Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Botanical Classification

Scientific Name: Rosmarinus officinalis (now classified as Salvia rosmarinus)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Common Names: Rosemary, Compass Weed, Elf Leaf, Dew of the Sea

Parts Used

Leaves & Stems: Used in culinary, medicinal, and aromatic preparations.
Flowers: Less commonly used, but valuable in infusions and essential oil production.
Essential Oil: Extracted from the leaves and flowers, highly concentrated and used in aromatherapy, topical applications, and herbal medicine.

Constituents

Volatile Oils: Camphor, cineole (eucalyptol), α-pinene, borneol, and limonene.
Phenolic Compounds: Rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol.
Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin, and hesperidin.
Tannins: Astringent compounds beneficial for skin and digestion.
Terpenes: Contribute to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Medicinal Uses

Equine Use

Circulatory Health: Stimulates blood flow, helping horses with poor circulation or laminitis.
Muscle Relaxation: Used in poultices or washes for sore muscles and joints after exercise.
Digestive Health: May be included in herbal blends for appetite stimulation and gut health.
Hoof & Skin Health: Infused oils or rinses can be used for fungal infections or skin irritations.
Calming Effects: While stimulating in large amounts, small amounts can help maintain focus in competition horses.

Usage:

As a herbal wash for wounds or skin conditions.
In poultices for muscle pain and inflammation.
Added to feed in small amounts for digestive and circulatory support.

Canine Use

Cognitive Support: Used to promote mental clarity and alertness, particularly in senior dogs.
Flea & Tick Repellent: Infused sprays or rinses help repel parasites naturally.
Digestive Aid: Can be included in small amounts in food to aid digestion and reduce gas.
Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief: Used in massage oils or liniments for arthritis or joint pain.
Oral Health: Rosemary extract is sometimes included in natural toothpaste for dogs to combat bad breath and bacteria.

Usage:

Herbal wash or spray for skin conditions or flea prevention.
Infused in coconut oil for joint massage or wound healing.
Small amounts in food for digestion and circulatory benefits.

Precautions:

Essential oil should never be given internally to dogs.
High doses can be too stimulating for dogs with epilepsy or seizure disorders.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore & Traditional Uses

Symbol of Remembrance: Rosemary has long been associated with memory and was traditionally worn at funerals and war memorials. The phrase "Rosemary for remembrance" originates from this tradition.
Warding Off Evil: In both English and Manx folklore, rosemary was believed to protect homes from evil spirits and was often planted near doorways.
Love & Fidelity: Rosemary was included in wedding bouquets and given as a token of love and loyalty.
Household Protection: Sprigs of rosemary were burned or hung in homes to cleanse negative energy and ward off illness.
Divination & Luck: In Manx folklore, rosemary was sometimes used in divination practices to reveal one’s future spouse.

Conclusion

Rosemary is a powerful herbal remedy with applications in equine, canine, and human medicine. It supports memory, circulation, digestion, and joint health while also offering antimicrobial and skin-soothing properties. In UK and Isle of Man folklore, rosemary has been a symbol of protection, remembrance, and love, deeply woven into cultural traditions.

While generally safe, rosemary should be used with caution in animals prone to seizures, and its essential oil should never be given internally to dogs or horses. Proper dosing and preparation are key to maximizing its benefits while ensuring safety.

Rose (Rosa spp.) Sage (Salvia officinalis)