Rosemary is a common spice on the tables of Españols and around the world, but it is also a plant with many properties and health benefits. Coming from the Mediterranean, it has a citrus and woody taste and is widely used as a seasoning for meats.
Because it is a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin B6, rosemary has numerous benefits, in addition to being used in different ways, preventing gastrointestinal intoxication is one of the main uses, in addition to having characteristics antioxidants and help strengthen capillaries when applied to the skin and is therefore an essential ingredient for treating dandruff and hair loss. Rosemary also neutralizes the effects of free radicals, preventing damage to the body, premature aging and the growth of cancer cells.
Popularly, rosemary can be used as a gargling technique that helps clear throat and mouth ulcers. When used while bathing, rosemary acts as a pain reliever.
In addition to these properties, rosemary has a great role in the treatment of arthritis, as it has anti-inflammatory properties from the components earnosol, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid.
Studies have already proven that rosemary extract not only helped to reduce pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients, but also reduced the inflammation present in the joints.
However, high doses of rosemary should be avoided as it can cause headaches and seizures, especially when taken as a tea. The freshest version is the one with the most nutrients and therefore it should be your choice when buying this herb.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be extra careful, as rosemary stimulates menstruation and miscarriage.
Rosemary can also be planted and grown in your own home. Cultivation is simple: the plant should be planted in small pots and kept outside or inside the house, but it needs to be in a dimly lit and windy environment, in addition to being watered a few times during the week.
Once harvested and fresh, it can be stored in a pot or bag for several weeks. If it is dried rosemary, it can last for months if kept in a dry, dark place.
How to use?
Tea for digestive problems and sore throat:
- Put 4 grams of rosemary leaves in a boiling cup and leave for about 10 minutes. Then strain and drink it. The recommended is 3 cups a day, after meals.
Bath for rheumatism and arthritis:
- Add 50 grams of leaves for every 1 liter of boiling water. Let it act for about 30 minutes. After that, strain the liquid and use it to shower.
Rosemary Oil:
- Wash the rosemary well and let it dry completely, put 250 ml of olive oil in a pan and heat for about 3 minutes. Soon after, add the rosemary branches and wait until they begin to wither, then leave for another minute and turn off the heat, remove the branches and place in a glass container, then pour the oil on top, cover the container and book for a week in an airy place. Use the oil in recipes and to season salads.
Written by Gabrielle Career of Team Me Without Borders.
