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Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis)
 Description:
An ash-colored evergreen shrub, with numerous branches,
and a scaly bark. The needlelike leaves are opposite,
leathery, thick, dark green above, downy white underneath
with a prominent vein in the middle and margins which
are rolled down. The flowers are pale blue or white and
grow in short axillary racemes. It originated in the
Mediterranean, now widely cultivated.
Edible,
Medicinal: Used for its aromatic leaves and kitchen
seasoning. The flowers are used fresh, as a garnish, or
dried for decoration and for
preserving food. The tea is used for a hair rinse or added
to the bath. It is a antiseptic, antioxidant, antispasmodic,
cholagogue, emmenagogue, stimulant, and stomachic. It
aids in the digestion of fat, in formulas for losing weight,
headaches, chronic fatigue, low blood pressure, stimulates
circulation which eases aching joints, promotes liver
function and production of bile, and digestion. A tonic
is used for the elderly to invigorate the nervous system,
and to help preserve good health A salve made from the
oil is used for arthritis, eczema, bruises. A tea of the
leaves is used for a mouthwash, bad breath, a hair rinse
to prevent baldness and to promote healthy shinny hair.
The distilled oil of the flowering tops is antibacterial,
antifungal, invigorating and stimulates the central nervous
system. Steep 1 teaspoon of the herb to 1 cup water, 20
minutes or take 10-30 drops of the tincture, 3 times a
day.
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