Uses for Wild Rosemary Oil Powder

Wild rosemary is a low-growing, bushy, evergreen shrub that is native to Canada, Greenland and Alaska. It is also found in China, Japan, Korea, and central and northern Europe. Its scientific name is Ledum palustre, which belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is also known as Rhododendron tomentosum, marsh tea, northern Labrador tea, Labrador tea and Marsh Labrador tea. The flowers of wild rosemary are delicate, five-petal, white blossoms that bloom in clusters. Wild rosemary blooms between spring and early summer, and it grows in rather sandy or claylike, moistened soil. Its plant oil can be extracted, and the dried plant can be ground to a powder, for medicinal uses. As a tea, it is only recommended to cold brew its leaves, to avoid its narcotic effect.

Function

• Wild rosemary acts as an astringent (contracts tissues), laxative (gently induces bowel movements), diuretic (stimulates kidneys to cause urination), diaphoretic (causes sweating), stomachic (helps stomach function), and it is a narcotic (gives a feeling of well-being and pain relief). It may be used in homeopathic and natural medicine to treat stings, bites, rashes, Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as gout, edema, injuries and bruises, and improving athletic endurance.

Stings, Bites and Rashes

• Wild rosemary is used on stings and bites when they cause extensive swelling, pain and discoloration, and upon touch, the area may feel cold. For rashes, it is used in conjunction with cold compresses that relieve the itching and swelling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

• Wild rosemary is used for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis pain that is coupled with swelling. It may originate in a lower extremity, and then spread to other joints. Gout is another condition that may benefit from the use of wild rosemary, it may help to reduce the inflammation of the big toe and entire foot, through its astringent activities. For all of these conditions, it may be used with cold compresses to provide relief.

Edema

• Wild rosemary's astringent properties may help to reduce the swelling and tenderness of the feet and ankles associated with edema. By causing contraction of the tissues and blood vessels, the flow of fluid may be decreased to the feet, thereby reducing the swelling. Its effectiveness is usually enhanced with cold applications to the feet and ankles.

Injuries and Bruises

• Injuries and bruises are another condition, where wild rosemary may constrict the tissues to reduce swelling, and help to relieve the pain. Typically, injuries do result in pain and swelling, and wild rosemary may help to promote healing, when used, again, with a source of cold relief. Likewise, it may also be beneficial in supporting the knees, elbows, ankles and other body parts that experience strain and sprains during active sports.