Rosemary, this plant that smells of the South and the sun, does not content itself with delicately flavored dishes. Crown grass, as it is nicknamed, has also been recognized since ancient times for its many virtues. Discover all the benefits of rosemary.
Rosemary is a shrub native to the Mediterranean basin. Rosmarinus officinalis grows wild in the maquis and limestone scrubland of southern France. Moreover, the plant greatly contributes to the culinary identity of the Mediterranean. It is indeed very widely used in the kitchen to flavor grilled meats, vegetables, and dishes in sauce.
Rosemary benefits that have marked the history
Rosemary has left many traces in our history. The Egyptians believed that placing branches of this aromatic herb in the tombs of the pharaohs helped to fortify their souls before passing into the other world.
In ancient times, Greek students made wreaths of rosemary twigs, as the plant was believed to stimulate memory. This belief is not necessarily whimsical since scientists have tried to find out if it could actually stimulate the intellect.
However, a study has shown that inhaling rosemary essential oil increases the ability to concentrate. The aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils affect cognition and mood differently in healthy adults.
Over the generations, rosemary also took on a sacred character. Thus, it was used during ceremonies such as weddings or funerals. It was also customary to use it to chase away evil spirits.
Finally, it has always been recognized as a tonic: we burned branches to purify the air, or we breathed it for healing. Similarly, by infusing it in red wine, we obtain a fortifying drink that helps to solve digestive problems.
Rosemary is recognized today for its beauty and health virtues
Whether in cooking, as a cosmetic, or in herbal medicine, the leaves and tops of the dried flowers of the plant are used, which contain the highest concentration of active ingredients. In aromatherapy, its essential oil is also extracted. Finally, the buds are also used in gemmotherapy.
Active substances of rosemary and their benefits
The benefits of rosemary are explained by its content of many active substances whose beneficial effects on the body are recognized:
- Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and thus prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases and other diseases related to aging
- It also features diterpenes which are known to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory;
- Phenolic acids ;
- Phytoestrogens that act like female hormones
- And also gasoline rich in camphor, cineole, alpha-pinene, borneol, and camphene.
Rosemary is scientifically recognized for its beneficial effects on gastric disorders, rheumatic disorders, blood circulation, and improvement of liver functions, and as a mild antiseptic.
Commission E (college of scientists who evaluate and Approve the therapeutic use of Plants) and ESCOP ( European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy ) recognize the effectiveness of rosemary in relieving gastric disorders and its effectiveness as a supplement in relieving rheumatic and blood circulation disorders of hands, feet, and legs. The ESCOP also recommends rosemary to improve biliary and hepatic functions and as a mild antiseptic for external use.
How to consume rosemary for treatment?
As we have seen, this aromatic plant is recommended for many ailments thanks to these active ingredients. Here we explain how to consume rosemary according to the desired effects on your health and well-being:
Rosemary infusion
As an infusion, rosemary stimulates the body. It is thus completely indicated in the event of temporary tiredness, to reinforce its organization during the winter or in the event of small weakness. It is also recommended to relieve respiratory problems.
Make a stimulating infusion
Bring a few sprigs of dried rosemary to a boil and let steep for at least 10 minutes. Drink 3 or 4 cups a day.
Rosemary inhalations
When inhaled, rosemary is one of the remedies to relieve headaches. In principle, the effect is very fast.
Preparing an inhalation against headache
Boil a handful of rosemary in a liter of water then pours it into a large cup. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors for as long as you can. Repeat the process until the migraine is gone.
Rosemary essential oils for health
Rosemary in the form of essential oil fights effectively against digestive disorders and liver problems. It is also recommended to take a rosemary cure as soon as spring arrives in order to cleanse the liver and stimulate the production of bile.
My detox cure
Take 2 drops of rosemary essential oil on a piece of sugar every morning for 3 weeks.
Rosemary essential oils
There are 3 forms of rosemary essential oil, each with its “specialty”
- Camphor-based rosemary acts particularly on the neuromuscular system.
- For its part, rosemary officinal cineole is expectorant.
- Rosemary verbenone is recommended against digestive and hepatic problems.
Rosemary decoctions in compress or bath
Enjoy the benefits of rosemary by using it externally. Rosemary relieves rheumatism and blood circulation. Simply apply a decoction of rosemary by soaking a compress to apply to the areas to be treated.
Prepare a decoction against rheumatism
- Simmer 50 g of rosemary in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes.
- Cool and filter.
- Apply as a compress to the areas to be treated.
You can also add this decoction to your bath water and 10 drops of rosemary essential oil for a strengthening effect.
rosemary tincture
Rosemary tincture, used in mouthwash, relieves toothache.
How to use rosemary in cosmetics?
The benefits of rosemary are also noticeable in the bathroom! Indeed, rosemary lotion is renowned for its ability to bring dynamism and beauty to the skin and hair.
Rosemary to refresh and firm the skin
Applied to the face, rosemary lotion refreshes and firms the skin, and reduces wrinkles. You can make this lotion yourself by following our recipe below!
You can also use verbenone rosemary hydrosol which is astringent and purifying.
Anti-hair loss
Rosemary lotion is a grandmother’s remedy to stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth, as it strengthens the scalp.
To perfume
Rosemary essential oil is used in the composition of many perfumes, in particular the famous eau de cologne.
The recipe for rosemary lotion
To easily make your rosemary lotion, nothing could be easier:
- Boil a handful of rosemary in water for 10 minutes.
- Leave to infuse for a quarter of an hour.
- Leave to cool before pouring into a bottle.
Image Credit : Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
