Culpeper 1653: “... strengthen the brain exceedingly, resist madness, clear the sight.” Notes (HFO): This is an extra reason for adding it to the joint of lamb, for the Sunday roast..

Culpeper, Nicholas. (1653). The London Dispensatory.

Dried leaves Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data None. Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents Orally as a carminative and spasmolytic to treat dyspepsia (9). Externally for supportive therapy of rheumatism and circulatory disorders (13). Uses described in traditional medicine Orally as a cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and as a tonic (3, 6, 7). Also used in the management of headache, menstrual disorders, nervous menstrual complaints, tiredness and defective memory. Used externally for treatment of spraining and bruising (15). Contraindications Folium Rosmarini [dried leaves] is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity or allergy to the plant material.

From WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants Vol 4 2005, WHO Geneva

Medicinal uses of Essential Oil steam distilled from aerial parts of plant Uses supported by clinical data None. Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents Used orally for the treatment of dyspeptic complaints, and in external applications for supportive management of rheumatic complaints and circulatory disorders (12, 13). Although one pilot study has indicated that thecrude drug may enhance cognition (13), further data from randomized controlled clinical trials are required before any therapeutic recommendations can be made. Uses described in traditional medicine Used as a cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestant, diuretic, emmenagogue, laxative and a tonic (3, 5, 6). Also used in the management of headache, menstrual disorders, nervous menstrual complaints, tiredness, defective memory, sprains and bruises (14).

From WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants Vol 4 2005, WHO Geneva

Contraindications Aetheroleum Rosmarini [Ed note: Essential Oil steam distilled from aerial parts of plant] is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity or allergy to the plant material. It should not be used in patients suffering from bronchial asthma or bronchitis or on damaged skin, such as in cases of burns, lesions or skin rashes.

From WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants Vol 4 2005, WHO Geneva

Traditional Herbal Medicine Registration (THMR).

A member of the Lamiaceae family, Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary), an aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean region and now cultivated globally, has been used for centuries in cuisine and medicine, with several well-established biological activities.[1,2,3] Thought to contribute to preventing hair loss, rosemary oil was also used for hundreds of years in hair rinses in the Mediterranean area.[4] In traditional Iranian medicine, rosemary essential oil has been topically applied as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acne remedy.[5] Rosemary is known to absorb UV light well and to impart antibacterial and antifungal activity, as well as help maintain skin homeostasis.[3] It is also used and under further study for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-infective, and anticancer activity.[2,6,7,8,9] The health benefits of rosemary are typically ascribed to its constituent carnosol/carnosic and ursolic acids.[7] In part 1 of this update on rosemary, the focus will be on chemical constituents, wound healing, anticancer activity, and hair care potential.

Rosemary. Cosmeceutical Critique. Leslie S. Baumann, MD https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/1000103?ecd=WNL_mdpls_240302_mscpedit_infd_etid6345680&uac=70534PY&spon=3&impID=6345680

(Formerly known as) Rosmarinus officinalis L. Lamiaceae Rosemary. Woody perennial. Distribution: Mediterranean. Quincy (1718) commended the flowers for epilepsy, apoplexy, palsies, uterine obstruction, jaundice, gout, and syringed into the ear with warm water for dislodging wax. It is licensed for use in Traditional Herbal Medicines in the UK (UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)).

Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. Link

Rosmarinus officinalis is a synonym.

Africa, Macaronesia, Canary Is.

Africa, Macaronesia, Madeira

Africa, Northern Africa, Algeria

Africa, Northern Africa, Libya

Africa, Northern Africa, Morocco

Africa, Northern Africa, Tunisia

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Yugoslavia

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Greece

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Italy

Europe, Southwestern Europe, France

Europe, Southwestern Europe, Portugal

Europe, Southwestern Europe, Spain

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Cyprus

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Turkey