Rosemary is one of the most popular aromatic and medicinal plants in the world.
Today it is possible to find rosemary in any herbalist in the world. It is therefore very popular, and is that in addition to its health benefits it is a plant with many culinary properties.
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12 properties and benefits of rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic plant highly appreciated for centuries. This Mediterranean shrub contains small bluish, pinkish or white flowers that give off a great smell. Not in vain in Latin was it known asros marinum, literally “sea dew”.
At present, science has confirmed what the popular wisdom accumulated in centuries already knew, that is, that it is a plant that takes care of health. Below are the properties and benefits of rosemary, which can be consumed naturally or as an infusion, mists, alcohol and essential oil.
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1. Antibacterial properties
Rosemary is a plant with antimicrobial properties. First of all, alcohols with rosemary extract can be used for their antiseptic properties to cleanse the skin and disinfect it. However, vapours or infusions also allow to fight bacterial infections in places such as the respiratory tract.
2. Relieves stress and anxiety
Inhaling rosemary oil has been shown to help reduce anxiety. The pace of life of many people is very stressful, and extra help from a natural remedy like rosemary is never too much. Scientific studies indicate that inhaling this essential oil reduces cortisol in the blood, considered the “stress hormone” and can cause immunosuppression.
3. Improves sleep
The quality of sleep can improve thanks to rosemary. This plant has the property of helping to combat insomnia, so people who have problems falling asleep can benefit. This property of rosemary has consequences on the mood of people, since having a better quality sleep has an impact on a better life experience.
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4. Anti-inflammatory properties
Rosemary stands out for its anti-inflammatory properties . It has the ability to reduce inflammation in different areas of the body thanks to the fact that it contains many phytochemical substances with antioxidant properties. Help reduce inflammation of tissue that is swollen, sore or stiff, especially in the case of joints.
5. Supports the immune system
The body’s defenses benefit from plants such as rosemary . The properties that the different phytochemical substances give to this plant favor the immune system, which allows it to fight different types of threats to the body. Without a doubt, consuming this type of medicinal plants is very beneficial for health.
6. Relieves cough
Making rosemary vapors helps relieve cough . It is a traditional home remedy to combat the driest cough, and sometimes it can cause irritation. With the vapors, the affected area is moistened, so the respiratory tract benefits. It is therefore an aid that comes in handy to combat colds and any type of mucus.
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7. Take care of the hair
One of the most amazing properties and benefits of rosemary is that it stimulates hair growth . It is therefore a medicinal plant that is used when manufacturing products to combat alopecia, although massaging the scalp with rosemary oil can be useful. It has been observed to prevent testosterone from attacking hair follicles.
8. Fight the pain
Rosemary has analgesic properties , and this traditional use is especially associated with rosemary essential oil. When it comes to relieving pain, it can hardly be compared with modern drugs, although there are studies that suggest that it may be more effective than paracetamol. Be that as it may, it is always worth turning to natural remedies first.
9. Digestive properties
This aromatic plant has digestive properties . It is indicated to combat gases and esophageal reflux, and also stimulates appetite and peristaltic movements (of the intestine). It also has antispasmodic action, so it benefits the action of the smooth muscles of the digestive system.
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10. Improve memory
Already in ancient Rome it was thought that rosemary improved memory. This hypothesis has been investigated today, and the truth is that the inhalation of rosemary oil has given positive results in this regard. Breathing this type of essential oil seems to give better results on certain cognitive tests, which seems hopeful even for people with dementias such as Alzheimer’s.
11. Culinary properties
Rosemary is an aromatic plant with recognized culinary properties. It is an excellent food condiment, and is that adding this type of plant to different preparations can give a good touch of flavor and aroma to many recipes. In a traditional way it is used in the different gastronomies of the Mediterranean area.
12. Versatility
The multiple ways in which rosemary can be consumed give it a lot of versatility. For example, rosemary oil can be inhaled or applied to the skin, although it should not be ingested. On the other hand, mists are used only as a remedy against respiratory tract infections, and it is as a condiment or through infusions that can be ingested.
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References
- Burlando, B., Verotta, L., Cornara, L. & Bottini-Massa, E. (2010). Herbal Principles in Cosmetics Properties and Mechanisms of Action. Boca Raton (Florida), USA: CRC Press.
- De la Forêt, R. (2018). Alchemy of herbs. How to transform the ingredients. Barcelona: Gaia Editions (Alpha Omega).
- Dufort, J. (2017). Essential oils: A practical guide to knowing the properties of essential oils and their applications. Teià, Barcelona: Robinbook.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.