ROSEMARY
Salvia rosmarinus
Table of contents
What is rosemary and what is it used for?
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a perennial aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean basin, highly valued since Antiquity for its many medicinal, culinary, and symbolic uses. It belongs to the mint family and grows as a small woody shrub that rarely exceeds one and a half meters in height.
Its narrow, elongated leaves resemble pine needles and release an intense aroma combining notes of pine, lavender, lemon, sage, and mint. In spring and summer it blooms with small bluish-violet petals, although in warm climates it can flower almost all year round.
The name “rosemary” comes from the Latin ros marinus, meaning “dew of the sea,” a nod to its natural habitat on sunny slopes near the Mediterranean Sea. In Antiquity, the Greeks considered it a symbol of memory and used it in wreaths for students, while the Romans associated it with health and divine protection. In the Middle Ages it was also attributed magical and purifying virtues, used against the evil eye and in rituals to ward off disease.
Today, rosemary is cultivated in different parts of the world and used both in gastronomy —to flavor meats, fish, sauces, and oils— and in phytotherapy, thanks to its digestive, antioxidant, and stimulating properties. A versatile plant rich in history that continues to win over homes and kitchens across all continents.
Properties of rosemary
Rosemary is rich in essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, responsible for many of its medicinal effects. Since ancient times it has been used both in cooking and herbal medicine, and today science supports many of its traditional applications.
Main properties of rosemary
● Digestive and antispasmodic: promotes the secretion of gastric juices, relieving heavy digestion, colic, and abdominal discomfort.
● Carminative: reduces the production of intestinal gas, helping combat bloating and aerophagia.
● Cholagogue and hepatoprotective: stimulates bile secretion, aiding liver detoxification and regulating lipids in the liver.
● Diuretic: facilitates the elimination of fluids and electrolytes, preventing fluid retention and reducing the risk of kidney stones or gout.
● Antioxidant: fights free radicals, slowing cellular aging and protecting the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
● Antiseptic and antibacterial: useful for mild infections, especially of the respiratory tract (bronchitis, pharyngitis, colds).
● Neuro-stimulant: supports memory, concentration, and mental agility thanks to its neuroprotective compounds.
● Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: used externally to relieve muscle, joint, and rheumatic pain.
● Balsamic: helps soothe coughs and improve breathing in cases of colds or congestion.
● Revitalizing: traditionally used against fatigue, tiredness, and stress, providing energy to the body.
Benefits of rosemary
Thanks to its multiple digestive, antioxidant, and stimulating properties, rosemary has become one of the most valued medicinal plants in both folk tradition and modern phytotherapy. Whether consumed as an infusion or applied externally, it offers benefits ranging from digestion to mental well-being.
● Improves digestion: relieves heaviness, colic, and gas after heavy meals.
● Supports liver and gallbladder health: helps detoxify the body and prevent biliary discomfort.
● Boosts memory and concentration: ideal during study or work periods requiring mental focus.
● Provides energy and reduces fatigue: considered a natural tonic against tiredness and stress.
● Protects the cardiovascular system: its antioxidants help regulate cholesterol and improve blood circulation.
● Contributes to diabetes management: studies suggest its phenolic compounds help regulate blood glucose levels.
● Prevents fluid retention: its diuretic effect helps eliminate toxins and improve kidney function.
● Relieves colds and respiratory issues: soothes cough and aids recovery in colds and bronchitis.
● Improves skin health: when applied externally, speeds healing and soothes mild skin irritations.
● Relaxes muscles and joints: its essential oils are useful in massages to ease rheumatic or muscular pain.
● Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: used externally to relieve muscular, joint, and rheumatic pain.
● Balsamic: helps calm coughs and improve breathing in cases of colds or congestion.
● Revitalizing: traditionally used against fatigue, tiredness, and stress.
Contraindications of rosemary
Although rosemary is safe when consumed in moderate doses, there are situations where its use is not recommended. It’s important to remember that excessive consumption or improper use of concentrated essential oils can cause adverse effects. Always consult a healthcare professional before regular use, especially for people with specific medical conditions.
Main contraindications of rosemary
● Skin allergies: may cause reactions such as dermatitis or redness in sensitive individuals.
● Biliary problems: not recommended for people with gallstones without medical supervision, as it stimulates the gallbladder and could obstruct the ducts.
● Overdose: excessive intake can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, or kidney irritation.
● Essential oil in high concentrations: may be toxic to the central nervous system and trigger seizures if abused.
● Pregnancy and breastfeeding: discouraged, as it could induce uterine contractions or have estrogenic effects.
● Use in young children: avoid direct application of essential oils due to their high concentration.
● Prolonged treatments: intensive consumption of extracts or essential oils over long periods is not advised without medical supervision.
How to prepare rosemary infusion?
Rosemary infusion is one of the simplest and most traditional ways to enjoy the properties of this Mediterranean plant. Its intense aroma and slightly balsamic flavor make it a comforting drink, ideal after meals or whenever you want to activate body and mind.
Step-by-step recipe to make rosemary tea
● Ingredients:
○ 2 to 4 g of dried rosemary leaves (equivalent to 1 heaped teaspoon)
○ 150 ml of water (a small cup)
● Preparation:
○ Heat the water until it reaches boiling point.
○ Add the rosemary leaves and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
○ Strain and serve hot.
● Usage tips:
○ You can drink 2 to 3 cups a day, preferably after meals to support digestion.
○ For a milder flavor, combine rosemary with other herbs such as mint or thyme.
○ Sweeten with honey to soften the taste and enhance its calming effects.
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