Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), is a woody, perennial herb native from the Mediterranean, but currently grown around the globe. With fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves, and pink, purle, white, or blue flowers; it is know by several names: Alecrim, Compass Plant, Compass Weed, Encensier, Herbe Aux Couronnes, Old Man, Polar Plant, Romarin, Romarin Des Troubadours, Romero, Rose de Marie, Rose Des Marins, Rosée De Mer, Rosemarine, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rusmari, Rusmary.

Scientific name: Salvia rosmarinus

Family: Lamiaceae

Kingdom: Plantae

Higher classification: Sage

Order: Lamiales

Rosemary is one the plants with the most variety of uses, its leaf and its oil are used to make medicine; in aromatherapy, rosemary is a fragrant ingredient in soaps and perfumes. It is also used in cooking as a spice, and in a variety of foods and beverages, due to its strong lemon-pine flavor, which makes it one of the most aromatic and pungent of all the herbs.

Rosemary has many uses in several areas, it is known to be an anti-microbial agent, flea and tick repellent, it has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties, and also, it’s oil is used to kill “meat-spoiling” bacteria. Due to the wide use of rosemary oil in folk medicine, many scientists are now testing its potential health benefits.

Here are some potential health benefits and uses of rosemary’s leaves and oil:

  • Improves brain function.
  • Improves digestion (dyspepsia).
  • Improves arthritis-related joint pain.
  • Stimulates hair growth.
  • Helps relieve pain.
  • It’s a natural pesticide.
  • Reduces stress.
  • Increases blood circulation.
  • Increases energy levels.
  • Helps with food poisoning.
  • It’s a natural antibiotic.
  • Stimulates liver health.
  • Has antioxidant effects.

The most common uses of rosemary are, as a dry herb in cooking, and as an essential oil in medicine, it can be used inhaled or applied to the skin.

  • Rosemary’s leaves and oil have been used since ancient times in folk medicine,
  • Rosemary has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
  • Rosemary is one of the most aromatic and pungent of all the herbs.
  • Rosemary has many potential health benefits.