Rosemary

Rosemary

Dried leaves of this plant are spice, it is grown mainly in the Mediterranean region. Rosemary has a strong, aromatic smell and a spicy, burning, slightly bitter taste. It has a dietary effect, facilitates digestion, increases appetite and improves blood circulation.

Many meat dishes are seasoned with rosemary, especially pork, lamb, lamb, poultry and game. It is also used to flavor baked potatoes, vegetable soups, dark sauces and herb butter. Rosemary is one of the Provencal Herbs, often used in French cuisine. It harmonizes perfectly with garlic and mushrooms.

Cooking recipe with this product: Beef steakburgers with garlic and tomato butter

Rosemary - active substances, properties, application

Rosemary is a well-known spice mainly used to flavor meats. However, rosemary oil is successfully used in natural medicine because it has many health properties. Among other things, rosemary lowers blood sugar levels and soothes stomach pains. What other properties does rosemary have?

What is rosemary?

Rosemary, or more precisely rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a thermophilic, long-lived (more than 2 years old), wild and evergreen plant that grows mainly in the Mediterranean, most often in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Greece. and off the coast of the Black Sea, and in the United States and Mexico. In other regions, rosemary is grown as a pot plant. For many years it has been used in herbal medicine, medicine, cosmetics and cooking as a seasoning for many dishes. The ancient Romans referred to it as the flower of the sea (Latin dew - rose and marinus - sea), because the smell of rosemary in the sea heralded the near land.

Forms in which rosemary is used:

• dried whole herb, dried,
• powdered extract (capsules),
• preparations made from fresh or dried leaves,
• such as alcohol tinctures,
• teas and liquid extract
• volatile oil (for external, not oral use).

Rosemary - active substances Rosemary is a plant rich in compounds with a biological effect. Rosemary is a plant rich in compounds with a biological effect. It is a source of phenolic compounds and their properties come from extracts and essential oils. Both are used in the treatment of disease and in food preservation. The raw material, in addition to the essential oil, also contains flavonoids (luteolin, genquvanin, diosmetin and their glycosides), tannins (8%), di- and triterpenes.

Rosemary is a source of phenolic compounds and their properties come from the extracts and essential oils. Both are used in the treatment of disease and in food preservation. The raw material, in addition to the essential oil, also contains flavonoids (luteolin, genquvanin, diosmetin and their glycosides), tannins (8%), di- and triterpenes. It is also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, B6 and C.

Cyclic diterpene diphenols, carnosic acid and carnosol have been identified among the most effective antioxidant components of rosemary. In addition, its extract contains carnosic acid, epirosmanol, rosmanol, methylcarnate and isorosmanol. Rosemary oils are obtained by steam distillation of twigs and fresh leaves. It contains 1,8-cineol, camphor and α-pinene.

Characteristic

Many scientific studies have shown that rosemary:

• stabilizes biological membranes,
• protects against harmful UV radiation,
• has anti-inflammatory properties,
• antioxidant, anti-mutagenic,
• antibacterial, antifungal,
• anti-cancer,
• antiviral.

The infusion prepared from dried rosemary leaves improves digestion, has anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, diuretic and sedative properties on the central nervous system.

Antioxidant effect of rosemary

The antioxidants in rosemary can neutralize harmful particles (free radicals) that damage cell membranes, manipulate DNA, and even cause cell death.

Rosemary and diabetes

Rosemary can be used by diabetics because it contributes to an increase in insulin levels and at the same time lowers blood glucose levels. Scientific research shows that rosemary protects or regenerates the beta cells of the pancreas that are able to produce insulin, which helps the body produce this hormone. In diabetes studies, rosemary has been shown to reduce the activity of intestinal alpha-glucosidase, an inhibitor that slows the absorption of carbohydrates from the gut. Rosemary also acts as a protection against oxidative stress, which may contribute to the development of complications in diabetes.

Rosemary and eye diseases

Rosemary also has a good reputation for protecting the eyes against macular degeneration, as it contains carnosic acid that promotes eye health. The above-mentioned oxidative stress can also cause some eye diseases, so rosemary protects not only against complications in diabetes, but also eye diseases related to this cause.

Rosemary and the digestive system

In folk medicine, rosemary is also recommended for diseases of the digestive system. In fact - rosemary when served as a tea to drink has the reputation of a relaxant that soothes stomach aches and even supports diseased intestines or gall bladder through its choleretic and choleretic effects. And thanks to its bitterness, it also stimulates the secretory activity of the stomach, which improves digestion. As rosemary has an antibacterial effect, it is active against Helicobacter pylori bacteria and reduces the risk of gastritis type B, ulcers and cancer of this organ. Rosemary oil is also recommended for cleansing the liver and improving its function.

Rosemary and cancer

Several studies suggest that rosemary extract may inhibit tumor growth by preventing cancer cell replication. Another study found that rosemary alone and in combination with curcumin help prevent breast cancer. In addition, another study found a similar effect of rosemary on colon cancer cells.

Rosemary and neurological protection

Scientists have found that rosemary has positive properties for the work of the brain. Rosemary contains an ingredient called carnosic acid that can fight damage caused by free radicals in the brain. Some studies in rats have found that rosemary may be useful for stroke survivors. Rosemary appears to protect against brain damage and may improve brain regeneration. It may contribute to the prevention of brain aging and thus Alzheimer's disease.

Rosemary improves mood and memory

There is evidence that rosemary, and more specifically rosemary tea, can have a positive effect on our mood, reducing stress and improving memory. Based on the results of the research on the properties of rosemary, it was found that taking 500 mg of rosemary orally twice a day for 1 month significantly reduced stress levels and improved memory and sleep quality among the subjects, compared to those who took placebo.

Another 2-month study of 66 industrial workers found that those who drank 2 teaspoons (4 g) of rosemary in 2/3 cups (150 ml) of water a day noticed that they felt significantly less burned out at work, compared to those who drank nothing of the brew. Another study found that inhaling rosemary aromas for 4-10 minutes before the mental test improved concentration, performance, and mood. What's more, a study in 20 healthy adults found that inhaling rosemary oil stimulated brain activity and improved mood. Rosemary extract can improve your mood by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the hippocampus, the part of the brain related to emotions, learning, and memories.

Rosemary and insects

Rosemary is also used as an insect repellent. It repels moths from wardrobes, but rosemary oil or tea applied to the skin will also protect against mosquito and tick bites. The essential oils contained in rosemary repel these insects, so you can prevent Lyme disease from a tick bite.

Rosemary - a spice in the kitchen

A sprig of rosemary is also a great spice, and rosemary is best known for this use. Since it has a strong and spicy aroma, it will greatly enrich the taste and aroma of dishes, especially Mediterranean ones, but also enhance the taste of poultry, lamb and even fish. Interestingly, it can also be added to wine and beer.

Since the leaves are aromatic and sweet, they can also be added to flavored meats and soups. Use whole sprigs of rosemary to season poultry. The herb is also a great addition to vegetables, especially baked vegetables. Rosemary oil is used as a food spice because of its chemical compounds that are responsible for its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

In addition to the above-mentioned properties, rosemary also affects:

1. has a positive effect on heart health - research shows that rosemary extract reduces the risk of heart failure after a heart attack,
2. accelerates weight loss - in one study on a group of rats it was found that rosemary prevented weight gain in rats, even those fed a high-fat diet,
3. It accelerates hair growth - some say that using home-made rosemary infusion to rinse hair promotes hair growth. Other research suggests that rosemary oil or extract may reduce hair loss, but should be applied directly to the scalp.
4. male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) - studies suggest that applying rosemary oil to the scalp is as effective as minoxidil in increasing the number of hair in people with male pattern baldness,
5. aromatherapy with rosemary and lavender oil can lower the heart rate,
6. Muscle and joint pain - Rosemary oil applied topically (to the skin) can be used to treat muscle pain and arthritis, and to improve circulation. For these purposes, it is approved by the German European Commission.

How to use rosemary oil?

Rosemary oil can be inhaled or applied topically. It's very concentrated, so you should only use a few drops at a time. The small bottles it is sold in contain plastic droppers that make it easy to dispense individual droplets. While some manufacturers claim that essential oils are safe to swallow or ingest, there is no scientific evidence to back this up - especially over the long term. Essential oils should never be swallowed.

Here are some simple tips for inhaling or topically applying rosemary oil:

Inhalation

The easiest way to inhale rosemary oil is to open the bottle and inhale the essential oil. Alternatively, you can put a few drops on a cloth or tissue and hold it close to your face. Many people use aromatherapy diffusers to distribute essential oils in the surrounding air. Remember to avoid placing the diffuser near infants or young children as they may cause allergies.

Topical application

Rosemary and other essential oils are easily absorbed into the bloodstream when applied to the skin. It is generally recommended to dilute essential oils with a neutral carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. This helps prevent potential skin irritation and premature oil evaporation.

What should you pay attention to when using rosemary?

The use of herbs has been used for decades to strengthen the body and treat various diseases and diseases. They are of particular importance in natural medicine. Herbs, however, can cause side effects and interact with other herbs, dietary supplements, and herbs. Therefore, if you want to use rosemary permanently and you suffer from an illness, consult your doctor.

Overall, rosemary is considered a safe herb when taken in the recommended dosages. Sometimes, however, it causes allergic reactions. Due to the volatile oils they contain, large amounts of rosemary can cause serious side effects including vomiting, cramps, coma, and in some cases pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).