Article Most Wanted: Bronchitis

Rosemary - Topical Antioxidant and Many Benefits

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<span class="medium"><i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i></span></h1>
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<span class="dropcaps">N</span>ative to sunny Mediterranean shores, rosemary is an evergreen member of the mint family. Its genus name, <i>Rosmarinus</i>,
 means “dew of the sea” in Latin, a reference to the plant’s coastal 
habitat and delicate, pale blue, droplet-size flowers. Rosemary’s piney 
aroma and bittersweet flavor work well in both sweet and savory foods, 
and it has been a staple in herb and kitchen gardens for many centuries.
 The herb also has a long history of use as a fragrance in soaps, 
lotions, and cosmetics. Since ancient times, rosemary has been a symbol 
of love, loyalty, and remembrance, often included in rituals and 
ceremonies associated with both marriage and death. Sprigs of the herb 
were entwined into bridal wreaths or tucked in to bridal bouquets. In 
some European countries, it is still customary for mourners to carry 
rosemary in funeral processions and to cast the herb into the grave 
during the burial.<br />
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<b>Therapeutic Uses</b></h2>
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<i>Topical antioxidant</i></div>
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<i>Antibacterial</i></div>
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<i>Muscle and joint pain</i></div>
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<i>Bronchitis</i></div>
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<i>Circulation</i></div>
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<i>Memory/cognition</i></div>
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One of those herbs that the nose knows, rosemary leaf
 produces extracts that are common ingredients in many hair and skin 
care products. They can combat dandruff and greasy hair and promote general
 hair health. Their most convincing use, however, is as an antiseptic 
and antioxidant. Preliminary research indicates that rosemary extracts 
can kill bacteria, fight skin inflammation relevant to many skin 
conditions, and even inhibit cancer in laboratory animals. They may also
 block the detrimental effect of sunlight on skin cells.</div>
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Applied topically, rosemary packs an antioxidant 
punch. One potential application is its topical use in antiaging skin 
care products.</div>
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To make the essential oil, rosemary leaves are 
distilled to yield a fragrant, concentrated oil containing compounds 
responsible for rosemary’s medicinal effects. Rosemary essential oil is 
antimicrobial. One test-tube study found that rosemary essential oil had
 a synergistic action with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin against a 
bacterium that can cause pneumonia.</div>
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Ingested or inhaled, rosemary oil has been used for 
other conditions, such as muscle and joint pain, indigestion, 
bronchitis, and sinusitis, or to improve circulation. There is also some
 data supporting the use of rosemary aromatherapy for memory and mental 
function. When 40 people underwent rosemary aromatherapy for 3 minutes, 
changes in their brain tests indicated increased alertness, reduced 
anxiety, and improved ability to do mathematics.</div>
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<b>How to Use</b></h2>
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<i>Essential oil:</i> The essential oil is used 
in aromatherapy to enhance mental focus. To apply the oil topically, mix
 10 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil (olive, jojoba, almond, apricot).</div>
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<i>Cream/ointment/salve:</i> Topical products use
 various concentrations of rosemary’s essential oil for skin conditions,
 such as minor bacterial or fungal infections. Apply daily to skin, 
joints, or muscles, as per manufacturer’s directions.</div>
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<i>Tea:</i> Add 1 to 2 teaspoons dried rosemary leaves to 1 cup hot water.</div>
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Cover for 10 minutes. Strain. Drink 1 to 3 cups a day.</div>
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<i>Capsules:</i> Generally, 500 to 1,000 mg, once or twice daily; follow product instructions.</div>
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<b>Precautions</b></h2>
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Rosemary extracts with concentrated essential oils 
can cause a rash with sun exposure. If that happens, discontinue use. 
Using rosemary as a seasoning during pregnancy is fine, but medicinal 
doses are not recommended.</div>