The healing properties of rosemary have been known since ancient times. In Mediterranean countries and northern Africa, the plant’s homeland, it has long been used in medicine, cosmetology, and cooking. The shrub cannot withstand Russian cold weather; rosemary can only be grown as an indoor plant. Let's consider the medicinal properties of rosemary, scope of application and contraindications for use.
Chemical and vitamin composition
For medicinal purposes, mainly the leaves and young shoots of the plant are used, which is why rosemary is sometimes called an herb. In fact, the evergreen shrub grows up to 2 meters and chooses dry, ventilated slopes. It has thick, needle-shaped leaves on short petioles that glow blue. Flowering: April-May, with bluish-purple flowers.
Research has revealed a lot of useful substances contained in leaves, flowers and shoots:
- vitamins – A, E, C, PP, group B;
- special rosemary oil – 0.3-1.2% by weight of the raw material, it contains a set of terpenes and terpenoids;
- tannins;
- trace elements – zinc, calcium, zinc, potassium, iron, copper;
- omega and other unsaturated acids;
- alkaloids;
- amino acids;
- resins;
- bitterness;
- phytoncides.
Without knowing the composition, people have used rosemary in fresh and dried form since ancient times. When dried without heating, the beneficial substances are preserved almost unchanged.
Benefits of rosemary for the human body
Rosemary is used to prepare medicinal products used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. During plague epidemics, the plant was used in Europe to protect against infection. Rosemary was part of Mother d'Artagnan's famous balm, which he used to treat himself and supply to his wounded friends.
The following medicinal properties of the plant have been revealed:
- antiseptic, disinfectant - for internal use and cleaning premises from pathogenic flora, especially important during the cold season;
- stimulates the activity of the nervous system - with neurological abnormalities, exhaustion, apathy and lethargy;
- relieves pain syndromes - muscular, neurogenic, spastic in nature with osteochondrosis, neuralgia, migraines, heart pain and colic in the gastrointestinal tract;
- improves the secretory activity of the stomach, stimulates digestion;
- activates the work of the heart muscle, increases blood pressure;
- improves bile production;
- anti-inflammatory effect - for pathologies of the throat, pelvic diseases;
- helps overcome the consequences of a stroke - restores the patency of brain vessels, stimulates memory and vision;
- has antioxidant and immunostimulating effects;
- removes phlegm from the lungs, improves asthma and bronchospasm;
- accelerates recovery processes in the dermis - relieves inflammation, has a wound-healing effect, is used to treat boils and abscesses;
- increases skin turgor by restoring water-fat balance, accelerates hair growth, activating dormant follicles.
Rosemary suppresses the activity of pathogens of dangerous infections (fungi, some cocci, Giardia).
Information: rosemary leaves are part of the herbal medicine Canephron-N, which has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
For woman
The beneficial properties of rosemary are widely used for the treatment and prevention of female diseases. The plant stabilizes hormonal levels, strengthens resistance to psycho-emotional stress and stress. Rosemary helps to cope with menopause easier, relieves irritability and PMS pain. Women note that the spice relieves migraine attacks. For amenorrhea, the plant stabilizes the cycle; for vaginitis, leucorrhea, it is used to irrigate the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
For a man
In the Eastern tradition, rosemary is considered an aphrodisiac - regular use increases male strength.The plant is used for the prevention and treatment of inflammation of the male genital organs - prostate, urethra. Infusions help support the production of hormones and stabilize the nervous system in old age.
For children
The use of rosemary is recommended for children from 6 years of age. In childhood, the plant is used for the following purposes:
- strengthen the nervous system - improves attention and ability to concentrate;
- for skin pathologies – heal wounds, restore damaged epidermis;
- for disinfecting children's rooms during the flu and other infectious diseases;
- for colds - for gargling, relieving inflammation of the mucous membranes;
- improve blood circulation - especially for children with always cold hands and feet.
Essential oil is used in inhalation compositions for inflammation of the respiratory system.
Use in folk medicine
When preparing home remedies, you can use fresh or dry raw materials. It is important to maintain proportions. Let us remind you that herbal medicine is used as an adjuvant; in the treatment of complex diseases, a doctor’s advice is required.
Decoction
To prepare a medicinal decoction, pour 2 tablespoons of leaves into a glass of boiling water. In an enamel saucepan, bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low and leave for 15-20 minutes. Close the lid and wait until it cools completely. Express. Take a teaspoon of the decoction before meals. Helps with colic, exhaustion of the nervous system, inflammation of the respiratory tract, dysmenorrhea, and cycle disorders.
Infusion
To prepare the medicine, a tablespoon of raw material is infused in a glass of boiling water for half an hour. Divide into 4-5 doses and drink per day. The water infusion is useful for gastrointestinal pathologies, heart and nervous disorders.It is also used to irrigate the mucous membranes of the throat and genitals during inflammation.
Inhalation
In the absence of a nebulizer, water is boiled in a saucepan. For a liter of water, take 4 tablespoons of dry raw materials or 2 branches of fresh rosemary. Breathe over the pan for 5-10 minutes. To restore the health of the mucous membranes, it is important to correctly alternate breathing through the mouth and nose.
Medicinal tea
The leaves and flowers are used to make tea. Pour ½-1 teaspoon of raw material into a cup. Pour in very hot, but not boiling water. Tea is drunk to prevent colds and used as a general tonic for stress and weakened immunity.
Relaxing bath
To prepare an infusion for baths, use leaves, flowers and top shoots of rosemary (30-50 grams). Brew in any container (you can use a thermos) and pour into water. Healing baths help with diseases of the joints, skin, spine, and muscles. An excellent remedy for relieving stress and fatigue.
Use in cosmetology and weight loss
Infusions, decoctions and rosemary oil have long been used to restore female beauty in cosmetology. Ready-made shampoos, creams, and masks are produced by the cosmetics industry. You can improve the composition of purchased products or prepare homemade potions yourself.
How to use:
- for brittle nails - rub oil into the plates, make baths for hands and feet with rosemary infusion;
- for hair loss - do a massage with rosemary oil, masks for the scalp with the addition of other components, the infusion is used for rinsing;
- for acne, increased oily skin - lubricate the rash with oil, wipe the skin with a frozen decoction;
- To eliminate stretch marks and scars, use creams with added oil and baths.
The antimicrobial effect helps eliminate inflammation on the face and body; after using products with rosemary, regeneration processes on the skin occur faster. By adding a drop of rosemary oil, you can improve the composition of regular creams and lotions.
The aromatic seasoning “accelerates” metabolism, stimulates the production of gastric juice and bile, and is therefore used by those wishing to lose weight. Tea, infusion or decoction of rosemary for weight loss is drunk in a course, 20 minutes before meals for 2-4 weeks.
Use as a seasoning
The pine scent of the spice can add a new taste to ordinary dishes. Rosemary is used as a seasoning, not forgetting the following rules:
- when cooking, only one of the ingredients is used - laurel or rosemary, spices are not combined;
- seasoning is used with any types of meat and fish;
- rosemary improves the taste of legumes, root vegetables, enhances the aroma of cheese;
- using spices to flavor vegetable oils;
- seasoning kills pathogens, added when canning;
- used in the preparation of soups, pizza, marinade, casseroles.
The strong smell of rosemary can ruin a dish by overpowering the natural flavors of the food. Add no more than a teaspoon of dry spice; use even less fresh spice.
Note: food should be seasoned with rosemary 3-5 minutes before cooking, although it is believed that the aroma of the spice does not change with long cooking.
Possible harm and contraindications
When using rosemary in any way, the following contraindications and restrictions should be taken into account:
- hypertension;
- allergy;
- kidney pathologies due to diuretic effects;
- epilepsy;
- breast-feeding;
- children under 6 years old.
For any chronic diseases and pregnancy, treatment with rosemary should be agreed with a doctor, and the spice should be used with caution.
Collection, storage and procurement
In Russia, many people grow rosemary in large containers - they take it outside in the spring and put it indoors for the winter. How to properly prepare and store:
- Cut branches of the plant remain fresh for a month (stored in a bag).
- Flowers and shoots with leaves are prepared.
- Young shoots are cut to half their length.
- The best time to collect is May (the highest content of nutrients).
- Lay the branches on cloth or paper in one layer, dry at room temperature without access to sunlight, in a dryer or oven.
- Readiness is determined by the shedding of gray-green leaves (after 2-4 weeks).
Dry rosemary can be ground into powder or stored in the form of leaves. They are poured into paper or linen bags and kept in dry places where the seasoning will not become saturated with foreign odors. Shelf life – 6-12 months.
Rosemary is one of the top healthiest plants. The active effect of spice on the body requires taking into account contraindications and coordinating a treatment regimen with your doctor if you have serious health problems. With the help of rosemary you can strengthen your hair, nails, and improve the appearance of your skin. The seasoning gives food a unique aroma; branches and flowers are used in medicine and magical rituals.
