Rosemary is a plant that stands out for its aroma and its use is divided into culinary and medicinal. In the kitchen, it is commonly found as an accompaniment to stews and in the preparation of desserts, while for its medicinal properties, it is used to improve circulation, and memory, control cholesterol and benefit the health of the skin and hair.
Its scientific name is Rosmarinus officinalis and it belongs to the family of the labiates. It is characterized by being an evergreen and aromatic branched shrub, with a woody stem that can reach up to 1.80 meters, although most of the time it only reaches 60 centimeters. Its leaves are linear, thin, and dark green and its flowers, which grow in spring and summer, are blue or pale violet.
Rosemary contains essential oils, rosmarinic acid, rosmaricin, ursolic acid, bitter principles, flavonoids, and tannins, which makes it considered a plant with great healing potential. However, its essential oils are also used in the production of perfumes.
Properties of rosemary
It is a “plant rich in active ingredients and with action on almost all organs of the human body. Having a high content of essential oils, whose active ingredients are flavonoids, phenolic acids, and bitter principles, it generates a tonic and stimulating action on the nervous, circulatory, and heart systems ”, reads the text Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.): a review of its non-culinary uses from the Faculty of Chemical Sciences of the Autonomous University of Puebla, Mexico.
Rosemary is considered to have antioxidant, diuretic, and carminative properties, which help detoxify the body. It is also antiseptic, fungicidal, and antibacterial, which is why it is used to combat nail fungus, says naturopath Carolina Aguilar.
The plant has a strong smell and its flavor is also aromatic, with slight hints of spiciness. Therefore it is used in cooking to flavor oils and vinegars, to season stews, and some foods such as rice, cakes, or biscuits. It is also used to add flavor to drinks.
What is rosemary used for?
Rosemary, which grows mainly in the Mediterranean area, has internal and external uses to benefit the health of the body. Its leaves have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic properties and a hepatoprotective effect. Below are some of the benefits of rosemary.
Improves the health of the digestive system
The carminative properties of rosemary tea make it easier to digest food, so it is recommended to drink it after lunch and dinner. When consumed constantly, it can reduce acidity and the feeling of fullness.
Relieves muscle and joint pain
Because it is anti-inflammatory, it can soothe the aforementioned pain. It is recommended to massage the affected area with rosemary essential oil or creams made from this plant. This will promote relaxation and then reduce the discomfort.
It is commonly used for rheumatic pain, neuralgia, and shoulder and back pain.
Helps liver health
Because of its benefits to intestinal health, rosemary may have a restorative effect on the liver and gallbladder. It is said to slightly repair damage caused by poisoning or digestive disorders. It also helps to eliminate gallstones.
It is considered to help liver health because the choleretic and cholagogue properties of the leaves perform a detoxification function.
Properties of rosemary for hair
This plant is popular for hair health, as a few drops of rosemary oil constantly help to hydrate it; while rosemary infusion on the hair is beneficial for controlling excess oil.
It also promotes scalp circulation, which promotes growth, shine, and strength. In addition, it is used to treat dandruff.
Properties of rosemary for the skin
Rosemary is used to treat dermatitis, acne, insect bites, bruises, minor burns, and sores due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In some cases, it is also recommended to reduce dark circles and attenuate stretch marks on the body.
Improves memory
Ursolic acid and carnosine improve the release of dopamine in the brain. Several studies indicate that the consumption of rosemary tea could improve the health of the neurological system.
Contraindications
Although the properties of rosemary influence the good health of various organs of the body, Aguilar indicates that it is not recommended to consume it during pregnancy, when one has colitis and prostate conditions. Therefore, before consuming it, it is recommended to consult with an expert.
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