Rosemary: Benefits, cosmetic properties and contraindications

Rosemary is a plant with great properties for health known for centuries. Rosemary, also known as Rosmarinus officinalis, was already used by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, to disinfect the rooms of the sick, cure toothache, avoid moths, and even Egyptians placed it in the tombs of the pharaohs as a symbol of eternity. Note the multiple benefits of rosemary for internal and external health.

Cosmetic properties of rosemary

Rosemary contains essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids and other substances beneficial for their antioxidant properties, capable of counteracting the effects of free radicals and premature aging. Rosemary tones and helps eliminate cellulite and oily skin. Rosemary water is an excellent tonic for the hair that also helps to darken the gray hairs.

Rosemary is good for memory

Rosemary is considered an ally of memory, especially for its antioxidant content. A study conducted at the Northumbria University in the United Kingdom recommended that students breathe rosemary essence to improve concentration on examination. According to the study, one of the components of this plant, just by inhaling it, improves cognitive performance and mental agility.

Rosemary for the cold

Rosemary is good for fighting the symptoms of respiratory diseases, such as colds; as well as to mitigate fever and cough. It can be infused or steamed with rosemary. For this, you have to boil 2 liters of water and add two tablespoons of leaves and rosemary flowers.

Rosemary serves for menstruation

Rosemary has astringent properties, being a useful remedy in case of abundant menstrual bleeding. Another property is to improve blood circulation. An infusion of rosemary helps relieve discomfort during the period, as well as regulate menstruation (in this case, you can take 3 cups a day until it appears).

Rosemary for muscle cramps

Rosemary helps to relieve muscle aches and cramps caused by overexertion. It is also a good remedy to relax your feet with a bath or applying rosemary essential oil. It improves blood circulation and reduces swelling.

Benefits of rosemary infusion

The rosemary infusion is good to encourage digestion, avoid gas, bad breath and swelling; mitigate pelvic cramps, dizziness, loss of appetite and other intestinal disorders. It is also advised to relieve nervous tension. Rosemary is attributed to purifying and detoxifying properties of the liver.

Benefits of rosemary essential oil

The rosemary essential oil is ideal for a relaxing bath and apply on the hair after washing as it strengthens and stimulates its growth, while preventing its fall. Rosemary also has antibacterial, antiseptic effects it is energizing for both body and mind.

Benefits of rosemary in food

Rosemary is an aromatic herb to season and enhance the flavor of the dishes. It can be used dry or fresh. Its flavor combines with meat dishes (lamb, beef, rabbit, for example), with boiled potatoes or with a dish as typical as paella or gazpacho. To dress the salads you can aromatize the olive oil or vinegar with a sprig of rosemary. Combine with fish such as mackerel or sardines; and with vegetables such as tomatoes, mushrooms, beans or eggplants.

Contraindications of rosemary

Whenever you take any plant you have to take into account that, in some cases, may be contraindicated. In case of the rosemary it is not necessary to abuse its consumption, since it can cause stomach pain. It should be taken with caution in case of high blood pressure and avoid pregnancy.