Rosemary
For
Remembrance

Misplaced those car keys this morning or couldn't remember why you walked into a particular room? Most consumers of herbs would wonder if they had taken their Gingko biloba. Perhaps we have been overlooking another very important herb, Rosmarinus offinalis, commonly known as rosemary. It has been known for it's memory enhancing powers for centuries. The English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper wrote in his 1653 Complete Herbal that it "helpeth a weak memory and quickeneth the senses."

The medicinal properties of rosemary are in the oil extracted from the leaves and leafy stems, the flowering dried twig tips, and the fresh and dried leaves. We know that it contains properties that are antiviral and antimicrobial. It has anti-spasmodic properties, anti-convulsive properties, stimulates circulation, and contains flavonoids that provide antioxidant benefits.

It may be rosemary's antioxidant properites and it's ability to stimulate circulation that gives it's scientific basis to be labeled as "rosemary for remembrance." In Greece, rosemary has a reputation for improving memory and has become a symbol of lover's fidelity, and is being worn at wedding ceremonies. We are frequently seeing it used in wedding ceremonies in our country.

New research shows that chemicals in rosemary may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's. These chemicals may combat the cell oxidation, inflammation process, and the deficiencies of choline and acetylcholine linked with the development of Alzheimer's.

Rosemary has an antispasmodic effect on the gallbladder ducts and the intestinal tract making it a valuable aid in digestive problems. It may have live protecting properties.

One of rosemary's constituents, rosmarinic acid, has therapuetic properties that show promise in the treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Rosemary's ability to stimulate circulation may prove valuable in the treatment of patients with arteriosclerosis. It may be this ability and it's antispasmodic effect that seems to make it effective in the treatment of many types of headaches.

Research has shown that an extract of rosemary given to laboratory animals resulted in a 47% decrease in the incidence of tumors, specifically those induced in the mammary glands. This is probably due to it's antioxidant properties.

Unproven uses of rosemary in folk medicine are treatment of menustrual irregularities, states of exhaustion, and dizziness. It is used externally as a poultice for wound healing and eczema.

There have been no known side effects or drug interactions associtated with rosemary use. Rosemary in larger doses for any purpose other than food enhancement should be avoided during pregnancy as large amounts may have adverse effects on the uterus or fetus.

Rosemary is typically used therapuetically as a tea, with the usual dose being 2-6g daily. One teaspoonful of the dried herb can be used to make a cup of tea and equals approximately 2g.

Rosemary is a wonderful culinary herb. The fresh leaves are tough and the dried ones are like pine needles so they should be ground or chopped fine before use. Following is a soup recipe using rosemary and it has the benefit of the high fiber and protein content of split peas.

Split Pea Soup

1 small onion, diced
1 T. vegetable oil
4 cups water
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chicken broth
1 1/2 cups dry split peas, rinsed
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
3 bay leaves
1 1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 t. dried thyme
1/4 t. pepper

In a large saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until peas are tender. Discard the bay leaves. Yield 6 serving

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*Note: To anyone who read my website and found the same herb of the month for many months, I do apologize. Silly me, I thought I could build a business nearly single handedly, including building a website, growing and selling those plants, oh and the promos too, and still write a new article each month!!!!. Well reality proved to be far from my intended goal. I hope to do better this year. My main focus is the education of everyone to healthier lifestyles. If their are particular subjects you would like addressed please email me. contact us