What does rosemary look like?
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean. It grows wild in warm, dry places and grows up to 2 m in height. In the garden the plant can grow up to 70 cm.
The rigid, erect stems are tetrahedral, highly branched and densely covered with numerous leaves. In the second year they become woody. The oblong leaves are extremely fragrant, reminiscent of the spines of coniferous trees. The upper part is bright green, and the lower part is silvery, covered with characteristic hairs.
Blooms in small inflorescences. Blue-lilac, purple or white flowers appear from March to June. Some varieties of rosemary bloom in late summer or fall.
This plant loves the sun. The best place for rosemary is sunny and warm. Grow it in the garden or in a pot on the windowsill as a homemade seasoning. It cannot overwinter in the garden, since even a slight drop in temperature below 0°C damages the plant. It is therefore excellent for growing in pots and can be propagated by sowing seeds in mid-March.
Chemical composition of rosemary
Rosemary officinalis is a plant with a very rich chemical composition. The chemical compounds present in the plant give it its characteristic and intense aroma. For this reason, the plant is widely used in cooking and aromatherapy.
About 200 organic compounds have been isolated, the most important are:
- essential oils;
- tannins;
- flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin, diosmetin;
- bitterness – carnosol;
- saponins;
- resins;
- phytosterols;
- alkaloid – rosemary;
- organic acids;
- iron, calcium, manganese, zinc, selenium;
- vitamins A, B6, C.
The high antioxidant activity of the herb is due to the content of a number of strong organic compounds, which include carnosol, carnosic, ursolic, rosmarinic and caffeic acids, as well as terpenes. The healing effect of rosemary is largely determined by the presence and composition of the essential oil.
Attention! Rosemary oil can only be used externally. It should not be taken orally, but rather is applied to the skin, used for massage, or added to a bath. It effectively affects the entire body if you spray it with a diffuser and inhale the fragrant vapors.
Rosemary: benefits for the body
Rosemary is known for its many health benefits. Both rosemary oil and the herb itself are used in medicine.
Rosemary inhalations should be used by people with upper respiratory tract diseases. Baths with added oil are recommended to relax muscles after intense physical activity.
The many beneficial properties of rosemary include:
- antimicrobial effect: predominantly bactericidal and antiviral.
- Improved well-being: rosemary increases blood flow to the brain, thereby improving its oxygenation and nutrition.
- anti-inflammatory effect due to the presence of antioxidant ingredients
- antipyretic effect: rosemary increases blood circulation in the skin, increases sweating, which, in turn, helps to naturally reduce temperature.
- The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds contained in the oil improve the functioning of the immune system, as well as generally strengthen the body and improve blood circulation.
- digestion: bitter compounds stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and bile, which supports digestion,
- useful for indigestion, and helps in the fight against general weakness of the body.
- supports liver function and has an antispasmodic effect.
- Rosemary herb infusion is an excellent remedy for refreshing and caring for the oral cavity.
Rosemary herbs have a good effect on the digestive system and the proper functioning of the intestines. In addition, rosemary has a good effect on liver function. Rosemary-based preparations can affect insulin production and reduce blood glucose levels.
Rosemary has a positive effect on the circulatory system. Rosemary substances dilate capillaries, which improves blood circulation in the body. The healing properties of rosemary improve memory, facilitate concentration and improve cognitive function and brain function.
Note! The stimulating effect of rosemary on the nervous system is so strong that it is not recommended to use it in the evening, as this can make it very difficult to fall asleep.
Rosemary oil is widely used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, and can often be an ingredient in massage oil for painful areas. Rosemary oil can be used to reduce joint inflammation and consequently relieve joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Oil is used to massage painful joints in case of various inflammatory diseases, for example, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Ideal for colds. It has a warming effect and helps with colds.
Rosemary in cosmetics
It is believed that rosemary has a rejuvenating effect and slows down the aging process of the body. This is probably why it is widely used as an ingredient in various cosmetics. Rosemary is so fragrant that it is also added to perfumes and eau de toilette.
The main raw materials used to create cosmetics are rosemary leaf extract and essential oil. Both rosemary extracts and oil are added to various types of body and face care cosmetics. The oil is very popular in the cosmetics industry.
The compounds contained in rosemary stimulate blood circulation, which leads to better nutrition and oxygenation of the skin. The antioxidants present fight free radicals. As a result, the skin looks younger, healthier and recovers faster.
The antiseptic nature of these products makes them ideal for problematic and acne-prone skin. Rosemary extract not only reduces inflammation associated with acne, but also effectively kills bacteria that cause acne outbreaks.
In addition, it affects pigmentation and skin lightening. For oily skin, it is worth including rosemary hydrolate in your daily care, as it has an astringent effect and regulates sebum secretion.
Extracts have a strong soothing effect on the skin: moisturize, nourish and restore it. Accelerate wound healing, eliminate minor scars and burns.
The anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary extract help reduce swelling as it has a positive effect on skin drainage.
Benefits of rosemary for hair
Rosemary oil is especially used in hair and scalp care products: it reduces the level of testosterone derivative, which is responsible for the destruction of hair follicles and hair loss. Rosemary herb can also be used to make hair rinses, which are very useful for dandruff or seborrhea.
Natural cosmetics with rosemary oil have a strong antibacterial effect. Oleic acid has anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle properties. Carnosic acid contained in rosemary essential oil has proven anti-cellulite and firming properties.
Attention! Rosemary oil should not be applied to the skin undiluted. Before use, mix it with a neutral oil carrier such as sweet almond oil, grape seed oil or coconut oil in a ratio of 1:25 ml. Then it can be safely applied to the skin or used for massage.
Rosemary is also used in anti-cellulite treatment. It helps strengthen the skin and maintain proper hydration. This is due to its blood circulation stimulating effect.
