HerbMate
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) plant
Circulatory

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Photo: Unsplash

  • 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.

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

How these are made

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

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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.