by Charlotte Louise Nystrom

Created on: December 30, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2010

Rosemary, or the Latin name rosmarinus officinalis, is an evergreen which is native to southern Europe. The leaves of this evergreen bush are needle-shaped and grayish green in color. Rosemary is wonderfully and distinctively aromatic and as a result is often used as a seasoning.Though most commonly thought of as a kitchen spice, utilized in the roasting of savory dishes, rosemary is also a very potent healer.

It's most common medicinal uses include the relief of menstrual cramps, aiding digestion, and possibly even cancer prevention. Rosemary is a wonderful replacement for aspirin. It is very effective in the treatment of headaches. Other benefits include the treatment of colic, nausea, gas, and fever.

This fragrant evergreen is diaphoretic, astringent, and stimulating. As a stimulant rosemary helps to increase energy and give the body strength. Stimulants also speed circulation, create a feeling of warmth, and remove obstruction such as in the case of congestion. Rosemary is a wonderful remedy for individuals suffering from poor circulation.

This herb also contains a small amount of antiseptic. As a result rosemary is fairly effective at preventing infection, and eliminating the microorganisms which cause disease and decay. In addition, rosemary leaves are coated with oils which are mildly antibiotic when ingested. Rosemary is also a vulnerary. When applied to a wound or taken internally rosemary will encourage cell growth and repair. These qualities make for faster healing and recovery.

In addition, rosemary oil is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are best known for preventing cancer. Rosemary prevents fats from oxygen damage, which is a known cancer risk. Perhaps it is for this reason that rosemary leaf extract has shown promising potential at preventing cancerous tumors from developing.

Indeed, rosemary appears to be a very potent cancer preventing plant. Preliminary studies have shown rosemary to be effective at preventing a variety of cancers including that of the colon, breast and lung. It seems to matter little whether rosemary is topically applied to the skin, consumed in foods, or sipped in tea.

A common ratio for rosemary tea consists of one teaspoon fresh or dried herb to one cup boiling water. When steeping a rosemary tea be sure to keep the liquid covered. Left uncovered, rosemary's essential volatile oils will escape, along with some of the healing properties.

Aside from cancer prevention, rosemary has some wonderful properties. First and

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