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Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Family LamiaceaeParts used Flower, LeafAlso known as garden rosemary

This monograph compiles 6 pharmacological actions, 12 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 13 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[1, 3, 11, 12, 13]
Antimicrobial[1, 4, 11, 12, 13]
Antioxidant[1, 11, 12, 13]
Antispasmodic[11, 12, 13]

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Digestive aid[10, 11, 12, 13]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[11, 12, 13]Limited · 3/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →
Bloating[11, 12, 13]Limited · 3/10

inferred from digestive action

more plants for bloating →detailed sources →
Cardiovascular / heart health[11, 12, 13]Limited · 3/10
more plants for cardiovascular / heart health →detailed sources →
Cognitive function[8, 11, 12, 13]Good · 8/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

more plants for cognitive function →detailed sources →
Indigestion[11, 12, 13]Limited · 3/10

inferred from digestive action

more plants for indigestion →detailed sources →
Infection (general)[11, 12, 13]Limited · 3/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

more plants for infection (general) →detailed sources →
Inflammation (general)[3, 11, 12, 13]Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →
Memory[8, 9, 11, 12, 13]Strong · 9/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

more plants for memory →detailed sources →
Menstrual cramps[11, 12, 13]Limited · 3/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

more plants for menstrual cramps →detailed sources →
Muscle spasm[11, 12, 13]Limited · 3/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

more plants for muscle spasm →detailed sources →
Skin irritation[11, 12, 13]Limited · 3/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →
Wounds[11, 12, 13]Limited · 3/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

more plants for wounds →detailed sources →

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[11, 12, 13]Caution

Culinary use is entirely safe. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts; avoid during pregnancy in medicinal doses. May trigger epileptic seizures in predisposed individuals at high doses. May interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.

Safety note[11, 12, 13]Info

Duke (2002) does not appear to include a dedicated entry for rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus / Rosmarinus officinalis) as a primary herb entry in the section searched; however, rosemary is referenced throughout the text in relation to antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of its key compounds (carnosol, rosmarinic acid). Commission E (KOM) approves rosemary for dyspeptic complaints and externally for rheumatic conditions and circulatory problems.

References

REF-1283, REF-1284, REF-1285, REF-1286, REF-1287, REF-1288, REF-1289, REF-1290, REF-1291, REF-1292

References & Sources

  1. de Oliveira, J.R., Camargo, S.E.A. and de Oliveira, L.D (2019) 'Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) as therapeutic and prophylactic agent', Journal of Biomedical Science, 26(1), pp. 5. doi:10.1186/s12929-019-0499-8 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-019-0499-8
  2. Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2025) 'Toxicity and safety of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): a comprehensive review', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 398(1), pp. 9-23. doi:10.1007/s00210-024-03336-9 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-024-03336-9
  3. Zhang, L. and Lu, J (2024) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) polyphenols and inflammatory bowel diseases: Major phytochemicals, functional properties, and health effects', Fitoterapia, 177, pp. 106074. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106074 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106074
  4. Ahmed, H.M. and Babakir-Mina, M (2020) 'Investigation of rosemary herbal extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) and their potential effects on immunity', Phytotherapy Research, 34(8), pp. 1829-1837. doi:10.1002/ptr.6648 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6648
  5. Li, T., Wang, W., Guo, Q., Li, J. and others (2023) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) hydrosol based on serotonergic synapse for insomnia', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 318(Pt B), pp. 116984. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116984 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116984
  6. Hassani, F.V., Shirani, K. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2016) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as a potential therapeutic plant in metabolic syndrome: a review', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 389(9), pp. 931-949. doi:10.1007/s00210-016-1256-0 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-016-1256-0
  7. Gonzalez-Vallinas, M., Reglero, G. and Ramirez de Molina, A (2015) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Extract as a Potential Complementary Agent in Anticancer Therapy', Nutrition and Cancer, 67(8), pp. 1221-1229. doi:10.1080/01635581.2015.1082110 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2015.1082110
  8. Hussain, S.M., Syeda, A.F., Alshammari, M., Alnasser, S. and others (2022) 'Cognition enhancing effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in lab animal studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 55, pp. e11593. doi:10.1590/1414-431X2021e11593 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X2021e11593
  9. Nematolahi, P., Mehrabani, M., Karami-Mohajeri, S. and Dabaghzadeh, F (2018) 'Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on memory performance, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in university students: A randomized clinical trial', Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 30, pp. 24-28. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.11.004 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.11.004
  10. Ulbricht, C., Abrams, T.R., Brigham, A., Ceurvels, J. and others (2010) 'An evidence-based systematic review of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Dietary Supplements, 7(4), pp. 351-413. doi:10.3109/19390211.2010.525049 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2010.525049
  11. Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
    Find this source
  12. Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K. and Duckett, P (2003) 'Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults', 113(1), pp. 15--38. Clinical study
    Find this source
  13. Petersen, M. and Simmonds, M.S.J (2003) 'Rosmarinic acid', 62(2), pp. 121--125. Traditional / reference
    Find this source

Record last updated 2026-06-20 · Provenance: book+pubmed · Status: verified

This fact sheet is generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and reflects its latest synced data. It is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.

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