The properties of rosemary

What is rosemary?

The Rosemary It is a perennial plant that belongs to the family of the labiaceae (Labiatae). This shrub can reach one and a half meters in height. It has many fine leaves and flowers that can be bluish, whitish or pinkish. Have a strong taste with aromas of camphor, pine, nutmeg and lavender. In the gastronomic field, it usually combines well with other aromatic plants such as thyme or bay leaf. Is a seasoning that enhances the flavor of foodTherefore, it is used in traditional stews of meats, low-fat fish and some vegetables, also in marinades or in the preparation of pickles. The active principles are concentrated in the leaves and, sometimes, in the flowering tops (flowers).

This plant was used as a magic plant to combat witchcraft, the evil eye or remove envy, as well as to purify the environment from diseases such as the black plague. It was also used at weddings in ancient Rome and Greece to symbolize the love and happiness of the couple, considering it a sacred herb.

Pharmacological properties

The main activity of rosemary is closely linked to digestive system by stimulating and favoring secretions and the production of gastrointestinal juices. It is also surprising in other not so related effects. We highlight them below:

• Carminative effect: favors the reduction of gas generation in the digestive tract and thereby reduces flatulence and colic.
• Facilitates the expulsion of retained bile in the gallbladder.
• Effect, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic and antioxidant.
• Effect antibacterial, antiseptic, fungicidal and balsamic.
• Effect rubefacient and healing increases blood flow in the localized area, relieving pain from musculoskeletal disorders.

In addition, rosemary is especially indicated in the following cases:

• Dyspepsia and associated symptoms: aerophagia, sensation of gastric fullness, flatulence, abdominal spasms.
• Anorexy.
• painful musculoskeletal conditions: arthritis and arthralgias.
• Biliary disorders: biliary dyspepsia, gallstones or cholelithiasis.
• Dysmenorrhea
• Headaches
• Oropharyngeal affections: pharyngitis and stomatitis.
• Dermal affections: dermatitis or skin lesions.

How to use it?

Rosemary can be administered internally or externally. The fraction that is used are the flowering tops and the leaves, with them different remedies can be made to help or alleviate various problems. Also on the market you can find already formulated presentations and intended for a specific treatment.

Internal use of rosemary

Intended to facilitate digestion, flatulence and improvement of biliary function.

• Infusion it is the most traditional way. Mix 2-4 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water. Infuse for 10-15 minutes and filter. Take two to three (cups) a day, preferably after the main meals.
• Capsules They are from powdered leaves concentrated in different doses.
• Fluid extract: 30 drops, three times a day.
• Essence 3-4 drops, three times a day diluted in liquid.

External use of rosemary

Intended to heal wounds, antiseptics and analgesics in osteoarticular and muscular pain.

• Essential oil It can be applied by gently massaging the affected area directly or through a vehicle such as olive oil.
• Rosemary baths used as antiseptics and anti-inflammatories. Boil 50 g of rosemary leaf in 1 liter of water, let it rest for 30 minutes, straining and adding it to the bathtub.
• Alcohol mix 5 g of rosemary essence with 95 g of 96º ethanol.
• Cooking It is prepared with 30-40 g of dried leaves per liter of water, boil for 10 minutes and filter. It can be applied in the form of compresses or enhancements on wounds or areas that are sore due to rheumatism or in friction on the scalp.

It is important to comment that the suggestions of the patient should always be prioritized to treat any health condition or through the supervision of a physician specialized in herbal medicine or. Rosemary treatment should be an aid, never a substitute for what the doctor may prescribe.

Side effects and contraindications

The active ingredient in rosemary is considered lacks toxicity; however, especially sensitive people may experience allergic reactionssuch as contact dermatitis and erythema. Not recommended its use in people with gallstones Without consulting a doctor beforehand, this is because increased gallbladder drainage can be accompanied by an obstruction of the bile ducts. Although the probability of being poisoned by the consumption of rosemary infusions is very low, a overdose could lead to a picture characterized by abdominal spasm, vomiting, gastroenteritis, uterine bleeding, and kidney irritation. Regarding the use of essential oil, in high concentrations can be toxic for the central nervous system and cause seizures. Not recommended its use for prolonged periods of time or at doses higher than those recommended and must be taken special care when used in children. Rosemary should not be used in pregnancy and lactation, as it can induce a spontaneous abortion due to its possible estrogenic effect.

• The main activity of the Rosemary is closely linked to digestive system by stimulating and favoring secretions and the production of gastrointestinal juices.
• Rosemary can be administered internally (infusion, capsules, fluid extract ...) or externally (essential oil, baths, alcohol ...).
• Rosemary treatment should be of help, never a substitute for what the doctor may prescribe.

Alessandra huerta Nutrition and Naturopathic Specialist