Romarin

Related Terms

Albus (cultivar), alecrim (Portuguese), alpha-pinene, Arp (cultivar), Aureus (cultivar), Benenden Blue (cultivar), biberiye (Turkish), Blue Boy (cultivar), borneol, bornyl acetate, caffeic acid, (-)-camphene, camphor, carnosic acid, carnosol, cineole, cis-4-glucosyloxycinnamic acid, Colorlife? powdered rosemary concentrate, compass plant, compass-weed, dendrolivano (Greek), dentrolivano (Greek), dew of the sea, diosmin, diterpenes, eklil kuhi (Persian), epirosmanol, eriocitrin, eucalyptol, Fierabras, flavones, genkwanin, Golden Rain (cultivar), harilik rosmariin (Estonian), hasalban (Turkish), Herbalox? Type O oleoresin rosemary extract, Herbor 025, hesperidin, hispidulin 7-O-glucoside, honey of rosemary, Hungary water, iklil al-jabal (Arabic), Incensier (cultivar), Irene (cultivar), isoscutellarein, Ken Taylor (cultivar), kusdili otu (Turkish), l? hu'o'ng thao (Vietnamese), Labiatae (family), Lamiaceae (family), luteolin, linalool, Lockwood de Forest (cultivar), Majorca Pink (cultivar), mannenrou (Japanese), methanol (MeOH), (-)-methyl jasmonate, methylcarnosic acid, mi die xiang (Chinese), Miss Jessop's Upright (cultivar), monoterpenes, old man, oleoresin rosemary, Oxy'less?, p-cymene, phenols, pilgrim's flower, Pinkie (cultivar), polar plant, polyphenolic compounds, Prostratus (cultivar), Pyramidalis (cultivar), Queen of Hungary water, quinate, ro ju ma ri (Korean), roman? (Catalan), romarin (French), romarin commun (French), romer (Catalan), romero (Spanish, Tagalog), romero com?n (Spanish), roozumari (Japanese), roozumarii (Japanese), rosemary honey (Miel de La Alcarria, Spain), Roseus (cultivar), rosmanol, Rosmanox?, rosmaquinone A, rosmaquinone B, rosmariin (Estonian), rosmariini (Finnish), rosmarin (Danish, German, Norwegian, Swedish), r?smar?n (Icelandic), Rosmarini folium, rosmarinic acid, rosmarino (Italian), Rosmarinus acid, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis L. var. genuina forma erectus, Rosmarinus tomentosus, rosmario (Spanish), rosumarin (Japanese), rozemarijn (Dutch), rozmari (Greek, Persian), rozmarin (Bulgarian, Hebrew, Romanian, Russian), rozmar?n (Slovakian), rozmarin (Slovenian), rozmar?n lek?rsky (Slovakian), rozmaring (Hungarian), rozmaryn (Polish, Ukranian), rozmar?n l?karsk? (Czech), rozmaryn spravzhnii (Ukranian), rozmar?na (Czech), rozmar?na l?karsk? (Czech), rozumarii (Japanese), ruzmarin (Croatian, Serbian), saedogg (Icelandic), seco-hinokiol, Severn Sea (cultivar), Spanish rosemary, Suffolk Blue (cultivar), thymol, triterpenes, Tuscan blue (cultivar), verbenone.

Background

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a common evergreen shrub grown in many parts of the world. The fresh and dried leaves are used as a food preservative and in traditional Mediterranean cuisine as a flavoring agent. Historically, rosemary has been used medicinally to treat renal colic and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). It has also been used to relieve symptoms caused by lung or breathing (respiratory) disorders and to stimulate the growth of hair. Today, extracts of rosemary are often used in aromatherapy to treat anxiety-related conditions and to increase alertness.
Well-conducted human trials investigating rosemary are lacking. Rosemary appears to hold promise in the improvement of mental state when used in aromatherapy and as a treatment for alopecia. Rosemary leaf is approved by Germany's Commission E for the treatment of dyspepsia, and rosemary oil (used externally) is approved for joint pain and poor circulation.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Traditionally, rosemary is used to increase circulation in the scalp and possibly promote hair growth. Limited research has indicated some small benefit with the use of essential oils of rosemary, thyme, lavender, and Atlas cedar for the treatment of alopecia areata. However, more research is warranted in this area.

 C


Traditionally, rosemary is used to increase circulation in the scalp and possibly promote hair growth. Limited research has indicated some small benefit with the use of essential oils of rosemary, thyme, lavender, and Atlas cedar for the treatment of alopecia areata. However, more research is warranted in this area.

 C


Traditionally, rosemary extract is used in aromatherapy for its purported benefits in mental health, such as relieving anxiety, enhancing mood, altering pain perception, and increasing alertness and improving recall. Studies have reported improvements in stress and alertness, feelings of contentment, as well as quality of memory recall and secondary memory factors. Additional studies are required.

 C


Traditionally, rosemary extract is used in aromatherapy for its purported benefits in mental health, such as relieving anxiety, enhancing mood, altering pain perception, and increasing alertness and improving recall. Studies have reported improvements in stress and alertness, feelings of contentment, as well as quality of memory recall and secondary memory factors. Additional studies are required.

 C


Limited research has indicated that a diet consisting of balsamic vinegar from apples and honey, with seabuckthorn berry, rosemary, sage and basil extracts, whole wheat bread with 2.5% of the nutraceutical mixture VITAPAN, and grape seed extract may be capable of reducing oxidative stress and improving well-being in women with breast cancer. However, the effects of rosemary alone are unclear. Additional research is required.

 C


Limited research has indicated that a diet consisting of balsamic vinegar from apples and honey, with seabuckthorn berry, rosemary, sage and basil extracts, whole wheat bread with 2.5% of the nutraceutical mixture VITAPAN, and grape seed extract may be capable of reducing oxidative stress and improving well-being in women with breast cancer. However, the effects of rosemary alone are unclear. Additional research is required.

 C


Early research has indicated that aromatherapy with essential oils from rosemary may enhance cognitive performance. However, more research is warranted in this area.

 C


Early research has indicated that aromatherapy with essential oils from rosemary may enhance cognitive performance. However, more research is warranted in this area.

 C


Early research has indicated that aromatherapy with essential oils from rosemary, lemon, and peppermint, combined with abdominal massage, may help alleviate constipation in the elderly. However, more research is warranted in this area.

 C


Early research has indicated that aromatherapy with essential oils from rosemary, lemon, and peppermint, combined with abdominal massage, may help alleviate constipation in the elderly. However, more research is warranted in this area.

 C


Early research has suggested that a combination of marigold and rosemary extracts may have a significant protective effect for contact dermatitis. However, more research is warranted in this area.

 C


Early research has suggested that a combination of marigold and rosemary extracts may have a significant protective effect for contact dermatitis. However, more research is warranted in this area.

 C


Although information in humans is limited, the essential oil of rosemary may reduce pain. Several clinical trials have examined the effects of rosemary, in combination with other essential oils, on pain associated with rheumatic diseases in humans. However, more research is needed in this area.

 C


Although information in humans is limited, the essential oil of rosemary may reduce pain. Several clinical trials have examined the effects of rosemary, in combination with other essential oils, on pain associated with rheumatic diseases in humans. However, more research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose of rosemary for adults. Traditionally, 4-6 grams of rosemary has been taken by mouth daily. Rosemary has been used in aromatherapy. Rosemary essential oil should not taken by mouth.
For stress and anxiety, the following has been used in aromatherapy: four drops of pure rosemary essential oil applied to an aromatherapy diffuser pad, five minutes before use; three drops of rosemary essential oil applied to a piece of cotton and added to an inhaler, three minutes before use. For cognitive performance enhancement, four drops of pure rosemary essential oil has been applied to an aromatherapy diffuser pad, five minutes before use.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Rosemary may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Rosemary may inhibit an enzyme involved in blood pressure regulation. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that lower blood pressure.
Rosemary may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare provider. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Rosemary may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Individuals using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Rosemary may also interact with lithium, diuretics (which increase urine production), salicylates, aminophylline, analgesics (pain reducers), antianxiety agents, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anticancer agents, antispasmodic agents, ciprofloxacin, cyclosporine, hormonal agents, iron, and weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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