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Rosemary is an uplifting circulatory stimulant

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Lamiaceae

Rosemary is a powerful home remedy with traditional benefits for circulation, digestion and cognition reinforced by modern research.

Last reviewed 20/08/2024

Sustainability status

Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species. Read more in our sustainability guide.

Sustainability Status
Key benefits
  • Fatigue
  • Low mood
  • Bloating indigestion
  • Problems of ageing

  • How does it feel?

    Upon picking a rosemary leaf, crushing it and smelling it, the aroma is instantly familiar — intense, aromatic and with a strong camphor-like quality. The taste develops slowly in the mouth, beginning with the aromatic flavour, then the camphor comes through, with a slight bitterness that slowly builds. Both the camphor and bitter flavours linger on the palate.

    The stimulating quality of rosemary can be felt almost straight away; the smell immediately awakens the senses and brings a quality of clarity and clear headedness. Upon tasting, the circulatory quality can be felt as the stimulating sensation travels to the head and the eyes, as well as downward. 

    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

  • What can I use it for?

    Fresh rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

    Rosemary has long been known as a brain tonic and associated with improving cognition and memory. As a circulatory stimulant, rosemary increases blood flow to the brain, helping to bring clarity, awareness and alertness, as well as support memory. Rosemary can increase energy and vitality during a period of convalescence following illness, fatigue or low energy (1,2). 

    Rosemary is rich in volatile oils and these have potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions affecting the digestive and respiratory systems. Rosemary is a carminative and helps to treat digestive issues, specifically those affected by dysbiosis by regulating the gut flora and treating gastric infections (1,2,3). The bitters in rosemary support liver function and help in the breakdown of fats and aid elimination. 

    Rosemary’s antiviral and antioxidant actions make it helpful in treating viral infections and reducing inflammation in chronic inflammatory disorders including chronic fatigue and post viral syndromes. These actions also lend itself to reducing neuroinflammation and helping to prevent neurodegenerative disorders (3,4). 

  • Into the heart of rosemary

    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

    Rosemary is a warming and uplifting herb, evoking a tonifying and clarifying action on the mind, digestion and joints. Breathing in the scent of rosemary is known to lift low moods and bring about a sense of clarity and awareness. Traditionally, its bitter action on the liver was known to alleviate ‘liverishness’ associated with an accumulation of yellow bile and feelings of malaise (5,6). Its warming quality makes it useful in treating conditions associated with cold, including colds, flus and coughs or illness that manifests as chills or shivers (6). 

    Rosemary is pungent, aromatic and stimulating. It improves blood supply to the digestive, nervous and musculoskeletal systems, removing congestion and chronic inflammation. The volatile oil rosmarinic acid, calms digestive irritation whilst stimulating metabolism, specifically in the breakdown of fats.

    Rosemary has long been known for ‘remembrance’, supporting memory and cognition. It also has protective connotations and has been used to ward off negativity and promote a sense of renewal and clarity (5,6).

  • Traditional uses

    In traditional folklore, rosemary was used for a wide range of applications. European traditions employed the herb for digestive problems with flatulence and bloating, as a tonic to raise the spirits and to promote recovery from illness. It was seen to stimulate circulation, especially to the head, as well as being associated with the heart (5,6).

    The Roman physician Dioscorides, described rosemary as the following: “the eating of its flower in a preserve comforts the brain, the heart and the stomach; sharpens understanding, restores lost memory, awakens the mind, and in sum is a healthy remedy for various cold ailments of the head and the stomach”. Rosemary was prescribed by Galen, Hippocrates and Dioscorides to treat liver problems (5).

  • Traditional actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

    Western actions

  • Traditional energetic actions

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What practitioners say

    Nervous systemNervous system

    Rosemary improves cerebral circulation and reduces neuroinflammation, enhancing cognitive processes such as learning, memory and concentration. It has traditionally, and is still used today by students prior to exams to aid with learning and memory recall (3,6). Rosemary’s antioxidant properties contribute to its neuroprotective quality by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the nervous system and helping to reduce the risk of neurological conditions including dementia and Parkinson’s disease (7). Rosemary is often included in a herbal prescription to treat low mood, depression and feelings of sluggishness. It is recognised as a herb that reduces anxiety, uplifts mood and increases energy levels (8).

    Digestive system

    Rosmarinic acid is a key constituent often attributed to rosemary’s antimicrobial properties,  which have been shown to be effective against a variety of fungal and bacterial pathogens including S. aureus, E. coli, Salmonella and Candida species (9). Rosmarinic acid has also been shown to downregulate harmful bacteria in the gut and increase populations of beneficial bacteria (10). This in turn, has supported the gut wall barrier and reduced inflammation in the gut (10). These actions indicate rosemary in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive system. Rosemary’s carminative actions help to reduce bloating, gas and abdominal cramps and facilitate effective digestive function (11). 

    The presence of carnosic acid in rosemary extracts has been associated with an inhibition of pancreatic and gastric lipase enzymes which leads to decreased fat absorption and increased fat excretion (12). Rosemary stimulates various different pathways responsible for hepatic fatty acid oxidation including AMPK and PPAR pathways; both of which enhance the body’s ability to breakdown and utilise fat for energy within the body. Rosemary, therefore, can be effective in reducing fat absorption whilst increasing fat oxidation, helping to reduce hyperlipidaemia and risk of obesity (13). 

    Respiratory system

    Rosemary is a decongestant and can be used to break up mucus and encourage its removal from the body via the lungs (2,3). A tea made from the leaves and taken internally can be effective in treating respiratory infections due to its expectorant and antimicrobial actions. The tea can also be used externally as a steam inhalation to further promote expectoration and relieve phlegm or infection in the chest (5). 

    Rosemary also has antispasmodic actions and can be used to relieve spasm in the bronchial tubes such as in cases of asthma (1). 

    Musculoskeletal system

    Rosemary has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant actions, which indicate it in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and swelling. Extracts of rosemary have been shown to modulate COX-2 and nitric oxide, key inflammatory markers in the development of pain and inflammation (13,14). Its circulatory properties help to increase blood flow and reduce swelling and inflammation, facilitating a quicker and more effective recovery. Rosemary can be used to treat a range of musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout (13,14). Rosemary can also help to prevent bone loss and promote recovery following a broken bone. It can improve bone density and calcium levels, coupled with its anti-inflammatory action can support effective and rapid healing (15). 

    Rosemary can be used topically as an essential oil dilute in a carrier oil to relieve pain and reduce inflammation including for muscle aches and pains, joint pains, stiffness and rheumatic pain (4). The essential oil can also be added directly to a bath along with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) to relieve stiffness, pain and promote relaxation. 

    Skin health 

    Rosemary can be applied to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne, rosacea and eczema due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Its potent antioxidant content also makes rosemary an excellent addition to a rejuvenative skincare regime (16). 

    Rosemary can stimulate hair growth by increasing circulation to the scalp and reducing inflammation. It can be used as a rinse, or in an oil massaged into the scalp to treat dandruff, dry scalp or seborrheic dermatitis (1).

  • Research

    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

    The effect of lavender and rosemary aromatherapy application on cognitive functions, anxiety, and sleep quality in the elderly with diabetes

    This study was carried out amongst 65 patients aged 65 and above to explore the effect on cognitive function, anxiety and sleep quality. The participants were divided into three groups: lavender essential oil, rosemary essential oil and the control group. The intervention was carried out over four weeks and measured. After the four weeks, the cognitive function, anxiety and sleep scores were significant compared to placebo, suggesting that rosemary is effective in improving cognitive function and sleep quality and reducing anxiety (17). 

    Effects of continuous intake of rosemary extracts on mental health in working generation healthy Japanese men: Post-hoc testing of a randomised controlled trial

    An initial clinical trial was carried out, however this follow up explored rosemary in those with more severe depression as the initial trial was classified as mild. This post-hoc analysis was carried out amongst those with greater mood disturbance to evaluate the effects of rosemary on mental health. The results showed a marked improvement in the rosemary group for anxiety, fatigue, daytime sleepiness and depletion, suggesting that rosemary is effective in supporting mood related disorders (8). 

    Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on memory performance, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in university students: A randomised clinical trial

    This double-blinded randomised controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of oral rosemary on depression, anxiety, memory and sleep quality in university students. All the 68 participants received 500 mg rosemary or placebo twice daily over one month. The results showed a significant reduction in depression and anxiety scores, as well as an increase in memory performance in the rosemary group compared to placebo (18). 

    Exploring the therapeutic potential of rosemary in metabolic syndrome: From traditional use to modern research

    This analysis was carried out amongst papers from 2016–2025 to evaluate the effect of rosemary on metabolic syndrome. The study found various constituents of rosemary as being primarily responsible for its therapeutic action including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol. Rosemary was found to help manage metabolic syndrome by enhancing insulin sensitivity, improving lipid metabolism and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (19). 

    Therapeutic advantage of pro-electrophilic drugs to activate the Nrf2/ARE pathway in Alzheimer’s disease models

    Alzheimer’s disease is impacted by oxidative stress causing synaptic and neuronal loss. Carnosic acid in rosemary and sage is a pro-electrophilic compound activated by oxidative stress to stimulate the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, which in turn increases the production of antioxidants. In vivo and in vitro studies concluded carnosic acid treatment twice weekly for three months improved learning, memory and increased dendritic and synaptic markers while reducing plaque formation. This suggests rosemary and sage as a promising treatment in the prevention of neurodegenerative disease by increasing antioxidant action offering a neuroprotective action (20).

  • Did you know?

    As Shakespeare reminded us in Hamlet, rosemary was known as the herb of remembrance, and was placed at burial sites to ensure that the memory of the departed would not be lost by their loved one.

    Rosemary was traditionally used to preserve meat due to its powerful antimicrobial properties (20).

Additional information

  • Botanical description

    Rosemary is a hardy evergreen perennial shrub with woody stems that reaches up to two meters high but is often found in gardens in smaller sizes in the UK.

    The leaves are linear and needle-like and are sessile and arranged oppositely along the stem. They are dark green on top and a lighter whitish green on the underside of the leaf.

    The flowers are small, tubular and two lipped and are usually pale blue or white, with some varieties having pink or purple flowers. The fruit consists of four small nutlets, usually smooth and about 2 mm in length (24).

  • Common names

    • Polar plant
    • Compass plant (Eng)
    • Rosmarin (Ger)
    • Romarin (Fr)
    • Rosmarino (Ital)
    • Romero (Sp)
    • Rujmari (Sanskrit)

  • Safety

    Rosemary could have uterine stimulant properties and should be avoided in medicinal amounts during pregnancy; however, doses usually found in food are considered safe (22). 

    Some individuals have developed a hypersensitivity reaction to rosemary containing high amounts of carnosol (3). 

    It may not be suitable for those with a salicylate allergy, and may cause allergic dermatitis in some individuals, however these instances are low (1,3). 

    The essential oil should not be applied neat and instead mixed with a carrier oil for topical use (1).

  • Interactions

    None reported (1,3,22)

  • Contraindications

    None known (1,3,22)

  • Preparations

    • Tincture 
    • Infusion 
    • Powder 
    • Essential oil

  • Dosage

    • Tincture (1:2| 45%): 3–6 ml per day
    • Infusion/decoction: 2–4 g infused in water drank three times per day
    • Other preparations: 1.5–3 g of powdered capsule or tablet per day (1,23)

  • Plant parts used

    Leaf

  • Constituents

    • Volatile oils (up to 1.75%): Verbenone (27%), camphor (24%), borneol (12%), 1,8-cineole, linalool, α-terpineol and caryophyllene
    • Diterpenes: Carnosol, carnosic acid and 12-methoxycarnosic acid 
    • Flavonoids: Luteolin, ericitrin, hesperidin, diosmin, genkwanin, scutellarin, cirsimaritin
    • Tannins 
    • Phenolic acids: Rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, resin and salicylates
    • Triterpenes: Oleanolic, ursolic and betulinic acids 
    • Vitamins: A, C, E
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

  • Habitat

    Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean where it thrives in hot summers and dryer climates. It prefers dry, sandy or rocky soils such as those found on mountain sides as it prefers full sun and well draining soils (25).

  • Sustainability

    Rosemary is listed as ‘least concern’ on the IUCN Redlist due to stable populations and no major threats (25). It is not listed on NatureServe Explorer as a threatened or at risk species (26). Up to 80% of the plants used for food and medicine are wild harvested from Morocco and the Mediterranean, and therefore sourcing cultivated sources helps to contribute to a more sustainable harvesting methods and mitigates impact on the local biodiversity (27). 

    Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

    The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

    The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

    Read our article on Herbal quality & safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

  • Quality control

    Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

    Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

  • How to grow

    Rosemary will thrive in dry Mediterranean like climates with long hot summers and mild winters, however it is hardy and will tolerate a UK winter without too much trouble. It can be grown from seed or cuttings. If growing from seeds, sow the seeds indoors in the early spring and leave to germinate for up to 10–12 weeks. Sow the seeds lightly on the surface of the soil and do not cover with compost as the seeds require light for germination. Keep the soil moist and the surrounding area warm to maximise the chances of germination. It can take up to 30 days. 

    Once the seedlings have reached 10 cm, harden them off before transplanting outdoors after the risk of frost has passed. Space the plants 10 cm apart in a sunny, warm and well draining position (29). 

  • Recipe

    Winter tonic elixir

    This is a fun and easy-to-make winter tonic elixir with a mix of warming and energising herbs.

    Ingredients

    • 700 ml brandy
    • 300 ml amaretto
    • 20 g ginseng root
    • 10 g astragalus
    • 10 g (about two quills) cinnamon bark
    • 5 g ashwagandha
    • 5 g ginger root powder
    • 2 sprigs rosemary
    • 5 g orange peel

    This makes 1 litre of tincture.

    How to make a delicious winter warming tea

    1. Blend the liquids and soak the herbs in it for one month and then strain. Bottle half for you and half for a friend.
    2. Sip on cold winter nights to raise your spirits and keep you strong.

    Liver-loving tea

    The liver takes the brunt of the grunt work for metabolising wastes, so use this tea when you feel sluggish, your digestion is poor or you feel that you need a detox.

    Ingredients

    This will serve 2–3 cups of liver-loving tea.

    How to make a tasty liver tea

    1. Put all of the ingredients in a pot. Add 500 ml freshly boiled filtered water.
    2. Leave to steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain.

  • References

    1. Fisher C. Materia Medica of Western Herbs. Aeon Books; 2018.
    2. Mcintyre A. Complete Herbal Tutor : The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine (Second Edition). Aeon Books Limited; 2019.
    3. Thomsen M. Phytotherapy Desk Reference. 6th ed. Aeon Books; 2022.
    4. Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H. Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its active constituents on nervous system disorders. Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L) and its active constituents on nervous system disorders. 2020;23(9). https://doi.org/10.22038/ijbms.2020.45269.10541 
    5. Breverton T, Culpeper N. Breverton’s Complete Herbal : A Book of Remarkable Plants and Their Uses. Lyons Press; 2011.
    6. Bruton-Seal J, Seal M, Parkinson J. The Herbalist’s Bible : John Parkinson’s Lost Classic Rediscovered : Theatrum Botanicum (1640). Skyhorse Publishing; 2014.
    7. Faridzadeh A, Salimi Y, Ghasemirad H, et al. Neuroprotective Potential of Aromatic Herbs: Rosemary, Sage, and Lavender. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2022;16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.909833 
    8. Araki R, Sasaki K, Onda H, et al. Effects of Continuous Intake of Rosemary Extracts on Mental Health in Working Generation Healthy Japanese Men: Post-Hoc Testing of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3551. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113551 
    9. Selem E, Elariny E, Mostafa Elnabawy N, El-Sayed AF, Ahmed H, Abdel-Karim M. Antibacterial Activities of Rosmarinus officinalis Extract against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. World s Veterinary Journal. 2025;15(2):498-508. https://doi.org/10.54203/scil.2025.wvj50 
    10. Li K, Wu J, Xu S, Li X, Zhang Y, Gao X. Rosmarinic acid alleviates intestinal inflammatory damage and inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and smooth muscle contraction abnormalities in intestinal tissues by regulating gut microbiota. Microbiology Spectrum. 2023;11(5). https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01914-23 
    11. Veenstra JP, Johnson JJ. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Health-promoting benefits and food preservative properties. International journal of nutrition. 2021;6(4):1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8513767/ 
    12. Ibarra A, Cases J, Roller M, Chiralt-Boix A, Coussaert A, Ripoll C. Carnosic acid-rich rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaf extract limits weight gain and improves cholesterol levels and glycaemia in mice on a high-fat diet. British Journal of Nutrition. 2011;106(8):1182-1189. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114511001620 
    13. Tu Z, Moss-Pierce T, Ford P, Jiang TA. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Extract Regulates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism by Activating AMPK and PPAR Pathways in HepG2 Cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2013;61(11):2803-2810. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf400298c 
    14. Luo C, Zou L, Sun H, et al. A Review of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Rosmarinic Acid on Inflammatory Diseases. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2020;11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00153 
    15. Elbahnasawy AS, Valeeva ER, El-Sayed EM, Rakhimov II. The Impact of Thyme and Rosemary on Prevention of Osteoporosis in Rats. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2019;2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1431384 
    16. Li Pomi F, Papa V, Borgia F, et al. Rosmarinus officinalis and Skin: Antioxidant Activity and Possible Therapeutical Role in Cutaneous Diseases. Antioxidants. 2023;12(3):680. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030680 
    17. Can S, Yasemin Yildirim Usta, Yildiz S, Kanat Tayfun. The effect of lavender and rosemary aromatherapy application on cognitive functions, anxiety, and sleep quality in the elderly with diabetes. EXPLORE. 2024;20(6):103033-103033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.103033 
    18. Nematolahi P, Mehrabani M, Karami-Mohajeri S, Dabaghzadeh F. 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. 2018;30:24-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.11.004 
    19. Behrang Rezvani Kakhki, Moradi EV, Vossoughinia S, Zahra Yazdanpanah, Jalali J, Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar. Exploring the therapeutic potential of rosemary in metabolic syndrome: From traditional use to modern research. Fitoterapia. Published online August 1, 2025:106795-106795. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2025.106795 
    20. Lipton SA, Rezaie T, Nutter A, et al. Therapeutic advantage of pro-electrophilic drugs to activate the Nrf2/ARE pathway in Alzheimer’s disease models. Cell Death & Disease. 2016;7(12):e2499-e2499. https://doi.org/10.1038/cddis.2016.389 
    21. Nieto G, Ros G, Castillo J. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review. Medicines. 2018;5(3):98. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030098 
    22. Natural Medicines Database. Rosemary. Therapeuticresearch.com. Published 2025. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/Data/ProMonographs/Rosemary#safety 
    23. Bone K. The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide for Herbal Prescribers. Phytotherapy Press; 2007.
    24. Kew Gardens. Rosemary – Salvia rosmarinus | Plants | Kew. Kew.org. Published 2020. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.kew.org/plants/rosemary#where-in-the-world 
    25. Datiles MJ, Acevedo-Rodríguez P. Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary). CABI Compendium. 2022;CABI Compendium. https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.47678 
    26. Khela S. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Salvia rosmarinus. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Published June 11, 2013. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/203257/2762622 
    27. Nature Serve Explorer. Rosemary. Natureserve.org. Published 2025. Accessed August 20, 2025.
    28. Ben Arfa A, Gouja H, Hannachi H, Isoda H, Neffati M, Najjaa H. Seasonal changes in rosemary species: A chemotaxonomic assessment of two varieties based on essential oil compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. PLOS ONE. 2022;17(8):e0273367.  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273367 
    29. RHS. Rosemary. www.rhs.org.uk. Published 2024. https://www.rhs.org.uk/herbs/rosemary/grow-your-own 

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Aromatic
An ‘aromatic’ remedy, high in volatile essential oils, was most often associated with calming and sometimes ‘warming’ the digestion. Most kitchen spices and herbs have this quality: they were used both as flavouring and to ease the digestion of sometimes challenging pre-industrial foods. Many aromatics are classed as ‘carminatives’ and are used to reduce colic, bloating and agitated digestion. They also often feature in respiratory remedies for colds, chest and other airway infections. They are also classic calming inhalants and massage oils, and are the basis of aromatherapy for their mental benefits.
Astringent
The astringent taste you get with many plants (the most familiar is black tea after being stewed too long, or some red wines) is produced by complex polyphenols such as tannins. Tannins are used in concentrated form (eg from oak bark) to make leather from animal skins. The process of ‘tanning’ involves the coagulation of relatively fluid proteins in living tissues into tight clotted fibres (similar to the process of boiling an egg). Tannins in effect turn exposed surfaces on the body into leather. In the case of the lining of mouth and upper digestive tract this is only temporary as new mucosa are replenished, but in the meantime can calm inflamed or irritated surfaces. In the case of open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – when strong (as in the bark of broadleaved trees) they can seal a damaged surface. One group of tannins, the reddish-brown ‘condensed tannins’ are procyanidins, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Bitter
Bitters are a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth. They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. They were experienced as stimulating appetite and switching on a wide range of key digestive functions, including increasing bile clearance from the liver (as bile is a key factor in bowel health this can be translated into improving bowel functions and the microbiome). Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body. Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
Cooling
Traditional ‘cold’ or cooling’ remedies often contain bitter phytonutrients such a iridoids (gentian), sesiquterpenes (chamomile), anthraquinones (rhubarb root), mucilages (marshmallow), some alkaloids and flavonoids. They tend to influence the digestive system, liver and kidneys. Cooling herbs do just that; they diffuse, drain and clear heat from areas of inflammation, redness and irritation. Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
Hot
Traditional ‘hot’ or ‘heating’ remedies, often containing spice ingredients like capsaicin, the gingerols (ginger), piperine (black or long pepper), curcumin (turmeric) or the sulfurous isothiocyanates from mustard, horseradich or wasabi, generate warmth when taken. In modern times this might translate as thermogenic and circulatory stimulant effects. There is evidence of improved tissue blood flow with such remedies: this would lead to a reduction in build-up of metabolites and tissue damage. Heating remedies were used to counter the impact of cold, reducing any symptoms made worse in the cold. .
Mucilaginous
Mucilages are complex carbohydrate based plant constituents with a slimy or ‘unctuous’ feel especially when chewed or macerated in water. Their effect is due simply to their physical coating exposed surfaces. From prehistory they were most often used as wound remedies for their soothing and healing effects on damaged tissues. Nowadays they are used more for these effects on the digestive lining, from the throat to the stomach, where they can relieve irritation and inflammation such as pharyngitis and gastritis. Some of the prominent mucilaginous remedies like slippery elm, aloe vera and the seaweeds can be used as physical buffers to reduce the harm and pain caused by reflux of excess stomach acid. Mucilages are also widely used to reduce dry coughing. Here the effect seems to be by reflex through embryonic nerve connections: reduced signals from the upper digestive wall appear to translate as reduced activity of airway muscles and increased activity of airway mucus cells. Some seed mucilages, such as in psyllium seed, flaxseed (linseed) or guar bean survive digestion to provide bulking laxative effects in the bowel. These can also reduce rate of absorption of sugar and cholesterol. .
Pungent
The pungent flavour refers to the powerful taste of hot spices including mustard (Brassica spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), horseradish (Amoracia rusticana), chilli (Capsicum spp.), and garlic (Allium sativum). These herbs act to enliven and invigorate the senses, and they often also have heating qualities. Unlike other tastes, the effect is not linked to a specific receptor on the tongue and instead acts through direct irritation of tissues and nerve endings. Energetically, pungent herbs are known to disperse energy (qi) throughout the body. Pharmacologically, pungent herbs dry excess moisture and mucus, as well as stimulate digestion and metabolism.
Resinous
Resins are most familiar as tacky discharges from pine trees (and as the substance in amber, and rosin for violin bows). They were most valued however as the basis of ancient commodities like frankincense and myrrh (two of the three gifts of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus) and getting access to their source was one benefit to Solomon for marrying the Queen of Sheba (now Ethiopia). Resins were the original antiseptic remedies, ground and applied as powders or pastes to wounds or inflamed tissues, and were also used for mummification. With alcohol distillation it was found that they could be dissolved in 90% alcohol and in this form they remain a most powerful mouthwash and gargle, for infected sore throats and gum disease. They never attracted much early research interest because they permanently coat expensive glassware! For use in the mouth, gums and throat hey are best combined with concentrated licorice extracts to keep the resins in suspension and add extra soothing properties. It appears that they work both as local antiseptics and by stimulating white blood cell activity under the mucosal surface. They feel extremely effective!
Salty
The salty flavour is immediately distinctive. A grain dropped onto the tongue is instantly moistening and a sprinkle on food enkindles digestion. This easily recognisable flavour has its receptors right at the front of the tongue. The salty flavor creates moisture and heat, a sinking and heavy effect which is very grounding for the nervous system and encourages stability. People who are solid and reliable become known as ‘the salt of the earth'.
Sharp
The sharp taste of some fruits, and almost all unripe fruits, as well as vinegar and fermented foods, is produced by weak acids (the taste is generated by H+ ions from acids stimulating the sour taste buds). Sour taste buds are hard-wired to generate immediate reflex responses elsewhere in the body. Anyone who likes the refreshing taste of lemon or other citrus in the morning will know that one reflex effect is increased saliva production. Other effects are subjective rather than confirmed by research but there is a consistent view that they include increased digestive activity and contraction of the gallbladder.
Sour
The sour taste occurs because of the stimulation of hydrogen ions which trigger the sour taste receptors on the tongue. The more acidic a substance, the more hydrogen ions will be released. The sour taste comes from acidic substances including citrus, fermented foods, tannins, and vinegars. Sour foods and herbs absorb excess moisture, whilst also increasing the production of saliva. Energetically, sour substances tonify the lungs, playing a role in disease prevention. Excessive use, however, can result in malabsorption of nutrients. Examples of sour herbs include, rosehips (Rosa canina), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
Sweet
In the days when most people never tasted sugar, ‘sweetness’ was associated with the taste of basic foods: that of cooked vegetables, cereals and meat. In other words sweet was the quality of nourishment, and ‘tonic’ remedies. Describing a remedy as sweet generally led to that remedy being used in convalescence or recovery from illness. Interestingly, the plant constituents most often found in classic tonics like licorice, ginseng are plant steroids including saponins, which also have a sweet taste.
Umami
The umami taste was originally discovered in 1985 in Japan and is directly translated from the Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’. It is referred to as the ‘fifth taste’ and is a salty, rich, and meaty flavour. The umami flavour is produced by amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) found in many food and plant sources including tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweeds and soy-based foods. Umami foods can improve nutritional absorption and digestion as there are also umami receptors in the gut as well as the mouth. Examples of umami herbs include green tea (Camellia sinensis), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), nettle (Urtica dioica), cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), shitake (Lentinula edodes) and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).

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