
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
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- Circulatory
- 4 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an aromatic evergreen shrub, commonly growing to about 6½ ft (2 m), with narrow, pinelike leaves and small, pale blue flowers. Known for its distinctive flavor in Mediterranean cuisine, rosemary is also a prized medicinal herb that supports memory, circulation, and digestion. Its mildly bitter, warming quality has a long history of invigorating and uplifting properties.
Traditional uses & properties
Cardiovascular Tonic & Circulatory Stimulant: Encourages healthy blood flow, and may help raise low blood pressure. Cerebral Tonic & Antidepressant: Supports memory, mental clarity, and mild mood elevation; historically linked to better recall. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory: Diterpenes help protect cells and reduce inflammation. Digestive Aid & Carminative: Eases mild stomach upset, gas, bloating, and reduces sluggish digestion.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
500-1,500 mg up to 3 times daily
Fresh leaves (1:6, 80% glycerin sealed simmer method); dried leaves (1:6); 1-5 ml (0.2-1 tsp.) 1-3 times daily
Prepare a salve from oil (1:4) and apply as needed. The essential oil can be applied neat, or added to salves, oils, and ointments.
Dried leaves (1:5, 65% alcohol, 10% glycerin); 10 drops to 3 ml (0.6 tsp.) up to 3 times daily
1 cup up to 3 times daily
Safety & precautions
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid ingestion unless supervised by a qualified practitioner. General Safety: Generally safe as a culinary herb, but high doses (e.g., concentrated extracts) may raise blood pressure and irritate sensitive systems.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary is cultivated in sunny, moderately dry climates worldwide. Propagation is by seed or cuttings in spring. The leafy branches are harvested in summer, after flowering, then dried or distilled for essential oil.
Traditionally used for
- Low Blood Pressure4 herbs · 2 free
- Varicose Veins4 herbs · 2 free
- Memory Support6 herbs · 2 free
- Stenosis3 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
What is Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as follows: Cardiovascular Tonic & Circulatory Stimulant: Encourages healthy blood flow, and may help raise low blood pressure. Cerebral Tonic & Antidepressant: Supports memory, mental clarity, and mild mood elevation; historically linked to better recall. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory: Diterpenes help protect cells and reduce inflammation. Digestive Aid & Carminative: Eases mild stomach upset, gas, bloating, and reduces sluggish digestion.
How is Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. CAPSULE: 500-1,500 mg up to 3 times daily GLYCERITE: Fresh leaves (1:6, 80% glycerin sealed simmer method); dried leaves (1:6); 1-5 ml (0.2-1 tsp.) 1-3 times daily TOPICAL USE: Prepare a salve from oil (1:4) and apply as needed. The essential oil can be applied neat, or added to salves, oils, and ointments. TINCTURE: Dried leaves (1:5, 65% alcohol, 10% glycerin); 10 drops to 3 ml (0.6 tsp.) up to 3 times daily WEAK INFUSION: 1 cup up to 3 times daily
What safety cautions apply to Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)?
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid ingestion unless supervised by a qualified practitioner. General Safety: Generally safe as a culinary herb, but high doses (e.g., concentrated extracts) may raise blood pressure and irritate sensitive systems.







