High-Risk Individuals and Rosemary
While a pinch of fresh or dried rosemary is a staple in many kitchens, using concentrated forms like supplements and essential oils requires careful consideration. Certain populations should completely avoid medicinal amounts of rosemary due to potential health complications.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Individuals
For pregnant individuals, medicinal doses of rosemary are potentially unsafe and should be avoided. Large quantities can act as a uterine stimulant, posing a risk of miscarriage. While the small amounts used for cooking are considered safe, supplements and high-dose teas are not recommended. The safety of rosemary for breastfeeding individuals is also not well-established due to insufficient research, so it is best to stick to culinary amounts.
People with Seizure Disorders or Epilepsy
Individuals with seizure disorders or epilepsy should exercise extreme caution or avoid rosemary entirely, particularly the essential oil. Rosemary essential oil contains camphor, which has convulsant properties and may trigger seizures in susceptible people. It is included on lists of essential oils to be avoided by people with epilepsy.
Individuals with Bleeding Disorders
Rosemary might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. For this reason, individuals with bleeding disorders should be cautious with medicinal amounts of rosemary. It contains a chemical similar to aspirin (a salicylate), which can interfere with the body's natural clotting process.
People with Aspirin Allergies
Due to its salicylate content, rosemary may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin. Those with known aspirin allergies should avoid rosemary products to prevent potential adverse reactions.
Significant Drug Interactions
Rosemary has the potential to interact with several types of medications, and individuals on the following drug classes should consult a healthcare provider before using rosemary medicinally.
Blood-Thinning Medications
Rosemary can intensify the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs by further slowing blood clotting. Combining rosemary with these medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin, can lead to an increased risk of bruising and bleeding.
Diuretics (Water Pills) and Lithium
Since rosemary can have diuretic effects, it may increase the effects of diuretic medications like furosemide (Lasix). Taking them together could lead to excessive fluid loss and increase the risk of dehydration. This diuretic effect can also cause the body to retain lithium, potentially leading to toxic levels.
High Blood Pressure Medications (ACE Inhibitors)
Rosemary may interfere with the action of ACE inhibitor drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as captopril (Capoten) or lisinopril (Zestril). This could alter the intended therapeutic effect of the medication.
Diabetes Medications
Rosemary has been shown to potentially alter blood sugar levels. This could interfere with the effectiveness of antidiabetes drugs and lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes should closely monitor their blood sugar if they use rosemary and consult their doctor.
Comparison of Rosemary Use
| Population / Medical Condition | Culinary Use (Small Amounts) | Medicinal Use (Supplements, High Doses, Oil) |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant & Breastfeeding | Generally considered safe | Unsafe. Risk of miscarriage, insufficient safety data for breastfeeding. |
| Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder | Safe | Unsafe. May trigger seizures due to camphor content. |
| Bleeding Disorders | Safe | Caution. May increase bleeding and bruising risk. |
| Aspirin Allergy | Safe | Caution. Contains salicylate, may trigger allergic reaction. |
| Liver Disease | Safe | Caution. Avoid without medical supervision due to potential liver function impact. |
| Children under 2 | Safe | Unsafe. Essential oil should be avoided. |
| Taking Blood Thinners | Safe | Caution. May increase bleeding risk. |
| Taking ACE Inhibitors | Safe | Caution. May interfere with medication action. |
Potential for Toxicity
Rosemary is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food, but ingesting undiluted rosemary essential oil is highly toxic and potentially fatal. Symptoms of rosemary toxicity can include vomiting, spasms, pulmonary edema, and coma. These severe side effects are a critical reason for caution with all forms of rosemary, especially high-concentration extracts and oils.
Conclusion: Always Prioritize Professional Advice
While a common and delicious culinary herb, the medicinal use of rosemary is not without risk. Specific populations, such as pregnant women and individuals with epilepsy, should avoid concentrated forms. Interactions with common medications for blood pressure, blood thinning, and diabetes also necessitate caution. The most critical takeaway is the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal supplements or treatments, including rosemary. This ensures that any potential benefits are not outweighed by dangerous health risks or drug interactions.
For more detailed information on supplement interactions, resources from authoritative health organizations can be valuable. WebMD provides comprehensive information on herbal supplements and their interactions.
