Rosemary – active substances, properties, application [EXPLAINED]

In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.

Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.

Rosemary is a well-known spice mainly used to flavor meats. However, rosemary oil is successfully used in natural medicine because it has many health properties. Among other things, rosemary lowers blood sugar levels and soothes stomach aches. What other properties does rosemary have?

Rosemary, and more precisely rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) it is a thermophilic, long-lived (lives more than 2 years), wild and evergreen plant that grows mainly in the Mediterranean, most often in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Greece and the Black Sea coast as well as in the United States and Mexico. In other regions, rosemary is grown as a pot plant.

It has been used for many years in herbalism, medicine, cosmetics and cooking, as a spice for many dishes. The ancient Romans referred to it as the flower of the sea (Latin. pink – rose and marinus – sea), because the smell of rosemary at sea heralded the near land.

Forms in which rosemary is used:

  1. dried whole herb,
  2. dried, powdered extract (capsules),
  3. preparations made from fresh or dried leaves, such as alcohol tinctures, teas and liquid extract
  4. volatile oil (for external, not oral use).

Rosemary – active substances

Rosemary is a plant rich in compounds with a biological effect. Rosemary is a plant rich in compounds with a biological effect. It is a source of phenolic compounds and their properties come from extracts and essential oils. Both are used in the treatment of disease and in food preservation. The raw material, in addition to the essential oil, also contains flavonoids (luteolin, genquvanin, diosmetin and their glycosides), tannins (8%), di- and triterpenes.

Rosemary is a source of phenolic compounds and their properties come from the extracts and essential oils. Both are used in the treatment of disease and in food preservation. The raw material, in addition to the essential oil, also contains flavonoids (luteolin, genquvanin, diosmetin and their glycosides), tannins (8%), di- and triterpenes. It is also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, B6 and C.

Among the most effective antioxidant ingredients Rosemary has been identified as cyclic diterpene diphenols, carnosic acid and carnosol. In addition, its extract contains carnosic acid, epirosmanol, rosmanol, methylcarnate and isorosmanol.

Rosemary oils are obtained by steam distillation of twigs and fresh leaves. It contains 1,8-cineol, camphor and α-pinene.

See What Antioxidant Works Have: Antioxidant Drops Can Get Rid Of Glaucoma

Based on many scientific studies, it has been found that rosemary:

  1. stabilizes biological membranes,
  2. protects against harmful UV radiation,
  3. has anti-inflammatory properties,
  4. antioxidant,
  5. anti-mutagenic,
  6. antibacterial,
  7. antifungal,
  8. anti-cancer,
  9. antiviral.

An infusion prepared from dried rosemary leaves has an effect proper digestion, has anti-ulcer properties, hepatoprotective, diuretic, sedative on the central nervous system.

Try Heartburn Farm – a liquid supplement that contains rosemary and supports the stomach and intestines.

Rosemary leaf extract is part of the Harmonix 500 ml dietary supplement. This completely natural product, containing 10 herbal extracts combined with chokeberry juice, improves sleep, regulates the digestive system, reduces stress, anxiety, stabilizes blood pressure and supports the body’s immunity. You can order the supplement at medonetmarket.pl.

Antioxidant effect of rosemary

The antioxidants in rosemary can neutralize harmful particles (free radicals) that damage cell membranes, manipulate DNA, and even cause cell death.

Rosemary and diabetes

Rosemary can be used in diabetics, as it contributes to an increase in insulin levels, and at the same time lowers blood glucose levels. Scientific studies show that rosemary protects or regenerates the beta cells of the pancreas, which are able to produce insulin, which helps the body produce this hormone. In diabetes studies, rosemary has been shown to reduce the activity of intestinal alpha-glucosidase, an inhibitor that slows the absorption of carbohydrates from the gut. Rosemary also works as protection against oxidative stresswhich may contribute to the development of complications in diabetes.

Rosemary and eye diseases

Rosemary also has a good reputation for protecting the eyes against macular degeneration, as it contains carnosic acid that promotes eye health. The above-mentioned oxidative stress can also trigger some eye diseases, i.e. rosemary protects not only against complications in diabetes, but also eye diseases related to this basis.

Rosemary and the digestive system

In folk medicine, rosemary is also recommended in digestive system diseases. In fact – rosemary when served as a tea to drink has the reputation of a relaxant that relieves stomach aches and even supports diseased intestines or gall bladder through its choleretic and choleretic effects. And thanks to the content of bitterness, it also stimulates the secretory activity of the stomach, which improves digestion. As rosemary has an antibacterial effect, it is active against Helicobacter pylori bacteria and reduces the risk of gastritis type B, ulcers and cancer of this organ. Rosemary oil is also recommended as liver cleanser and improving its function.

Read: Cleansing the liver

Rosemary and cancer

Several studies suggest that rosemary extract may inhibit tumor growth by preventing cancer cell replication. Another study found that rosemary alone and in combination with curcumin help prevent breast cancer. In addition, another study found a similar effect of rosemary on colon cancer cells.

Rosemary and neurological protection

Scientists have found that rosemary has positive properties against brain work. Rosemary contains an ingredient called carnosic acid that can fight against damage caused by free radicals in the brain.

Some studies in rats have found that rosemary may be useful for stroke survivors. Rosemary appears to protect against brain damage and may improve brain regeneration. It may contribute to the prevention of brain aging and thus Alzheimer’s disease.

Read about the functions of free radicals in the human body

Rosemary improves mood and memory

There is evidence that rosemary, and more specifically rosemary tea, can have a positive effect on ours mood, reducing stress and improving memory.

Based on the results of the research on the properties of rosemary, it was found that taking 500 mg of rosemary orally twice a day for 1 month significantly reduced stress levels and improved memory and sleep quality among the subjects, compared to those who took placebo.

Another 2-month study of 66 industrial workers found that those who drank 2 teaspoons (4 g) of rosemary in 2/3 cups (150 ml) of water a day noticed that they felt significantly less burned out at work, compared to those who drank nothing of the brew. Another study found that inhaling rosemary aromas for 4-10 minutes before the mental test improved concentration, performance, and mood. What’s more, a study in 20 healthy adults found that inhaling rosemary oil stimulated brain activity and improved mood.

Rosemary extract can improve your mood by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the hippocampus, the part of the brain related to emotions, learning, and memories.

Rosemary and beauty

Rosemary can also be an ingredient in hair cosmetics. Try, for example, hair shampoo – oily scalp Bioherba or aromatherapy hair shampoo with essential oils Green Laboratory – thanks to rosemary it has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to fight dandruff. Rosemary is also responsible for the anti-dandruff effect of the Green Laboratory detox shampoo, as well as the normalizing shampoo in a block for greasy hair with rosemary and mandarin. Mydlarnia FOUR SPACES.

Rosemary extract can also be found in face and body cosmetics. This is the case with the Green Laboratory cleansing and soothing face mask. Try also the cleansing and detoxifying body scrub with parsley and rosemary Green Lab, which exfoliates the epidermis, smoothes and moisturizes the skin, and protects it against premature aging. We also recommend Bioherba Moisturizing Milk for oily and acne-prone skin, which contains rosemary hydrolate.

Rosemary and insects

Rosemary is also used as an insect repellent. It repels moths from wardrobes, but rosemary oil or tea applied to the skin will also protect against mosquito and tick bites. The essential oils contained in rosemary repel these insects, so you can prevent Lyme disease from a tick bite.

Rosemary – a spice in the kitchen

A sprig of rosemary is also a great spice, and rosemary is best known for this use. Becouse he has strong and spicy fragrance, it will greatly enrich the taste and aroma of dishes, especially Mediterranean ones, but also enhance the taste of poultry, lamb and even fish. Interestingly, it can also be added to wine and beer.

Since the leaves are aromatic and sweet, they can also be added to flavored meats and soups. Use whole sprigs of rosemary for seasoning poultry. The herb is also a great addition to vegetables, especially baked vegetables.

Rosemary oil is used as a food spice because of its chemical compounds that are responsible for its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Also, see how spices relieve discomfort from fatty foods: Spices can help

Rosemary – properties

In addition to the above-mentioned properties, rosemary also affects:

  1. has a positive effect on heart health – studies show that rosemary extract reduces the risk of heart failure after a heart attack – order today Herbapol’s elixir for the heart in Krakow, where, among others, you will find rosemary extract,
  2. accelerates weight loss – in one study on a group of rats it was found that rosemary prevented weight gain in rats, even those fed a high-fat diet,
  3. accelerates hair growth – some say that using home-made rosemary infusion to rinse hair promotes hair growth. Other research suggests that rosemary oil or extract may reduce hair loss, but it should be applied directly to the scalp. A proven cosmetic based on rosemary oil is Orientana Oil – therapy for damaged hair. It contains as much as 99,9 percent. natural ingredients.
  4. male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) – studies suggest that applying rosemary oil to the scalp is as effective as minoxidil in increasing the number of hair in people with male pattern baldness,
  5. aromatherapy with rosemary and lavender oil can lower the heart rate,
  6. Muscle and joint pain – Rosemary oil applied topically (to the skin) can be used to treat muscle pain and arthritis, and to improve circulation. For these purposes, it is approved by the German European Commission.

Also read about why rosemary is good for a headache: Rosemary – good for the head?

Rosemary oil can inhale or apply topically. It’s very concentrated, so you should only use a few drops at a time. The small bottles it is sold in contain plastic droppers that make it easy to dispense individual droplets.

While some manufacturers claim that essential oils are safe to swallow or ingest, there is no scientific evidence to back this up – especially over the long term. Essential oils should never be swallowed.

Here are some simple tips for inhaling or topically applying rosemary oil:

Inhalation

The easiest way to inhale rosemary oil is to open the bottle and inhale the essential oil. Alternatively, you can put a few drops on a cloth or tissue and hold it close to your face.

Many people use aromatherapy diffusers to distribute essential oils in the surrounding air. Remember to avoid placing the diffuser near infants or young children as they may cause allergies.

Topical application

Rosemary and other essential oils are easily absorbed into the bloodstream when applied to the skin.

It is generally recommended to dilute essential oils with a neutral carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. This helps prevent potential skin irritation and premature oil evaporation.

The use of herbs has been used for decades to strengthen the body and treat various diseases and diseases. They are of particular importance in natural medicine. Herbs, however, can cause side effects and interact with other herbs, dietary supplements, and herbs. Therefore, if you want to use rosemary permanently and you suffer from an illness, consult your doctor.

Overall, rosemary is considered a safe herb when taken in the recommended dosages. Sometimes, however, it does allergic reactions. Due to the volatile oils they contain, large amounts of rosemary can cause serious side effects including vomiting, cramps, coma and in some cases pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

Since higher doses of rosemary can cause miscarriage, pregnant and lactating women should not take rosemary as a supplement. They can safely consume it as a spice in their food.

People with high blood pressure, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis should not take rosemary. In addition, consuming large amounts may result kidney damage and increase menstrual bleeding.

If you want to know more about ulcerative colitis, you can read it all here.

Note:

Rosemary oil can be toxic when ingested and should never be taken by mouth.

Drug interactions

Rosemary contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical can cause a reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin.

Rosemary may affect the blood’s clotting ability. This can interfere with any blood thinning medications you are taking, including:

  1. Warfarin
  2. Klopidogrel,
  3. Aspirin.

Rosemary can interfere with ACE inhibitors taken for high blood pressure, including:

  1. Captopryl,
  2. Elaropril,
  3. Lisinopril,
  4. Fosinopril,

Rosemary may have a diuretic effect, increasing the risk of dehydration. May increase the effects of diuretics, including:

  1. furosemide,
  2. Hydrochlorotiazyd.

Due to its diuretic effect, rosemary can cause the body to lose too much water and the amount of lithium in the body can rise to toxic levels.

Rosemary can alter blood sugar levels and can affect medications used to control diabetes.

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.

Leave a Reply