Rosemary, scientific name rosmarinus officinalis, is an aromatic plant of the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean basin but nowadays widespread almost everywhere in the world. Rosemary is proudly displayed in gardens, vegetable gardens and balconies and, when rubbed between the fingers, its needles release a stimulating and fascinating aroma. But rosemary is also a great natural remedy, let's see what science says!
Rosemary, properties
Rosemary contains active ingredients that give it anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antitumor properties (de Oliveira et al, J Biomed Sci, 2019). Not only that, thanks to essential oils contained in rosemary, such as rosmarinic acid and eucalyptol, this plant also shows hypoglycemic properties and counteracts the accumulation of fat. But rosemary also protects the heart, improving its functionality. Do not forget the neuroprotective action of rosemary that, thanks to some compounds of the class of diterpenes, such as carnosic acid, seems to inhibit the formation of beta amyloid plaques, the accumulation of which is the main cause of Alzheimer's disease (Habtemariam et al , Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016). The action of rosemary on the brain certainly does not end here. In fact, its essential oils have been shown to have a tonic effect by stimulating brain beta waves in the frontal area, which are connected to activities that involve intense neuronal action, and at the same time by decreasing the alpha waves, connected to calm and relaxation. As a result, inhaling the essential oil of rosemary increases attention. Not only that, rosemary also acts on the mood, removing bad thoughts and bringing joy (Sayorwan et al, Sci Pharm, 2013). Finally, rosemary counteracts anxiety. In fact, the intake of the hydroalcoholic extract of rosemary has been shown to act with an action similar to diazepam, a drug used to counteract anxiety and muscle spasms (de Oliveira et al, J Biomed Sci, 2019).
Rosemary in herbal tea against stress and to protect the heart and brain
A rosemary herbal tea fights stress and fatigue, is antioxidant, helps to keep blood sugar and weight under control and protects the brain (Mehrabi et al, J Nurs Midwifery Res, 2015). Bring a cup of water to a boil, then remove from the heat and add a teaspoon of rosemary. Leave to infuse for ten minutes, then filter and drink.
Facial steam bath with rosemary against acne
Rosemary, as mentioned in the paragraph dedicated to its properties, is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Studies have shown that rosemary helps to combat acne, by acting on inflammation and inhibiting the action of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, one of the main causes of acne (Tsai et al, J Med Food, 2013). Bring a small pot full of water to a boil, remove from heat and add a sprig of rosemary. Cover your head with a towel and expose your face to the vapors.
Rosemary essential oil for concentration and mood
Rosemary improves mood and increases the ability to concentrate and focus your attention. To benefit from these properties, you can inhale its essential oil. For example, you can pour a couple of drops of this essential oil on a handkerchief and smell it throughout the day, but you can also spread the aroma using an essence-burning lamp. Alternatively, massages with rosemary oil also help to regain a good mood and feel more active. You can mix a tablespoon of sweet almond oil and 3-4 drops of rosemary essential oil and apply to the stomach, chest, arms and back with slow circular movements.
Rosemary in the kitchen
Adding a sprig of rosemary to dishes, which can be potatoes, meat, fish or pasta, gives the taste and health properties that we have seen in the dedicated paragraph. But that's not all. In fact, cooking with rosemary has other benefits as well. For example, when cooking roast meat, the addition of rosemary can help reduce the production of heterocyclic amines, which are carcinogenic substances produced when meat is subjected to high temperatures (Hsu et al, Food Res Int, 2020). Not only that, acrylamide is a toxic substance that forms during cooking at very high temperatures, the acrylamide peak is recorded at around 180° C, of ??foods rich in carbohydrates, so for example French fries, baked potatoes, bread and crackers. Well, the addition of rosemary has been shown to have a protective role against the toxicity caused by acrylamide, counteracting the oxidative stress induced by this substance on the nervous system (Al Gholam et al, Anat Cell Biol, 2016).
Rosemary, warnings
Do not take rosemary remedies during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your doctor for advice if you are taking medications or suffer from high blood pressure or altered blood sugar, as rosemary may interact with medicines or can make these conditions worse.
