Rosemary - Research
Research on the use of rosemary in aromatherapy suggests that it may affect alertness and anxiety.9
The German Commission E has approved the internal use of rosemary leaves for dyspeptic complaints and external use as a supportive therapy for rheumatic diseases and circulatory problems.6 In European phytomedicine, the herb is used externally in baths as a stimulant to increase blood flow to the skin.3
Traditionally, rosemary was used for stomach upset and topically for muscle and lower back pain.5 In China, rosemary and borax were mixed and used as an infusion to prevent baldness.3 In Europe, a similar formula was used to prevent dandruff. In both China and Europe, rosemary was used for headaches and in Europe it was used to relieve gas, indigestion, head colds, and nervous tension.4
References:
3 Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 1996.
4 Onstad, D. Whole Foods Companion. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing Company; 1996.
5 Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines. 2nd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2002.
6 Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. The Complete German Commission E Monographs Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communication; 1998.
7 Kay MA. Healing With Plants in the American and Mexican West. Tucson, AZ: The University of Arizona Press; 1996.
8 Skenderi G. Herbal Vade Mecum. 1st ed. Rutherford, NJ: Herbacy Press; 2003.
9 Diego MA, Jones NA, Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Schanberg S, Kuhn C, et al. Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations. Int J Neurosci. Dec 1998;96(3-4):217-224.
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A WHO Organizational resource: Rosemary Research - FULL REPORT
