

Contraindications: Generally considered safe.

Toxicology and Adverse effects: No adverse effects expected although ingestion of large quantities of the oil can be associated with toxicity.

Potential drug interactions: None known

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a well known culinary herb that is a vital part of the Mediterranean cuisine. Rosemary belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to the Mediterranean. It is cultivated worldwide and grows best in Mediterranean climate. Apart from giving Mediterranean dishes their authentic aroma it also has many health benefits. Rosemary has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb mainly as a tonic and to improve the memory. It has many active

constituents like volatile oil, flavonoids and tannins. The dried leaves are used to make infusions and tinctures. For its ability to stimulate the circulation

Rosemary is also known as the “European Ginkgo” as it has similar effects. This

makes Rosemary very valuable to improve memory and mental alertness. It can be

used to address health problems caused by weak circulation like hypotension or a poor digestion. Rosemary has also positive effects on the liver. It protects the liver cells from damage and also aids the liver to clear toxic substances. Therefore Rosemary is useful in primary liver problems and digestive disorders.

Rosemary is a very strong antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells and are useful to

prevent disease and aging, support organs and body functions and aid convalescence. Even the food industry makes use of this activity and uses Rosemary to conserve food, especially meat.

Creams and salves containing Rosemary can be applied to the skin and are used to help

with joint and muscle pain. Rosemary is a safe herb to use. No adverse effects are expected if not comsumed in large quantities. Rosemary can also be given alongside conventional medication as

herb drub interactions are unknown. At herbalpetcare I am using Rosemary as a tonic for the elderly dogs, patients suffering from liver and gastrointestinal disease and for dogs in need of antioxidant support. Tinctures and extracts of the Rosemary leaf are highly efficient but why not improve and support your dog’s health by adding fresh Rosemary leaves to their diet?