Rosemary

Special Precautions of Rosemary

High doses of rosemary are contraindicated during pregnancy. Rosemary oil may cause skin allergic reaction. In toxic doses, rosemary has been found to cause kidney dysfunction, and might exacerbate existing neurological conditions like epilepsy, neuroses etc.

The benefits of Rosemary are

This pine-like herb does more than just spice up a roast of beef,

• it offers anti-inflammatory protection to the delicate human brain. Research proves rosemary’s ability to increase blood flow to the head and brain, thereby improving concentration.
• Memory and mood : Rosemary is shown to enhance memory through the herb's culinary use; its extract by means of reducing acetylcholinesterase; and by inhalation of its oil vapors. One interesting study verified that olfactory stimulation of rosemary increased saliva free radical scavenging activity and decreased saliva cortisol levels. A waft of rosemary may even elevate your mood.
• In England, rosemary’s memory strengthening ability was translated to mean that it would improve fidelity. As a result it was often given as a gift for the bride or groom as part of their wedding ceremony. Perhaps the gift-giver thought the herb would help the newlywed remember his or her vows.
• Curb cancer : When it comes to cancer, rosemary extract proves promising for colon, stomach, breast, liver, ovary, melanoma, and leukemia. Carnosic acid, derived from rosemary, stimulates cancer cell apoptosis (cell death), and down regulates cancer cell COX-2 expression. It is also is found to be anti-angiogenic, slowing tumor growth and metastasis.
• insect repellent : Rosemary oil or rosemary extract may be natural repellent solutions, with borneol and camphor as the active components. One study that demonstrates rosemary's effectiveness uses approximately 2 tablespoons of freshly minced rosemary leaves to about 1 cup of water. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours and filter out the leaves. Pour the water into a spray bottle and use on the skin as necessary. This cheap, natural alternative was found to provide better protection time and repellency than that of two other natural based brands.
• Rosemary extract may optimize cholesterol levels
• modulate blood sugar levels
• help to promote weight loss.
• The ethanol extract can be used topically for pain. The oil is shown to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and supportive of wound healing.
• Rosemary oil and extract may also be useful in balding, maintaining youthful looking skin.
• reducing heterocyclic amines when cooking food at high temperatures.