Ros maris, also known as summeri rose, was widely used by ancient Greeks who dedicated the plant to the goddess Aphrodite. These days, this plant is called rosemary and it is still very popular.
According to a recent research, rosemary prevents aging and works as potent antioxidant agent. It is abundant in flavonoids, compounds which improve blood flow to all tissues, strengthen the blood vessels, and promote circulation. Therefore, it can be used to treat headaches, to improve memory, and to stimulate hair growth.
It positively affects the digestive system and people often use it to treat constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion, and improper absorption of nutrients in the intestine. It has been scientifically shown that rosemary extract stimulates the secretion of bile, a crucial element in the digestion of fats.
A 1995 study discovered that rosemary also works as natural diuretic, which in turn makes it effective at cleansing the liver from toxic substances. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties cannot be neglected as they are very powerful and have the ability to treat infections of the ear, nose, throat, and bronchitis.
Additionally, it also cures fatigue and provides relief of muscle pain, rheumatism, and sciatica. For external use, dilute the rosemary oil with neutral oil like sunflower oil and apply onto the affected area. Adding rosemary tea into a bath is another good way to relieve rheumatism.
Rosemary extract also promotes proper blood flow on to the scalp, preventing baldness and formation of dandruff.
Note that children shouldn’t use rosemary oil. Pregnant women and nursing mother should use tiny amounts of it for culinary purposes.
Rosemary blooms twice annually, the first time in April and the second time in September. It has many branches, it resembles a shrub, and it can reach up to 1-3 meters of height. It is recommended to plant it in warm places, partially sandy soil, and protect from wind. Make sure you protect it from cold during the winter. The flowers can be harvested when fully flowered while the leaves and branches can be harvested all year long.
Uses of Rosemary
- Rosemary tincture alleviates symptoms of rheumatism. To prepare rosemary tincture, pour 20 grams of rosemary into 100 ml of alcohol and let it sit for 10 days before straining it. You can either consume 15-20 drops dissolved in a glass of water or use it externally for circulation issues and rheumatism
- Rosemary tea is especially helpful when it comes to treating headaches. You can use both flowers and leaves to prepare rosemary tea, which is beneficial for treating colds, tension, stomach cramps, and headaches. To prepare the tea, pour a teaspoon of fresh/dried leaves into a cup of boiling water and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Consume two cups on a daily basis and don’t consume it before bedtime
- Inhalation of rosemary tea helps with depression. Moreover, it relaxes the muscles, which helps with menstrual cramps and digestive disturbance
- Rosemary wine promotes proper circulation. To make rosemary wine, soak 2 tablespoons of rosemary leaves and flowers into a liter of white wine, and allow it to sit for 6 days before straining it. Consume a brandy cup of it on an empty stomach, to improve blood circulation, promote urination, calm the heart, and alleviate inflamed joints, rheumatism, and gout
Source : www.cuisineandhealth.com
