Herbal Spotlight: Rosemary - What you didn't know about your kitchen spice!


Meet Rosmarinus officinalis.
More commonly known as Rosemary.

While often thought of primarily for it's culinary uses, rosemary is also great for many different health concerns.
Here are a few great ways to incorporate rosemary into your day-to-day.


Digestive Functions:
It's likely that one of the reasons rosemary is such so popular in the culinary world, derives from it's benefits on digestion. It's often used as a tincture before meals, as a tea, or used as a food itself. 

Botancials all have various actions associated with them. One of rosemary's main actions is that it acts as a Carminitive. 

Carminitive herbs are "Soothing" in Nature. This means along with soothing the digestive tract, reducing spasms, and relaxing smooth muscle, it can be soothing in other regards, particularly in the nervous system!

Mood & Cognition
Historically, rosemary has ties to both assisting with the treatment of depression, and was also spoken about in Shakespearean Times in the play Hamlet - ‘There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance"

The interest in using Rosemary for focus, memory, and concentration has only continued to grow, especially as an essential oil. Various studies have shown that diffusing and having access to smelling rosemary can enhance all of these faculties making it a great study buddy. If you become sore and stiff from too much mental processing - Rosemary continues to come in handy!

Musculoskeletal
Whether you have muscle pain, tension, injuries, arthritis or nerve pain like sciatica - rosemary can help! Because of it's actions on increasing circulation, and decreasing inflammation, topically applications to the area of concern can benefit!

Bottom line: Herbs are Great!
However, just because it's Natural does not mean it's perfectly safe for you. Using herbs as more than as a food or teas can be contraindicated for certain conditions, or health situations [Pregnancy is a big one!]

If unsure, check with your Naturopathic Doctor, or come in for a walk-in appointment to review & optimize your supplements!

​Yours in Health,
Dr. Ashley Nelson, ND

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