Rosmarini Officinalis Herba
Aliases：Hǎi Yáng Zhī Lù (Dew of the Ocean), Hǎi Lù (Sea Dew), Ài Jú (Tansy).
Mí Dié Xiāng (Rosemary) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the whole plant of Rosmarinus officinalis L., a plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. This plant is a shrub, reaching up to 2 meters in height, with a strongly aromatic fragrance throughout. The stem and old branches are cylindrical with dark gray bark; young branches are quadrangular and densely covered with white stellate fine hairs. The leaves are clustered on the branches, linear, leathery, 1–1.2 cm long and 1–2 mm wide, with entire margins rolled toward the underside; the upper surface is slightly glossy and nearly hairless, while the lower surface is densely covered with white stellate hairs. The flowers are nearly sessile, opposite, with blue-purple corollas. It was introduced to China from the Western Regions during the Cao Wei period and is recorded in herbal classics such as Haiyao Bencao and Bencao Shiyi.
Efficacy & Actions
Induces sweating, strengthens the Spleen, calms the spirit, and relieves pain.
Indications
Indicated for various types of headache (including externally-contracted headache and wind-type headache), and for preventing premature hair loss. It may also be used for food stagnation, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, chest tightness and pain, stomach cold pain, and poor appetite due to Spleen dampness.
Modern Pharmacology
Antioxidant effects: Rosemary contains various phenolic acids and flavonoids, exhibiting significant antioxidant activity. Anti-inflammatory effects: Rosemary extracts show marked anti-inflammatory activity. Studies have confirmed that rosmarinic acid can alleviate acute gouty arthritis in rats by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Antibacterial effects: The volatile oil of rosemary leaves exhibits definite antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae. Antitumor effects: Possesses antitumor activity. Hepatoprotective effects: Rosemary extract has protective effects against acute alcoholic liver injury in mice. Antidepressant and neuroprotective effects: Rosemary essential oil exhibits antidepressant effects and has significant effects on the central nervous system; various natural components have been confirmed to have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential. Hypoglycemic and metabolic regulatory effects: Possesses hypoglycemic and metabolic regulatory effects. Vasodilatory effects: Exhibits vasodilatory activity.
Ingredients
Volatile oils: α-Pinene, camphene, 1,8-cineole, borneol, camphor, α- and β-terpineol, and others Phenolic acids: Rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, labiatic acid Flavonoids: Hesperidin, diosmin, homoplantaginin, apigenin-7-glucoside, luteolin-7-glucoside, and others Terpenoids: Ursolic acid, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, rosmanol, and others Others: Rosmaricine, isorosmaricine, β-sitosterol, and others Among these, volatile oils and phenolic acids are the indicator components. Rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and rosemary essential oil are its main active components.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 4.5–9 g. May also be steeped as tea for consumption, 3–5 g each time. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, steep in water for washing.
Contraindications
Use with caution or avoid during pregnancy—rosemary is highly stimulating; excessive consumption by pregnant women may stimulate uterine contractions and, in severe cases, lead to miscarriage. Use with caution in patients with hypertension. Not suitable for patients with epilepsy. Avoid excessive use—rosemary is toxic and should not be used in large amounts. For external use, avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
Selected Formulas
For mosquito repellent (Haiyao Bencao) Take appropriate amounts of Midiexiang (Rosemary) and Qianghuo (Notopterygium), grind into pills, and burn them at night. For headache, menstrual irregularities, promoting blood circulation, and beautifying the skin (empirical formula, Headache and Menstrual Regulating Tea) Take 3g each of rosemary and pink rose, steep in 500ml of water for 5 minutes, strain, add honey, and drink.
Daily Consumption
Tea: Take 3–5 g of rosemary (or 5–10 cm of fresh branches), place it in a pot, add 500 ml of boiling water, and steep for 3–5 minutes. May be sweetened with honey or sugar before drinking. It helps refresh the mind, relieve stomach bloating, and enhance memory. Culinary seasoning: Rosemary is widely used as a spice in cooking to eliminate the fishy smell of meat. It is commonly used in lamb, duck, chicken, and seafood dishes. Wine infusion: Steep an appropriate amount of rosemary in wine, seal and soak for a period of time, then drink. A small amount consumed daily may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Medicinal Parts
Whole plant or dried aerial parts.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place.
