Rosemary & Cramps

Rosemary is a highly fragrant Mediterranean herb characterized by upright woody stems and needle-like leaves. Applied topically, the essential oil of rosemary is reputed to ease muscle aches, joint pain and abdominal cramps. There is evidence that certain phytochemicals in rosemary decrease swelling, pain and muscle spasms associated with menstruation, rheumatism, gout and other conditions. Therapeutic benefit comes from the essential oil of the plant, which is limited to topical application only. Consult your doctor before using rosemary or any other herb medicinally.

Plant Profile

Rosemary is a valued landscaping plant, especially in arid climates because it is pest- and drought-resistant. It is also a popular addition to topiary gardens because it is easy to train and prune into shapes. Although it is native to the Mediterranean, the plant is widely cultivated throughout most of the world. Aside from its use in the kitchen, rosemary is added to cosmetics, as well. It is also the featured ingredient in classic Hungary water to relieve gout pain and restore mobility.

Composition

A study published in "Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology" in July 2011 identified 22 components in the essential oil of rosemary, with 1,8-cineole and α-pinene present among them in the highest concentrations. Other active compounds in rosemary include rosmaric acid, ursolic acid and carnosolic acid. Various flavonoids are also present, such as diosmin and hesperidin.

Applications

According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," rosemary compounds improve circulation when applied to the skin and demonstrate antispasmodic properties in animal studies. In Europe, the German E Commission, a regulatory agency similar to the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, has approved rosemary essential oil as a topical treatment for arthritis and muscle pain. In folk medicine, rosemary essential oil is applied topically to address menstrual cramps, sciatica and fibromyalgia.

Effectiveness

A study published in the February 2011 issue of "Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior" reports that hesperidin, one of the flavonoid compounds present in rosemary, promotes an antinociceptive effect, which means it reduces nerve response to painful stimuli. Specifically, the scientists found that it counters pain associated with arthritis-related gout. In a study published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" in December 2008, researchers found that rosemary essential oil demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in peripheral nerves in edema-induced animal models. In the July 2010 issue of "Phytomedicine," scientists report that rosemary oil acts on alpha adrenergic receptors in the nerve cells of smooth muscle tissue, which suppresses pain, inflammation and muscle spasms.

Safety

There are no significant adverse effects associated with the topical use of rosemary essential oil, although you should not use this herb during pregnancy. If you develop a rash or other local irritation, discontinue use and see your doctor.