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What is Rosmarinus Officinalis?

Angela Williams Duea
Angela Williams Duea

Rosmarinus officinalis is the botanical name for rosemary, a woody shrub in the mint family that grows wild in areas with hot summers and warm winters. It produces flowers that range from white to pale blue to pink. Sometimes, the plant is used in landscaping as an upright bush that can be pruned in many shapes. The needle-like leaves of rosmarinus officinalis are used in cooking for a pungent, pine-like taste, and the oil derived from the plant is valued in aromatherapy and homeopathic medicine.

Since ancient times, a sprig of rosmarinus officinalis has been a symbol of love. It was also burned in sickrooms as a disinfectant; the clean, refreshing scent can cleanse the air of germs. In modern times, the oil and plant have been found to heal a variety of physical and mental ailments.

When used in aromatherapy, rosmarinus officinalis oil is said to treat both physical and emotional problems.
When used in aromatherapy, rosmarinus officinalis oil is said to treat both physical and emotional problems.

As a home herbal remedy, oil distilled from the leaves has been used for centuries as a treatment for many different problems. When the diluted oil is spread on the skin, it is an excellent antiseptic for burns, scrapes and cuts. It contains camphor, which has a warming sensation, and salicylates, which are a natural pain reliever, so it can help relieve arthritis pain and muscle stiffness. Homeopathic medicine uses the plant in tablet form to heal infections in the digestive tract. Studies have also shown that a tea, or infusion, of rosmarinus officinalis leaves contains carnosic acid that may help in healing cancer and Alzheimer’s patients.

Energizing rosemary oil can be added to bathwater.
Energizing rosemary oil can be added to bathwater.

Aromatherapy uses the essential oils of plants for physical and emotional health. Rosmarinus officinalis oil is steam-distilled from the flowers and leaves of the plant and can be used in an oil diffuser to spread the scent into the air. The camphoric, minty, pine-like scent of the oil is said to have an energizing effect. It may also clear sinuses and help with respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. This essential oil blends well with citrus oils, lavender, geranium, and peppermint.

Rosmarinus officinalis may be used to treat bronchitis.
Rosmarinus officinalis may be used to treat bronchitis.

The undiluted essential oil of rosmarinus officinalis should not be ingested because it can have a toxic effect on the nerves. It can also have a negative effect on pregnant women or people who have high blood pressure; the oil should not be used near the eyes as it may cause burning. Care should be taken to use the plant parts properly. When used as described, rosmarinus officinalis is a valuable plant for health and well-being.

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    • When used in aromatherapy, rosmarinus officinalis oil is said to treat both physical and emotional problems.
      By: dolphfyn
      When used in aromatherapy, rosmarinus officinalis oil is said to treat both physical and emotional problems.
    • Energizing rosemary oil can be added to bathwater.
      By: Anna Omelchenko
      Energizing rosemary oil can be added to bathwater.
    • Rosmarinus officinalis may be used to treat bronchitis.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Rosmarinus officinalis may be used to treat bronchitis.
    • Diluted rosmarinus officinalis oil may be used as a topical antiseptic for scrapes, cuts and burns.
      By: WideAwake
      Diluted rosmarinus officinalis oil may be used as a topical antiseptic for scrapes, cuts and burns.
    • Rosemary oil has been used as an herbal remedy for bronchitis, among other conditions.
      By: rob3000
      Rosemary oil has been used as an herbal remedy for bronchitis, among other conditions.
    • Rosmarinus officinalis is not recommended for people with high blood pressure.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Rosmarinus officinalis is not recommended for people with high blood pressure.