Rosemary

Information
Application
Notes
References

Photo: Sertürner Bildarchiv

Botanical name

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (synonym: Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.)

Family

Lamiaceae

Common name

Rosemary

Information about the plant

Rosemary is native throughout the Mediterranean region up to Portugal. The name is derived from the Latin "ros marinus", meaning "dew of the sea," although it is unclear how this description originated. The epithet officinalis suggests that it is an old medicinal plant, because "officina" is the salesroom of a pharmacy, and “officinalis” means commonly used in the pharmacy.

The fragrant rosemary shrub grows up to 1 meter high. The hard, narrow-linear leaves, which resemble needles and have white-tomentose hairs on the underside, are very characteristic. When rubbed, they smell pleasantly of essential oil. When the glandular scales on the leaf surface are broken, the essential oil is released. The pale blue to light purple, lip-shaped flowers grow in the leaf axils. The flowering time is from May to June.

Medicinally used parts of plants (herbal drug)

The dried leaves (Rosmarini folium) are used, with their typical scent of rosemary, which is clearly perceived when rubbed.

The commercially available drug comes from Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, and Southeastern Europe.

Constituents of the herbal drug

Rosemary leaves contain essential oil ("rosemary oil"), with its aromatic scent due to the presence of 1,8-cineole and camphor. In addition, they contain bitter diterpene phenols and Lamiaceae tannins (primarily rosmarinic acid).

Quality of the drug

The quality of the following drugs and drug preparations is specified in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.):

Rosemary leaves (Rosmarini folium)
Rosemary oil (Rosmarini aetheroleum)

Medical applications

Recognised medical use

Rosemary leaves and rosemary oil

The HMPC has classified rosemary leaves and rosemary oil as traditional herbal medicinal products (see “Traditional Use”).

ESCOP: For internal use to improve liver and gallbladder function and for dyspeptic complaints; for external use as an adjuvant therapy for rheumatic diseases and cardiovascular complaints, and as a mild antiseptic to support wound healing.

Traditional use

The HMPC has classified rosemary leaves and rosemary oil as traditional herbal medicinal products (Article 16a of Directive 2001/83/EC). Based upon long-standing use, rosemary leaves can be used internally to treat dyspeptic symptoms and to relieve mild spasmodic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. External use as a bath additive (rosemary leaves/rosemary oil) or as a topical application (rosemary oil): Supportive for mild muscle and joint pain as well as mild cardiovascular complaints.

Herbal drug preparations in finished dosage forms

Rosemary leaves as a component of teas
Rosemary oil in ointments, creams, and oil baths (rheumatism ointment, heart ointment, rheumatism bath, cardiovascular bath)

Dosage

Prepared medicines: See patient information leaflet.

Tea: Internal use: Drink one cup of rosemary tea 2 to 3 times daily. Average daily dose: 4 to 6 g of rosemary leaves.

Rosemary oil: Internal use: 2 drops daily. External use: Apply rosemary oil in a 6–10% formulation as an ointment or lotion twice daily. Bath additive: Use twice weekly as a full bath.

Preparation of a tea

Pour 150 mL of boiling water over 2 g of finely chopped rosemary leaves, let stand for 15 minutes, then strain. To use as a bath additive, add 50 g of rosemary leaves to 1 L of water and bring briefly to a boil. After 15 to 30 minutes, strain the solution through a sieve and add the extract to the bathwater.

Notes

Rosemary leaves and rosemary oil should only be taken under medical supervision in patients with biliary tract disorders (gallstones, biliary tract obstruction, cholecystitis, etc.) and liver disease. Full baths with rosemary leaves and rosemary oil should be avoided in patients with large skin lesions and open wounds, fever, severe infections, severe circulatory disorders, and heart failure.

When using rosemary oil topically, do not apply it directly to mucous membranes or injured skin, and never near the eyes.

There are no studies available on the safety of using rosemary leaves during pregnancy and lactation. The use of rosemary leaves is not recommended for children under 12 years of age due to a lack of evidence. For rosemary oil, use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended.