Rosemary – chemical composition and properties

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), the oblong leaves of which we know so well as a spice and which is often found in pots on kitchen windowsills, in nature is a quite magnificent evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It belongs to the Lyme family (former name is labia). The motherland of rosemary is the Mediterranean countries, where in its wild state it is also a honey plant – bees pollinate blue or pink flowers. As a cultivated plant, rosemary has made a career in many countries around the world. It has culinary, medicinal and decorative uses, and is associated with many legends and curiosities. Spaniards appreciate it especially – they believe that the Mother of God hid between its branches during her flight to Egypt, and from her blue mantle, the white flowers of the rosemary bush have turned bluish.

Chemical composition of rosemary

Both in the kitchen and in medicine, rosemary leaves and whole herb (Folium et Herba Rosmarini) are used. The leaves in particular contain a valuable essential oil, the content of which varies between 1-2,5%. Wild plants growing in Mediterranean countries are particularly rich in aromatic oil. The chemical composition of rosemary is very rich. Apart from essential oil, it is characterized by a high content of rosmarinic acid (2-5%) and other organic acids, it contains tannins, terpenes (including betulin, rosmanol, carnosol, carnosolic acid), flavonoids (including apigenin, luteolin) and phytosterols (beta-sitosterol). The essential oil, in turn, contains substances such as cineol, eugenol, borneol, camphor or pinene.

Medicinal properties of rosemary

In order to preserve the valuable medicinal substances, rosemary requires proper drying and storage. Apart from eating, rosemary herb can be brewed as a tea, although it works much better in the form of alcohol extracts (tincture, spirit, and formerly often rosemary wine) or oily macerate, because many of the valuable rosemary compounds dissolve better in alcohol or fats than in water .

Rosemary greatly improves digestion and has a diastolic effect on the intestines, so it’s no wonder that it is used as a spice mainly for meats and fatty dishes. It stimulates the production of gastric juice and bile. It is carminative and helps fight constipation by stimulating bowel movements. It also helps to lower blood sugar levels after a full meal.

Rosemary and its essential oil affect blood vessels, blood pressure and the blood supply to internal organs. It has a positive effect on the coronary circulation, and thus the blood supply to the heart, it can also relax the muscles of the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Rosemary also increases the blood supply to the uterus and increases monthly bleeding. It is contraindicated in pregnant women as such action may cause bleeding and even miscarriage. Rosemary should also not be consumed during lactation, because, inter alia, inhibits the production of milk.

Moreover, thanks to the essential oil content, rosemary has strong antiseptic properties, mainly antibacterial and antifungal. This action can be used in various ways. The internal use of rosemary helps fight infections and poisoning. For diseases of the respiratory system, rosemary oil can be added to inhalation or an aromatherapy fireplace. When applied externally to the skin, rosemary oil kills not only fungi and bacteria, but also helps fight some external parasites and repels insects. If we are talking about the external use of this herb, you can add the infusion or oil to baths and saucers, apply in the form of compresses or rub on infected areas, but not only. Rosemary oil causes skin congestion and has a warming effect, so it is a great remedy for osteoarticular ailments. It used to be a very popular ingredient in many ointments and liniments, today it can also be found in herbal warming ointments. However, avoid the use of rosemary extracts in the case of sensitive and couperose skin and in delicate areas, such as the face – in this case only the water extract can be used, for example, as a tonic for oily skin. Rosemary infusion will also work great as a rinse for dark hair.

Let’s get back to eating rosemary. In addition to the aforementioned properties, it should also be mentioned that this herb has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, i.e. protects us against the harmful effects of free radicals, which is an important element in the prevention of many dangerous diseases, including cancer. The latest research also shows that rosemary supports memory and delays the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It is also suitable for allergy sufferers, as it reduces allergy symptoms thanks to its antihistamine effect.

It is worth remembering about this valuable medicinal herb not only in the kitchen.