Benefits, safe uses and side effects of rosemary

The main health benefits of rosemary are:

Improve nervous system

Rosemary helps improve the function of the nervous system, improving memory, concentration and reasoning, and helping to prevent and treat problems such as depression and anxiety.

This herb even helps reduce naturally occurring memory loss in the elderly, and can also be used in essential oil form for aromatherapy.

Although it has some benefits for the nervous system, rosemary should not be used by people with epilepsy, as use of this plant can cause epileptic seizures.

Improve digestion

Rosemary helps improve digestion because it has antispasmodic properties, reduces gas production and reduces bloating. Additionally, rosemary also helps improve acidity, because it has an antacid effect and contains tannins that are responsible for protecting the intestines from irritation and inflammation, reducing bleeding and diarrhea.

Rosemary also has antibacterial properties, which help to supplement the treatment of gastritis caused by the bacteria helicobacter pylori, in addition to controlling bile secretion, improving fat absorption at the intestinal level.

Protect the liver

Rosemary has hepatoprotective and diuretic properties, stimulating liver enzymes responsible for detoxifying the body to eliminate harmful substances through urine. Additionally, rosemary can protect the liver against infection and inflammation.

Rosemary also controls bile secretion, making it a good choice as a supplement for gallstone treatment.

Acts as an antioxidant

Rosemary is rich in antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, carnosic acid, which help improve the immune system, prevent infections and improve skin health.

Additionally, the antioxidants present in rosemary also prevent the formation of free radicals that damage healthy cells, which has anti-cancer effects, as it prevents changes in cells.

Reduce stress and anxiety

Rosemary is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety, as it helps lower blood pressure and control heart rate, promoting a sense of tranquility.

Improve pain and circulation

Rosemary has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, in addition to improving general blood circulation, and can be used as a supplement to treat varicose veins, headaches, migraines, arthritis and gout.

Additionally, rosemary helps improve PMS symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, regulates menstruation, and reduces excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Acts as a decongestant

Rosemary has decongestant and febrifuge properties, so it can help treat colds and flu, reduce fever, thin mucus and relieve sore throats.

Additionally, due to its antispasmodic effects, rosemary is also useful in treating asthma, chronic cough, whooping cough, and bronchitis.

How to use rosemary

The parts used in rosemary are its leaves, which can be used to season foods, to prepare teas and sitz baths, and in the production of essential oils.

Rosemary tea

Rosemary tea helps improve digestion, reduce water retention and improve blood circulation, in addition to fighting mental fatigue.

Preparation method

5g fresh rosemary leaves;

200ml water.

In a pot or kettle, bring water to a boil. After turning off the heat, add the rosemary leaves to the pot, cover, and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink, unsweetened, up to 3 cups of tea per day.

Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary essential oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and can be used in the treatment of oiliness and acne.

Preparation method

5 drops rosemary essential oil;

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, such as jojoba, pracaca, or rosehip oil.

In a small pot, place the rosemary essential oil with the vegetable oil, mixing well with a spoon or spatula. After washing and drying the skin, apply the mixture to the area to be treated.

Rosemary bath

A sitz bath with rosemary can be used as an adjunct to the treatment of candida, as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Preparation method

4 teaspoons fresh or dried rosemary leaves;

1,5 liters of water.

In a pot or kettle, bring water to a boil and turn off the heat. Add the rosemary leaves to the water, cover and let it steep for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool, then strain through a sieve into a basin. Take a sitz bath for 15 to 20 minutes, up to 2 times a day.

Rosemary wine

Rosemary tincture can be used to reduce stomach acidity, poor digestion, bloating and flatulence.

Preparation method

10g dried rosemary leaves or 20g fresh rosemary leaves;

30ml grain alcohol;

70ml water.

Place all ingredients in a glass jar. Cover and leave in a dark, dry place for 8 to 15 days, stirring the bottle daily. After this time, mix well and dilute 1 teaspoon of this tincture in 1 glass of water, drink up to 3 times a day.

Possible side effects

Excessive consumption of rosemary tea can cause stomach irritation, kidney inflammation, nausea, and vomiting. The essential oil, when used undiluted on the skin, can cause irritation, dermatitis, or rash.

Additionally, when used in massage or baths, especially at night, rosemary can cause insomnia.

Who should not use rosemary?

When used as a home remedy, such as tea, tincture, and essential oil, rosemary is not suitable for children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, or those who are breastfeeding.

People with liver disease, epilepsy, or taking anticoagulants, diuretics, lithium, and blood pressure medications should consult their doctor before using rosemary as a home remedy.