Where does rosemary come from?
Rosemary exists in the wild, but can also be grown in gardens. It is a shrub native to the Mediterranean basin (some even speak of “European ginseng”). Its branches have been used for millennia because of their many health benefits.
It is thus found in ancient Egypt, placed in the tombs of the pharaohs, near the mummified bodies, to strengthen their spirit. But also in ancient Greece, in the form of crowns worn by students to stimulate their intellect, concentration and memory. Or even during plague epidemics, where it is burned to benefit from its antiseptic and purifying properties. It was associated with many celebrations (weddings, funerals, etc.) supposed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. It has never ceased to be used since, to treat various ailments.
What are the properties and benefits of rosemary?
Rosemary is a shrub remarkable for the richness of its medicinal, cosmetic and aromatic properties. It contains various active ingredients derived from flavonoids, these antioxidants which fight against cellular aging and therefore against cardiovascular diseases. But it also contains camphor essence, very effective against neuromuscular problems, including neuralgia such as shingles. Finally, it is rich in phenolic diterpenes and sursolic acids, which are powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatoriesnot to mention that rosemary is also antihistamine (it fights against allergic reactions).
Its medicinal uses are therefore multiple, both externally and internally. It is recommended against muscle and joint pain. Against hepatic problems: it protects and stimulates the liver.
It is also useful for combating stress and fatigue or improving concentration.
How to use rosemary?
Rosemary can be used internally in the form of infusions and decoctions Where externally in the form of essential oil.
- Internally: put 5 g of verbenone rosemary needles in 25 cl of boiling water to infuse for about ten minutes. Let cool, filter and drink in a cup after each meal. This will allow you to purify the body and eliminate waste from the kidneys and liver (useful in many pathologies). But also to relieve your muscle and joint pain and respiratory ailments.
- Externally: massage 3-4 drops of rosemary essential oil into the chest as an expectorant. Or on the muscles, joints and temples as an analgesic.
Rosemary EO at 1-8 cineole can also exert a repellent effect against ticks when mixed up to 30% with 70° alcohol (to be applied to your clothes by nebulization in risk areas).
Note that rosemary can also be consumed, in combination with other plants, in the form of glycerinated macerates (gemmotherapy).
What are the contraindications of rosemary?
Rosemary may have contraindications in some people.
In external use, it is not recommended for people with large wounds or skin diseases. It is also contraindicated for people prone to high blood pressure, circulatory problems, asthma, stridulous laryngitis or high fever.
For internal use, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women except as a condiment in dishes. Finally, it is to be avoided in people suffering from liver problems or stones.
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