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Rosemary A Remedy For Appetite loss Blood pressure problems Liver and gallbladder problems Rheumatism In folk medicine, Rosemary was used to make salves for poorly healing wounds and eczema. In homeopathic medicine, the herb is used for female sexual disorders. Its effectiveness for these purposes remains unproved. What It Is; Why It Works It is the essential oil of Rosemary that provides medicinal benefit. Animal tests have demonstrated its ability to control spasms in the gallbladder and upper intestine, improve the flow of blood to the heart, and strengthen the action of the heart muscle. Oil of Rosemary improves circulation when applied externally. Among the Greeks, Rosemary had a reputation for improving memory, which led to its adoption as a sign of lovers' fidelity and its being worn at wedding ceremonies. In Italy and Spain, it was believed to ward off evil. Avoid If... No known medical conditions preclude use of this herb. Special Cautions Very large quantities of Rosemary leaves or oil can cause severe reactions (see "Overdosage" below). Skin reactions from contact with the herb have been observed on occasion. Possible Drug Interactions No interactions have been reported. Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding Do not use Rosemary if you are pregnant. It has a potentially abortive effect. Overdosage Although no cases of overdose are on record, an extremely large amount (taken, for instance, to cause an abortion) could theoretically cause coma, spasm, vomiting, inflammation of the digestive tract, uterine bleeding, kidney irritation, swelling in the lungs, and possibly death. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. |