Medicinal rosemary: useful properties and contraindications

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

Nutrient content of rosemary

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

In our time, the scope of the plant has expanded: experts note the benefits of its aroma for the nervous system and blood circulation of the brain. The plant helps to 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 shrub contain:

• Vitamins A, B, C, E, PP;
• Macronutrients: magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium and zinc;
• Trace elements: zinc, manganese, selenium and iron;
• Lauric acid, which helps to strengthen the immune system and the formation of “useful” 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 inflammation;
• Linoleic acid: takes part in the metabolic processes of the body, improves metabolism;
• Myristic acid: acts as a conductor of vitamins in the cells of the body;
• Oleic acid: contributes to a feeling of cheerfulness, 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 the restoration and regeneration of tissues, 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 a healthy state of the skin;
• Phytosterols: rid the body of “bad” cholesterol, strengthen the health of the cardiovascular system.

Rosemary calories

Fresh rosemary calories:

Total calories: 131,6 kcal / 100 g (9,2% of the recommended norm)

• 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%).

Dried rosemary calories:

• Total calories: 330 kcal (23,2% of the norm);
• 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 %).

Benefits of rosemary for women

In addition to the 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 in menopause. Taking 1 to 2 teaspoons of rosemary infusion a day will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, help restore mental balance and improve sleep.

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

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

Is it possible to rosemary during pregnancy

Many experts are sure that the use of rosemary during pregnancy has many contraindications for the body of women, however, in some cases, decoctions and tinctures from the plant have beneficial properties for the expectant mother.

Rosemary products provoke contraction of the muscles of the uterus, which can cause premature termination of pregnancy or heavy uterine bleeding. That is why it is strongly 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 is allowed to be used for therapeutic aromatherapy, which promotes the production of dopamine, which helps to 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 to 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 brittle hair. To prepare it, put a handful of rosemary in a saucepan and pour 200 ml of boiling water, and then insist for an hour. Rinse the hair with the finished solution immediately after shampooing.

Is rosemary possible while breastfeeding

Rosemary is characterized by its active stimulating effect on lactation, so the use of funds from it during breastfeeding will be especially useful when there is a shortage of milk. In addition, the property of the plant to eliminate migraine, dizziness and insomnia, as well as to refuse a tonic effect, will be useful to a woman during this period. Preparations with shrub raw materials in the composition 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 diseases of the urogenital area. It is effective even at low potency. The following ingredients are used to prepare the decoction:

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

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

The use of the medicinal properties of rosemary

The properties of the shrub and the number of useful components in its composition explain its widespread use. The use of rosemary is also common in medicine due to the therapeutic effect that preparations with its content have on the body:

• The plant has the ability to relieve pain in the body;
• Remove accumulated toxins and slags from the body;
• Provide diuretic and choleretic effects;
• Increase and strengthen immunity;
• Normalize the functioning of the liver;
• Remove swelling and flatulence in the intestines, heal gastritis and ulcers;
• Improve metabolism;
• Contribute to the normalization of high blood pressure;
• Provide antiviral and antibacterial action;
• Fight fungal infections
• Disinfect and heal wounds;
• Improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• Strengthen the nervous system;
• Increase stress tolerance.

What does rosemary treat?

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

Gyniatrics

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

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

The use of the healing properties of rosemary for the treatment of joints

Rosemary is rich in therapeutic antioxidants that have the ability to prevent wear and tear on the joints, which is especially important for people with arthrosis. Experts recommend using the leaves of the plant for making sauces, soups, mashed potatoes, fish and meat dishes. Tea can be another option for drinking: 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 a day is not recommended.

Benefits of rosemary for 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.

• Medicinal decoction can be used in its pure form as a tea, as well as for gargling. To prepare it, you should take 2 tsp. dry crushed raw materials and pour it with 1 cup of boiled water, then boil for 20 minutes. The resulting broth should be well filtered 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 let it brew for 10 days. Use 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 diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Another medicinal property of rosemary is the ability to lower high blood pressure, which is of particular benefit to people with problems of the cardiovascular system. People who have had a stroke are advised to take a tincture that improves blood circulation in the brain.

The plant also works well in the treatment of migraines: for this, you just need to inhale the aroma of its essential oil.

Benefits of rosemary for the brain

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

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

The use of fresh rosemary (or the 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;
• Increase the amount of memorized material by 60 – 70%;
• Improve 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 digest heavy fatty and protein foods faster, significantly speed up metabolic processes, so that the body burns calories more actively. However, it is worth remembering: the use should be accompanied by proper nutrition and physical activity, then the benefits of the plant for weight loss will increase several times.

The use of rosemary in traditional medicine

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

1. Pour the rosemary leaves into a glass jar and then pour over the 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 activate the functioning of the nervous system. For a runny nose and diseases of the respiratory system, it is used as an inhalation supplement, which helps to ease breathing and relieve chest stiffness. To do this, you need to take two tablespoons of rosemary, pour boiling water over it and inhale for several minutes. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to keep the head over the steam and cover with a towel on top.

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

Oil infusion is used externally as a remedy for eczema, headache and joint pain. Studies conducted in Germany have proven the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of rosemary.

By inhaling the scent of rosemary and lavender oil, you can increase your levels of stress tolerance and reduce symptoms of depression by lowering cortisol, the stress hormone.

Home remedies with rosemary also have a hygienic and healing effect: their use is beneficial in the treatment of gum disease and tooth decay, as well as getting rid of bad breath. To do this, it is enough to pour several branches of the bush with boiling water, add a little cloves and let the solution brew. Use as a mouthwash on a regular basis.

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

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 from dried leaves are used. 

Benefits of rosemary for hair

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

To accelerate hair growth, increase their density and elasticity, rinsing with a decoction of shoots is used. To do this, use fresh or dry raw materials of the plant, which is brewed with boiling water and allowed to brew for several hours, after which the hair is rinsed with the product after washing the head.

To get rid of dandruff, seborrhea and itching, rosemary oil is invaluable, 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 of women showed: 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 the hair is aroma combing, 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. Aroma combing has the benefit of strengthening the roots, helping to make them silkier and giving a natural sheen.

How to use rosemary for cellulite

Another useful property of rosemary is its beneficial effect on the skin of the body: the substances in the composition of the plant help to even out its relief, start 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 to improve the hormonal background, which also determines the appearance of an “orange peel” on the body.

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

Useful properties of rosemary for the face

Rosemary has a special benefit for the skin of the face: the healing properties of the plant help relieve inflammation, even out the 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 problematic or oily skin, since alcohol is present in the preparation.

Using rosemary for acne

If a rosemary shrub grows on the site, the sprigs of the plant are suitable for use: you need to pick and thoroughly rinse one branch, ceiling and lubricate the face with the resulting juice 1-2 times a day. Such a natural mask should be 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 also 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. Such an infusion should be stored exclusively in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.

Rosemary masks

For the preparation of masks, rosemary oil or a plant extract is most often used, which can be bought at any pharmacy. A few drops of the product are added to the mask corresponding to the type of skin (it is allowed to add both to self-prepared masks and to purchased ones).

As a home mask, you can use gruel from 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 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 the content of esters and camphor in it.

You can learn more information about the beneficial and healing 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 contribute to the normalization of 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.

Benefits of rosemary tea

As early as the middle of the XNUMXth century, Dr. Paracelsus used rosemary tea as a healing and tonic for the functioning of the brain, liver, and cardiovascular system. To date, many other healing properties of the plant have been discovered, including its powerful antioxidant effect, as well as the ability to treat many diseases.

1. Rosemary has a mild analgesic effect, which helps to quickly eliminate headaches and other types of pain.
2. The use of rosemary tea has been approved by German researchers to relieve digestive 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 helpful in getting rid of fungal skin infections.
4. The drink contains camphor, which helps to relieve muscle pain and rheumatic pains. A study published in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology Canada in September 2007 confirmed that rosemary tea is particularly effective when combined with other herbs in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
5. One of the most well-known health benefits of rosemary tea is the stimulation of the circulatory system in the body. Studies have shown that due to the use of the drink, arteries expand, and serum activity increases in the blood, due to which the risk of developing atherosclerosis in young people is reduced several times.
6. To accelerate hair growth, it is recommended to rub tea blades into the scalp immediately after washing it.

Recipe for Rosemary Lemon Tea:

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

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

Tea with ginger and rosemary:

• 400 – 500 ml of 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.

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

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

Benefits of rosemary baths

Another option for the therapeutic use of a shrub can be taking baths with the addition of leaves and inflorescences collected during the period of active flowering. The flowers and leaves of rosemary contain a large amount of essential oil, which contains elements such as pinene, camphorene, cineole, alkaloids, tannins and boric acid. They help relieve inflammation in the muscles and joints. For this reason, in ancient Rome, it was customary to rub rosemary oil on athletes for injuries after various competitions.

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

Decoctions and infusions

Decoctions and infusions of rosemary will benefit in the fight against insomnia, as well 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 in neuritis, thrombophlebitis, arthritis, as a remedy for healing burns and wounds.

1. For infusion on water, pour a glass of boiling water 2 tsp. crushed dry raw rosemary and leave for half an hour. Then strain and take 4-6 times a day. This tincture normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system, improves the outflow of bile, relieves nervous tension. Rosemary infusion with the addition of lavender is recommended for use in the post-stroke period. It is able to improve vision, memory, and blood circulation in the brain.
2. To prepare a 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. It should be taken half an hour before meals three times a day, 1 teaspoon. Rosemary decoction is useful for gastric colic, pain in the heart, neurosis, amenorrhea, and also as a tonic for impotence.

Rosemary Contraindications

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

Rosemary contraindications are:

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

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

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 of traditional medicine, medicine, cosmetology and cooking. The beneficial properties of the shrub have a positive effect both on the whole organism as a whole and on its individual systems. However, taking funds with rosemary should be carried out with caution, taking into account possible contraindications.