8 health benefits of rosemary and how to use it
Rosemary is a valuable plant that is used not only in cooking, but also in folk and evidence–based medicine, as well as in cosmetology.
Medicinal herb is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, B vitamins, calcium and iron.
The use of rosemary is associated with health benefits: starting from the prevention of cardiovascular, endocrine and oncological diseases, and ending with the improvement of the condition of the skin and hair.
How it is useful – 8 facts
The 8 main medicinal properties of rosemary are described below (based solely on scientific sources of information).
1. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Rosemary contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components.
They protect all cells of the body are protected from free radicals and chronic inflammation, which underlie the development of many diseases: from cancer to myocardial infarction and type II diabetes mellitus.
According to experts, the activity of the plant is associated with the content of polyphenolic compounds (rosemary and carnoustic acids).
Taiwanese Experts discovered that these acids can also slow down the progression of malignant tumors of the breast and pancreas, and help in the fight against blood cancer.
2. Destroys harmful bacteria
Active substances contained mainly in rosemary leaves are effective in combating pathogens of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
The effect is provided by the presence of rosemary and carnosic acids, carnosol and essential oils in the composition. They also accelerate the healing of wound surfaces.
Proven the effect of the leaves of the plant on salmonella, Escherichia coli and shigella. These microorganisms often cause diseases of the intestinal tube, as well as the gallbladder and urinary system.
3. Reduces blood sugar levels
Diabetes mellitus is a dangerous disease, characterized by
impaired carbohydrate metabolism. In the absence of proper treatment, pathology leads to sad complications (gangrene of the foot, encephalopathy, retinopathy, etc.).
Active rosemary compounds can reduce blood sugar levels and can be used among people suffering from diabetes mellitus or with an increased predisposition to this disease.
The plant does not change the levels of sex hormones and is equally effective for men and women.
Polyphenolic compounds in the herb have an insulin-like effect on muscle tissue cells, causing the capture and absorption of sugar from the blood.
Underlined the effectiveness of rosemary in reducing insulin resistance, the main pathogenetic mechanism of the formation of type II diabetes mellitus.
4. Normalizes the work of the brain
Single studies demonstrate the ability of rosemary Improve memory
and attention,
improve performance
.
Installed that taking 0.5 grams of rosemary per day for 3 months reduces the severity of stress and anxiety disorders, and also helps to normalize sleep.
According to the information experts from the UK, the use of only 2 teaspoons (dissolved in 150 ml of water) of rosemary increases performance due to the "surge" of vitality.
Inhaling the aroma of spices is no less useful. Employees of Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) have found that daily aromatherapy for 4-10 minutes improves concentration of attention and performance, improves mood . To do this, you can use aroma oil or special rosemary aroma sticks.
5. Improves the health of the visual organs
Some studies highlight the amazing effectiveness of rosemary extract in maintaining eye health.
Proven that the plant is able to slow down the progression of age–related diseases, in particular, retinal degeneration and macular .
Rosemary Acid provides prevention and facilitates the course of cataracts, which can lead to complete blindness.
Scientific papers studying the direct effects of plants on organs have not been conducted. Only the effect of extracts and isolated active substances was studied.
6. Reduces the risk of heart remodeling
Diseases such as coronary heart disease or myocardial infarction are dangerous with long-term complications.
They lead to remodeling (changing the shape and structure) of the muscle tissues of the heart, against which arrhythmias and heart failure are observed.
Rosemary restores metabolic processes, inhibits oxidative stress and significantly reduces the rate of transformation of the heart.
7. Helps to lose weight
Animal experiments performed under the supervision of Swiss scientists, indicate
on the ability of rosemary to prevent weight gain against the background of an unbalanced diet and inadequate eating behavior.
The effect is associated with the blocking of pancreatic enzymes, which are responsible for the breakdown and assimilation of dietary fats.
The plant is recommended to be added to the diet of people who are obese or overweight, as well as with metabolic syndrome to reduce the risk of developing obesity in the future.
8. Improves skin and hair health
Japanese experts revealed
that rosemary extract is an effective remedy for stimulating hair growth.
Studies were conducted on rodents that had their hair shaved on certain parts of the body, and the remedy was used topically.
According to the effectiveness of the plant comparable with a medication – 2% monoxidil.
Rosemary-based products can also be applied to the surface of the skin and face. It has an antibacterial effect and destroys harmful microorganisms.
Harm and contraindications
Rosemary has contraindications and in some cases may cause harm to health.
The most common side effects include:
- Decreased fertility. The herb reduces the number and activity of spermatozoa. The effect is short-term.
- Poisoning. When consuming excessive amounts of the plant, there may be vomiting and convulsions, in rare cases, coma and pulmonary edema.
- Allergic reactions. Are usually registered when taking large doses of the plant, they occur relatively easily (rashes and itching).
Rosemary is not recommended for children under 14 years of age, as well as women during pregnancy or those wishing to have a child. Neglect of this rule can lead to termination of pregnancy in pregnant women, and poisoning in children.
Rosemary should also not be combined with the following groups of medications:
- Anticoagulants and disaggregants (warfarin, clopidogrel, acetylsalicylic acid);
- AFP inhibitors (captopril, enalapril);
- Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothioside).
Rules of use
In cooking, seasoning is used to give a special taste and aroma to dishes made from potatoes, fish and meat. For the desired effect, ½ tsp of dried leaves or one sprig of fresh rosemary is enough.
In folk medicine, there are simple recipes that help you use rosemary correctly and with high efficiency.
Consider the most promising options:
- Infusion. To prepare an infusion of rosemary, pour 2 tsp. of dried leaves of the plant 200 ml of boiling water and keep in a water bath for about 30 minutes, strain. The product is ideal for rinsing the pharynx and oral cavity, it can also be taken orally – 50 ml 2 times a day.
- Tea. Pour 1 tsp. chopped leaves of 200 boiling water, stand for 5-10 minutes, strain. You need to drink rosemary tea 1 cup up to 3 times a day.
- Essential oil. Mix 20 grams of chopped fresh twigs and leaves (in equal proportions) with 100 ml of olive oil. Soak in a warm place (under sunlight) for about 6 weeks. In case of stress and headaches, rub into the temples with massage movements.
- Wine. Pour 700 ml of grape wine over 50 grams of fresh leaves and 5-8 grams of plant seeds. Soak in a cool dark place for about 24 hours, strain. Take 30-50 ml 1 time per day. The product enhances potency and has a tonic effect.
- General tonic. Brew 15 grams of dry leaves with 500 ml of boiling water, insist for about 30 minutes. Take 2 tablespoons orally before each meal.
Conclusion
- Rosemary is a valuable medicinal plant.
- It is able to improve the health of the heart and blood vessels, normalize biochemical parameters (lipids, sugar), and support brain function.
- The plant has a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, improves eyesight and destroys pathogenic microorganisms, restores skin and hair.
- Spice has a number of side effects. It is better for children and women to give up rosemary during pregnancy.
