Currently we can see that more and more people are deciding to use some plants considered as medicinal both to alleviate some symptoms of certain diseases and to improve our health in general. One of the most used is rosemary, a plant that grows spontaneously in different Mediterranean regions and is characterized by its characteristic aroma, which is also used as a spice to give a better flavor to different dishes.
In addition to its culinary properties, this herb is also used as an infusion for its properties and benefits, which are especially useful for some digestive problems. However, this is not the only use that has this plant and in the next article of HealthProTips we will clarify what is good for rosemary. Keep reading and discover what rosemary tea is for and how you can prepare it at home. Take note!
Nutritional composition of rosemary
Rosemary, scientifically named Rosmarinus officinalis. , is a perennial plant belonging to the family of Labiates. It is a very aromatic plant that grows spontaneously in areas of the bushes, such as the mountains, of different Mediterranean regions, like other shrubs such as thyme, lavender or rockroses. In fact, because thyme and rosemary belong to the same family of shrubs, they are two wild plants that tend to get confused. Although among the most outstanding uses of rosemary we find its consumption as an aromatic spice for different Mediterranean dishes, the branches and flowers of this shrub are also used to prepare medicinal infusions due to their nutritional composition:
- Essential oils: has cinero, alpha-pinene, camphor, limonene and mircene.
- Vitamins: its richness in vitamin B1 and B3 stands out.
- Minerals: contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc.
- Phenols and terpenoids: has carnosol, carnosolic acid and ursolic acid.
- Other nutrients: contains carbohydrates, fiber and flavonoids.
What is the use of rosemary tea: properties, benefits and uses
If you were wondering what rosemary is for in tea or infusion, as well as added to meals, take note of these lines. Thanks to the nutritional composition that we have mentioned above, rosemary tea is used for the preparation of different remedies because in this way the following properties and benefits are obtained to which we can give various uses.
Improves some digestive problems
The infusion of rosemary has excellent tonic and stimulating properties so it helps to improve some digestive problems such as poor digestion. In addition, by promoting proper digestion, rosemary also prevents other symptoms such as flatulence, heartburn, swelling and reflux.
Relieves intestinal disorders
Rosemary is also used for intestinal problems because it has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Due to these benefits it is an adequate remedy for diseases such as colitis, constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel, among others.
It promotes the health of the liver
Thanks to its composition in ursolic acid, rosemary has hepatoprotective and cholagogue properties that make it an excellent natural remedy both for hepatic depuration treatments, and to improve some related diseases such as fatty liver, stones in the gallbladder or hepatitis.
Properties of rosemary to lose weight
Rosemary can also be a natural supplement that can be used to lose weight, since it has diuretic properties that help reduce fluid retention in our body.
It is a natural antibiotic
Thanks to its richness in essential oils and terpenoids, such as carnosol, rosemary tea is a potent natural antibiotic due to its antimicrobial properties. Thanks to this, this plant is an adequate remedy for the treatment of respiratory diseases, digestive disorders such as gastroenteritis, food poisoning and venereal diseases such as gonorrhea.
Properties of rosemary for hair
If you wonder what the use of rosemary in hair is, this home remedy has excellent circulatory and stimulant properties that help activate the blood flow of the scalp improving, thus, hair growth and preventing the fall of this. In addition to the infusion with this plant, rosemary oil is also an excellent format to take advantage of its properties in our hair.
How to make rosemary tea step by step
Now that we know what rosemary is good for and what its different health properties are, here’s how to make rosemary tea or infuse it with a simple step-by-step:
Ingredients
- 1/2 liter of water
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves and flowers.
Preparation and how to take it
- Add half a liter of mineral water to a pot or saucepan and place over medium heat until it begins to boil.
- Once the water reaches its boiling point, you will have to put out the fire and add 2 tablespoons of leaves and flowers of dried rosemary in the water.
- Cover the container and let the rosemary sit in the water for 10 minutes. It is important to cover the infusion to prevent the oils and active ingredients of this plant from being lost during the infusion process.
- Once the time indicated has passed, you will have to strain the obtained drink to remove the remains of flowers and branches of this plant.
- Let it cool a bit and then drink the rosemary infusion.
- You can sweeten it or give it a different touch with a little cinnamon, honey or freshly squeezed lemon juice.
It is recommended that you drink between 2 and 3 cups of rosemary infusion per day.
Rosemary essential oil: properties, benefits, uses and contraindications
The essential oil of rosemary contains properties similar to rosemary tea, but many of them in higher concentration, so the dose and the way of application is different. Some of its properties are:
- Analgesic
- Antiseptic
- Antibacterial
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative
- Healing
- Decongestant
- Depurative
- Diuretic
- Immunoestimulate
Therefore, some of the benefits and uses of rosemary essential oil are:
- Muscle pains
- Muscular weakness
- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Migraines and headaches
- Gastric discomfort
- Muscle spasms
- Nasal congestion
- Fluid retention
- Cellulitis
- Edemas
- Heaviness of legs
- Acne
- Dandruff
- Hair loss
- Activate memory
Its application is mainly topical, i.e. applied to the skin, pure or mixed in a vegetable oil (olive, sunflower, almonds …).
Contraindications of rosemary essential oil
- Do not take it orally, unless it is very diluted and according to medical indication.
- Avoid external use on sensitive skin that is in full reaction, either by allergies, eczema, atopias, and so on.
- Completely contraindicated during pregnancy, at least during the first trimester, then only under prescription and medical follow-up.
- Do not use it during breastfeeding or in children under 6 years of age.
- The essential oil of rosemary camphor is not recommended in epileptic people.
