Medicinal rosemary: beneficial properties and contraindications

Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub with thin, needle-like leaves. It has a unique coniferous aroma, which can be felt by rubbing a leaf of the plant between two fingers. During the flowering period, the shrub is covered with flowers of a soft lilac color.The plant is especially actively used in cooking, as well as in aromatherapy due to the essential oil it contains. It is often cultivated as a medicinal crop due to its unique characteristics. Detailed information about the medicinal properties of rosemary and contraindications for its use, as well as recipes from the plant, will be useful in everyday life.

Content of nutrients in rosemary

Rosemary has been known for its unique beneficial properties since ancient times and was actively used as a disinfectant and bactericide. The plant was used to disinfect air in hospitals, as well as for religious rituals.

Nowadays, the scope of use of the plant has expanded: experts note the benefits of its aroma for the nervous system and blood circulation in the brain. The plant helps improve memory, get rid of insomnia, relieve stress and depression. All these beneficial properties of the plant are due to its composition. The leaves of the bush contain:

• Vitamins A, B, C, E, PP;
• Macroelements: magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium and zinc;
• Microelements: zinc, manganese, selenium and iron;
• Lauric acid, which helps strengthen the immune system and the formation of “good” cholesterol in the body, and also has an antiviral effect;
• Caprylic acid: has antibacterial properties;
• Palmitic acid, which benefits the skin by retaining moisture in its cells and preventing inflammatory processes;
• Linoleic acid: takes part in the body’s metabolic processes, improves metabolism;
• Myristic acid: acts as a conductor of vitamins into the cells of the body;
• Oleic acid: promotes a feeling of vigor, gives the body energy;
• Isoleucine: responsible for the level of glucose and hemoglobin in the blood;
• Valine: participates in nitrogen metabolism in tissues;
• Lysine: plays an important role in tissue repair and regeneration, helps calcium to be better absorbed in cells;
• Tryptophan: acts as an antidepressant that improves metabolic processes;
• Threonine: promotes the production of elastin and collagen, maintains healthy skin;
• Phytosterols: rid the body of “bad” cholesterol and improve the health of the cardiovascular system.

Rosemary calories

Calories in fresh rosemary:

Total calories: 131.6 kcal/100 g (9.2% of the recommended value)

• Proteins: 3.3 g (4.3%);
• Fat: 6 g (9.08%);
• Carbohydrates: 6.8 g (5.17%);
• Dietary fiber: 14 g (70.5%);
• Water: 68 g (2.65%).

Calories in dried rosemary:

• Total calorie content: 330 kcal (23.2% of normal);
• Proteins: 5 g (5.97%);
• Fat: 15.1 g (23.3%);
• Carbohydrates: 21.6 g (16.8%);
• Dietary fiber: 42 g (213%);
• Water: 9.3 g (0.3%).

What are the benefits of rosemary for women?

In addition to general benefits for the body, the shrub has unique healing properties for the female body. Experts recommend using the plant for menstrual irregularities, as well as during menopause. Taking 1-2 teaspoons of rosemary infusion per day will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, help restore peace of mind and improve sleep.

In addition, the beneficial properties of rosemary are actively used to treat thrush (female candidiasis).

Rosemary exhibits its properties at the cellular level, activating metabolic processes throughout the body, providing a healing effect.

Is it possible to have rosemary during pregnancy?

Many experts believe that consuming rosemary during pregnancy has many contraindications for the female body, however, in some cases, decoctions and tinctures from the plant have beneficial properties for the expectant mother.

Rosemary remedies provoke contraction of the uterine muscles, which can cause premature termination of pregnancy or excessive uterine bleeding. That is why it is strictly not recommended to use the plant in the first trimester of pregnancy. The use of shrub essential oil in the second and third trimesters should also be done with extreme caution. During this period, a small amount of aroma oil can be used for therapeutic aromatherapy, which promotes the production of dopamine, which helps reduce the level of irritability and anxiety, and improve the mood of the expectant mother.

Raw materials are also actively used for therapeutic massage, which helps eliminate pain in the lower back and also relieves swelling of the legs.

A pregnant woman will also benefit from a tincture that helps eliminate hair fragility. To prepare it, put a handful of rosemary in a saucepan and pour 200 ml of boiling water, and then leave for an hour. Rinse your hair with the prepared solution immediately after washing your hair.

Is it okay to have rosemary while breastfeeding?

Rosemary is characterized by its active stimulating effect on lactation, so using products from it during breastfeeding will be especially useful if there is a lack of milk. In addition, the plant’s ability to eliminate migraines, dizziness and insomnia, as well as provide a tonic effect, will be useful to a woman during this period. Preparations containing shrub raw materials will prevent the occurrence of viral diseases in both mother and baby.

Benefits of rosemary for men

The beneficial properties of rosemary are also suitable for strengthening men's health: a medicinal decoction from the plant helps to cope with genitourinary diseases. It is also effective with weak potency. Ingredients used to prepare the decoction:

• rosemary – 2 tsp;
• sage – 1 tsp;
• immortelle – 1 tsp.

The mixture should be poured with a liter of boiling water and allowed to brew for 2 - 3 hours. Then the broth must be filtered and taken 4-5 times a day 15 minutes before or after meals. Experts recommend using only fresh, recently prepared decoction: this way the product will provide the greatest benefit. The course of treatment is 10 - 30 days.

Using the healing properties of rosemary

The properties of the shrub and the amount of useful components in its composition explain its widespread use. The use of rosemary is also widespread in medicine due to the therapeutic effect that drugs containing it have on the body:

• The plant has the property of relieving pain in the body;
• Remove accumulated toxins and waste from the body;
• Have a diuretic and choleretic effect;
• Increase and strengthen immunity;
• Normalize liver function;
• Relieve bloating and flatulence in the intestines, heal gastritis and ulcers;
• Improve metabolism;
• Help normalize high blood pressure;
• Provide antiviral and antibacterial effects;
• Fight fungal infections;
• Disinfect and heal wounds;
• Improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• Strengthen the nervous system;
• Increase stress resistance.

What does rosemary cure?

Rosemary is widely used in the field of medicine due to the rich content of beneficial elements in its composition. The unique medicinal properties of the plant have a positive effect on various systems of the human body.

Treatment of gynecological diseases

Rosemary leaves are actively used to treat gynecological diseases. The most common remedies are decoctions and tinctures for internal use, douching and baths. Indications for treatment include candidiasis, menstrual irregularities, lack of breast milk, leucorrhoea, vaginal itching, severe symptoms of menopause, psycho-emotional disorders, insomnia, depression, and hormonal disorders.

To prepare a medicinal decoction for external use, you will need: one share of rosemary, yarrow, sage leaves, as well as two shares of oak bark. 100 g of the mixture must be poured with three liters of water, then brought to a boil and allowed to brew. The decoction should be used regularly for douching.

Using the healing properties of rosemary to treat joints

Rosemary is rich in medicinal antioxidants, which tend to prevent joint wear, which is especially important for people with arthrosis.Experts recommend using the leaves of the plant for preparing sauces, soups, purees, fish and meat dishes. Another option for use is tea: for this, dry leaves of the plant are poured with boiling water. However, it should be remembered that drinking more than three cups of this tea per day is not recommended.

Benefits of rosemary in treating colds

The beneficial properties of rosemary help in the treatment of colds, especially coughs. The plant has a softening effect on irritated areas, reducing the inflammatory process.

• The medicinal decoction can be consumed in its pure form as tea, as well as for gargling. To prepare it you should take 2 tsp. dry crushed raw materials and pour 1 glass of boiled water over it, then boil for 20 minutes. The resulting decoction should be strained well and taken 30 minutes before meals, a teaspoon 3 times a day;
• Rosemary tincture has similar properties: 20 g of dry crushed leaves of the plant should be poured with a glass of vodka or alcohol, and then allowed to brew for 10 days. Use the tincture 3 times a day half an hour before meals (at the rate of 25 drops per 2 tablespoons of water).

The use of rosemary in the treatment of heart and vascular diseases

Another medicinal property of rosemary is considered to be the ability to lower high blood pressure, which is of particular benefit for people with problems with the cardiovascular system. People who have suffered a stroke are recommended to take a tincture that helps improve blood circulation in the brain.

The plant also copes well with the treatment of migraines: all you need to do is inhale the aroma of its essential oil.

Benefits of rosemary for the brain

Rosemary helps improve the memory process. Under the influence of the plant’s essential oil, complex chemical processes begin to occur in the body, which are not inferior in effect to medications.

Carnosic acid in the plant has the ability to neutralize free radicals and thereby prolong the youth of the brain. Thanks to complex chemical compounds that increase the concentration of acetylcholine, good memory is formed, the level of fatigue is reduced and the performance of the body as a whole increases.

Consuming fresh rosemary (or essential oil of the plant) will provide invaluable benefits for the functioning of the nervous system:

• Improves the level of long-term memory;
• Strengthens working memory;
• Will increase the volume of memorized material by 60 - 70%;
• Improves the speed and accuracy of thinking processes.

Is rosemary good for weight loss?

Rosemary is often used for marinating meat: the elements in its composition help the body quickly digest heavy fatty and protein foods, significantly speed up metabolic processes, due to which the body burns calories more actively. However, it is worth remembering: consumption must be accompanied by proper nutrition and physical activity, then the benefits of the plant for weight loss will increase several times.

Use of rosemary in folk medicine

In folk medicine, rosemary oil is most often used, which can be made even at home:

1. Place rosemary leaves in a glass jar and then add olive oil or jojoba oil.
2. Leave in a bright place for 6 weeks.

Homemade rosemary oil has the ability to reduce muscle pain and enhance the functioning of the nervous system.For runny nose and diseases of the respiratory system, it is used as an inhalation supplement, which helps ease breathing and relieve chest stiffness. To do this, take two tablespoons of rosemary, pour boiling water and inhale for several minutes. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to hold your head above the steam and cover it with a towel.

Rosemary tea and homemade oil infusion from the leaves help to activate mental activity: thanks to the active substances in the plant, the action of free radicals is blocked, which slows down the aging process. In addition, such healing homemade tea has the ability to relieve heartburn attacks and restore normal digestion.

The oil infusion is used externally as a remedy to eliminate eczema, headaches and joint pain. Studies conducted in Germany have proven the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of rosemary.

Inhaling the scent of rosemary and lavender oils can increase stress resistance and reduce symptoms of depression by reducing the stress hormone cortisol.

Home remedies with rosemary also have a hygienic and health-improving effect: their use is beneficial in the treatment of gum inflammation and caries, as well as in getting rid of unpleasant oral odor. To do this, just pour boiling water over several branches of shrubs, add a little cloves and let the solution brew. Use as a mouth rinse on a regular basis.

The use of homemade rosemary oil also has a healing effect on the skin: to get rid of eczema, acne, heal wounds and relieve inflammation after insect bites.

The use of rosemary in cosmetology

In the field of cosmetology, fresh herbs of the plant, rosemary oil and extract, as well as tinctures and decoctions of dry leaves are used.

What are the benefits of rosemary for hair?

The beneficial properties of rosemary help fight hair loss, dandruff, dullness and split ends.

To accelerate hair growth, increase its thickness and elasticity, rinse with a decoction of shoots. To do this, use fresh or dry raw materials of the plant, which are brewed with boiling water and allowed to brew for several hours, after which they rinse their hair with the product after washing their hair.

To get rid of dandruff, seborrhea and itching, rosemary oil has invaluable benefits, 6 - 7 drops of which are mixed with 50 ml of chamomile infusion. The resulting product should be rubbed into the scalp an hour before washing until the disease completely disappears.

To strengthen the hair structure, it is recommended to add 10 - 15 drops of rosemary oil to the shampoo. Reviews from women have shown that after using shampoo with rosemary, the hair becomes much stronger in structure and more resistant to thermal effects.

Another equally effective way to improve the condition of your hair is aromatherapy, for which it is best to use a wooden comb. A few drops of essential oil are applied to the ends of the comb, after which the hair is intensively combed along the entire length for 10 - 15 minutes. Aromatherapy has the benefit of strengthening the roots, helping to make them silkier and giving a natural shine.

How to use rosemary for cellulite

Another beneficial property of rosemary is its beneficial effect on the skin of the body: substances in the plant help even out its relief, launch rejuvenating processes and stimulate blood circulation in the body. Under the influence of rosemary essential oil, cellulite gradually disappears, the skin tightens, becomes more elastic and attractive in appearance. Rosemary also helps improve hormonal levels, which also determines the appearance of “orange peel” on the body.

To get rid of cellulite, wraps with essential oil and baths based on it are used.

Beneficial properties of rosemary for the face

Rosemary has particular benefits for facial skin: the healing properties of the plant help relieve inflammation, even out skin texture and give the face a healthy and fresh look. It is worth remembering that the use of rosemary extract is recommended only for problem or oily skin, since the drug contains alcohol.

Uses of rosemary for acne

If there is a rosemary bush growing on the site, branches of the plant are suitable for use: you need to pick and thoroughly wash one branch, crush it and lubricate your face with the resulting juice 1 - 2 times a day. This natural mask should remain on the skin for about 20 - 30 minutes, after which it should be washed off with warm water. A concentrated infusion of dry raw materials has similar medicinal properties if you brew 1 tbsp. l. for 50 ml of boiling water. It is recommended to use the product as a tonic for wiping the face. This infusion should be stored exclusively in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.

Masks with rosemary

To prepare masks, rosemary oil or plant extract is most often used, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. A few drops of the product are added to a mask that matches your skin type (you can add it to both self-prepared masks and store-bought ones).

As a homemade mask, you can use a paste of fresh herbs, cucumber, oatmeal and the pulp of any nutritious fruit. Keep the mixture on your face for 15 - 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Thanks to the beneficial elements in its composition, rosemary has the ability to saturate the skin with vitamins, rejuvenate it, prevent the appearance of wrinkles and activate metabolic processes in the epidermis.

In the preparation of rosemary masks, the use of fresh herbs is encouraged, but it is worth remembering that it contains esters and camphor.

You can find out more information about the beneficial and medicinal properties of rosemary, as well as contraindications to its use, from the video:

How to take rosemary for medicinal purposes

The healing properties of rosemary help normalize the functioning of many systems of the human body. There are many options for using the plant for medicinal purposes, the most popular of which are teas, tinctures, decoctions and baths using rosemary.

Health benefits of rosemary tea

Back in the middle of the 16th century, Doctor Paracelsus used rosemary tea as a healing and tonic for the functioning of the brain, liver and cardiovascular system. Today, many other healing properties of the plant have been discovered, including its powerful antioxidant effects, as well as the ability to treat many diseases.

1. Rosemary has a mild analgesic effect, which helps quickly eliminate headaches and other types of pain.
2. Drinking rosemary tea has been approved by German researchers to relieve digestive system disorders.
3. American nutritionist Phyllis Balch recommended drinking rosemary tea to treat skin rashes and eczema. The antiseptic properties of the plant will also be beneficial in getting rid of fungal skin infections.
4. The drink contains camphor, which helps relieve muscle pain and rheumatic pain. A study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology in September 2007 confirmed that rosemary tea is particularly effective when combined with other types of herbs in treating osteoarthritis.
5. One of the most well-known benefits of rosemary tea is that it stimulates the circulatory system in the body. Studies have shown that drinking the drink dilates arteries and increases serum activity in the blood, which reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis in young people several times.
6. To speed up hair growth, it is recommended to rub tea leaves into the scalp immediately after washing it.

Rosemary Lemon Tea Recipe:

• 400 ml boiling water;
• 1 branch of rosemary;
• 1 - 2 slices of lemon.

Pour boiling water over rosemary and lemon and leave for 10 minutes.

Tea with ginger and rosemary:

• 400 - 500 ml boiling water;
• 1 branch of rosemary;
• ginger;
• 1 - 3 slices of lemon.

The average infusion time is 10 minutes. Tea is served with honey, white or brown sugar.

This drink has healing properties: it strengthens the nervous system, cleanses the blood and increases the body’s resistance to viral influences. Green tea with rosemary also has a similar effect.

Despite all the benefits of the drink, it is important to carefully read the contraindications for using rosemary so as not to cause harm to the body.

Benefits of baths with rosemary

Another option for the medicinal use of shrubs can be taking baths with the addition of leaves and inflorescences collected during the period of active flowering. Rosemary flowers and leaves contain a large amount of essential oil, which contains elements such as pinene, campharene, cineole, alkaloids, tannins and boric acid. They help relieve inflammation in the muscles and joints. For this reason, in ancient Rome there was a custom of rubbing athletes with rosemary oil for injuries after various competitions.

Experts recommend taking baths with rosemary during psycho-emotional experiences, during periods of lack of sleep, or in case of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To prepare a bath you will need an extract from leaves or flowers (2 tbsp.)

Decoctions and infusions

Decoctions and infusions of rosemary will be beneficial in the fight against insomnia, and also as a tonic. The medicinal properties of the plant help regulate the gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, and the functioning of the nervous system.Rosemary infusion is also perfect for use for neuritis, thrombophlebitis, arthritis, and as a remedy for healing burns and wounds.

1. To infuse with water, add 2 tsp of boiling water to a glass. chopped dry rosemary raw materials and leave for half an hour. Then strain and take 4 - 6 times a day. This tincture normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, improves the flow of bile, and relieves nervous tension. Rosemary infusion with the addition of lavender is recommended for use in the post-stroke period. It can improve vision, memory, and blood circulation in the brain.
2. To prepare the decoction you will need 2 tsp. chopped dry rosemary, which must be poured with a glass of boiling water and kept on fire for 15 - 20 minutes, then strain thoroughly. Take 1 teaspoon half an hour before meals three times a day. Rosemary decoction is useful for stomach colic, pain in the heart, neurosis, amenorrhea, and also as a tonic for impotence.

Contraindications to taking rosemary

Despite all the benefits of rosemary, there are several important nuances of its use, without which you can cause serious harm to your health.

Contraindications to taking rosemary are:

• Initial stage of pregnancy;
• Epilepsy;
• Individual intolerance;
• Convulsions;
• Hypersensitivity to elements in the plant.

In addition, in order to avoid side effects from taking rosemary, it is recommended to consult with your doctor in advance and, if necessary, get a prescription for a course of treatment.

Conclusion

The unique plant rosemary, whose medicinal properties and contraindications have been known since the time of Paracelsus, continues to be actively studied and widely used in recipes for traditional medicine, medicine, cosmetology and cooking. The beneficial properties of the shrub have a positive effect both on the entire body as a whole and on its individual systems. However, taking rosemary products should be done with caution, taking into account possible contraindications.

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