Rosemary

(Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis)

A resinous, aromatic, woody shrub from the Mint family (Lamiaceae), rosemary features narrow, fragrant leaves and abundant pale blue to violet flowers. Native to Mediterranean Europe, it is easy to grow from cuttings and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations. Rosemary is drought- and frost-resistant, and as a variable species, includes both upright and prostrate varieties. Depending on the climate, it may flower year-round.

Parts Used

• Aerial parts, including flowering tops and twigs

Forms

• Fresh or dried herb
• Tincture
• Essential oil

Taste & Temperature

• Aromatic and warm

Growing Profile

• Hardy and resilient
• Drought- and frost-tolerant
• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
• Grows easily from cuttings
• Flowers can bloom year-round in a mild climate

Nutritional Profile

• Rich in vitamins A and C
• High in calcium
• Contains iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc

Key Constituents

• Carnosic acid & carnosol – Powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories
• Rosmarinic acid (RA) – Antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, anti-allergic. RA is a potent phenylpropanoid dimer made from caffeic acid bonded to a similar phenylpropanoid; we might think of it as having double the power of any single phenylpropanoid. Significant levels of RA also occur in Self-Heal/Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris, which has even more than Rosemary), Peppermint, Sage (Salvia officinalis – along with a related compound, salvianolic acid), Thyme, Oregano, Lemon Balm, Basil, Perilla, Borage, and Comfrey. While this compound has some solubility in hot water, it also comes out well into mid-to-higher % hydroethanolic solvents (tinctures).
• Ursolic acid & rosmaricine – Mildly analgesic and stimulating
• Essential oils (camphor, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene) – Support circulation, respiratory health, and pain relief
• Flavonoids (e.g., diosmin and rutin) – Strengthen capillaries and reduce fragility

Medicinal Uses Traditional & Modern

Extract used in many antioxidant formulas, anti-inflammatory, and for anticancer activities. Used in food and supplements for preservation.

Cognitive & Nervous System Support

• Enhances memory, focus, and brain function
• Used for fatigue, nervous weakness, depression, poor memory, and lack of concentration
• Thymoleptic (mood-lifting): Stimulates and restores nervous function
• Traditionally used to relieve migraines, neuralgia, and headaches

Cardiovascular Health

• Circulatory stimulant and gentle heart tonic
• Improves blood flow
• It may help lower blood pressure

Digestive & Gastrointestinal Support

• Eases flatulence, indigestion, and colic
• Stimulates appetite

Respiratory Health

• Camphor content encourages mucus flow
• Traditionally used for colds, coughs, and chest congestion

Urinary System

• Mild diuretic
• Improves circulation to the kidneys

Skin & Hair Care (External Uses)

• Used as a hair rinse for dandruff and hair loss
• Applied as a liniment for muscle pain, sciatica, and neuralgia

Historical Uses

• Employed for “cold diseases” of the head, stomach, liver, and belly
• To strengthen memory and relieve paralysis and gout
• Smoked for asthma and consumption (tuberculosis)
• Burnt in sick rooms to prevent the spread of infection
• Applied for gum issues, toothaches, jaundice, spots, and scars
• Believed to improve eyesight and act as a remedy against pestilence

Queen of Hungary’s Water & Rosemary Liniment

The origins of this renowned herbal remedy are steeped in legend and debate. Some say a court alchemist or monk created it for the aging Queen Elizabeth of Hungary. Others claim it was a treasured recipe passed down by traveling Romani healers, who promoted it as a universal cure-all.

One enduring tale tells of Queen Elizabeth becoming paralyzed around the year 1235. When none of the royal physicians could offer a remedy, a local hermit—famed for his healing arts—came to her aid. He massaged her limbs with a liniment infused with rosemary, and, according to the story, she made a miraculous recovery. One can only wonder if he was asked to bathe before beginning the treatment!

This early preparation, said to be made by steeping a pound of rosemary in a gallon of wine, eventually inspired what became known as Queen of Hungary’s Water. For centuries, this rosemary-and-wine tonic was beloved as a rejuvenating skin treatment and a trusted remedy for joint pain and inflammation.

Queen of Hungary’s Water – Basic Recipe

There are many variations of this recipe, so feel free to experiment with herbs like lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, or sage to suit your preferences. Here’s a basic version to get you started:

You’ll need:

• As many rosemary flowers and flower buds as you can gather (separated from the resinous leaves)
• 100-proof vodka (for external use)
• Optional additions: a strip of orange or lemon peel, a few bay buds, or lemon balm

Instructions:

1. Harvest flowers and buds on a dry morning to capture their peak fragrance.
2. Do not rinse; gently shake to remove debris.
3. Place the flowers (and any optional herbs) into a clean jar, packing lightly.
4. Pour vodka over the herbs, aiming for a 1:1 ratio of flowers to vodka (this doesn’t have to be exact).
5. Seal the jar and let it steep in a cool, dark place for a few weeks, shaking occasionally.

Note: This preparation is for external use only. It makes a refreshing toner and can be used to soothe tired or inflamed skin.

Rosemary Liniment

A time-tested remedy for sore muscles, stiff joints, arthritis, and rheumatism, rosemary liniment is simple to prepare and a useful addition to any herbal first aid kit.

You’ll need:

• 500ml (approx. half a litre) of rubbing alcohol or vodka
• 50g of dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. Combine the alcohol and rosemary in a clean, sealed jar.
2. Let the mixture steep for 1 week, shaking daily to mix.
3. After one week, strain through muslin or a fine cloth into a clean bottle.

To use: Rub a small amount into affected areas as needed for relief.

Clinical Evidence

• Memory: A 2016 study found that the aroma of rosemary improved memory performance
• Anti-inflammatory: Demonstrated potential in reducing symptoms of arthritis and oxidative stress
• Digestive: Supported by evidence for relieving bloating and indigestion
• Anticancer potential: Early studies show promise; research is ongoing

Dosage

• Infusion (tea): 2–4 g dried herb, up to 3 times daily
• Fluid extract (1:1): 1–4 ml, up to 3 times daily

Cautions & Safety

• Generally safe when used in moderation
• Essential oil: Not to be ingested; do not apply undiluted to skin
• May cause skin sensitivity in some individuals—always dilute for topical use
• High doses may cause nausea, vomiting, or interact with medications (e.g., antihypertensives, anticoagulants)
• Pregnancy: Avoid large amounts due to possible uterine-stimulating effects

References from Herbalist: Christopher Hobbs, Lisa Ganora, Richard Whelan, Carole Fisher

The information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition, are on any medication, or if you are pregnant or nursing.

Conditions treated with Rosemary by Christopher Hobbs