Rosemary is a herb well known for its characteristic aroma and widely used in cooking as a condiment and to flavor preparations. However, few know about the benefits of rosemary and its components that help maintain health.
The proper functioning of the digestive system, the reduction of muscle pain and good memory are benefits associated with the use of rosemary. In aromatherapy, for example, the herb is used to improve physical and psychological well-being , helping to reduce nervousness and stress.
Know the benefits of rosemary for the brain and the whole organism
Known by the official name Rosmarinus officianalis , rosemary is native to regions of the Mediterranean and Asia. The plant grows well in drier environments with lots of sun. It can be grown in pots or in wide spaces, forming branched bushes up to 1.2 meters.
Rosemary has thin, green leaves that grow around the stems and flowers that can be blue or white. Since it exhales a very strong perfume, it is also used for the production of perfumes and colognes.
In relation to nutritional properties, a teaspoon of rosemary has 2 kcal and the following nutrients:
- Fibers, carbohydrates and lipids;
- Calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium;
- Vitamins C, B and A.
In addition, the herb is easy to find and buy in supermarkets, and the price can vary widely between regions.
The main benefits of rosemary
Having a large amount of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, rosemary is very good for health and is the goal of researchers. However, the plant alone is not capable of curing diseases.
Even so, recent studies want to deepen the knowledge about the herb to evaluate its properties and possible applications. Meet some of them:
1. Provides good memory
In aromatherapy, rosemary is used as an essential oil to reduce stress, increase clarity of thought, and improve mood.
However, recent research indicated that the herb also works by stimulating memory.
The study carried out memory tests on 150 people 65 and older. They were placed in different rooms, some flavored with rosemary. After that, they were asked a series of questions to test their ability to remember to do something at a certain time, such as taking medication.
Those who were subjected to the smell of rosemary had a performance in the memory test 15% higher than people placed in a place without aromatization. The results indicate that inhaling the herb can increase the ability to stay alert.
2. Benefits of rosemary for brain function
In addition to memory, others are investigating the possibility that rosemary helps treat degenerative problems in the brain . A Polish study in rats evaluated that the extract of this plant contains substances that can help in the treatment and prevention of dementia.
In another study, it was observed that rosemary can improve the cognitive function of the elderly. However, more research is still needed to evaluate the effects of the herb and how to administer it effectively.
3. Has antioxidant action
Due to the fact that it has a large amount of antioxidant substances. Fore example the researchers seek to analyze whether rosemary would be useful for the treatment of serious diseases, such as cancer.
Studies with rats indicate that the plant could be used to reduce the formation of cancer cells responsible for skin cancer.
However, it is important to note that these are recent studies and require more time and analysis to complete the results. Only a specialist doctor in the area can recommend any type of treatment for the most diverse types of diseases.
4. Improves hair health
Traditionally, rosemary is used to promote healthy hair, favoring the growth of strong hair and preventing hair loss.
But what can scientists really say about it?
An investigation evaluated the effects of the plant in the treatment of an inflammatory disease called alopecia, characterized by hair loss. In the study, 43 people with the problem used essential oils of rosemary, thyme, lavender and cedar for a daily massage of the scalp.
After seven months, half of them observed hair growth. Researchers have come to the conclusion that it is a safe and effective way against alopecia.
5. Helps digestion, eliminate inflammation and reduce colic
In addition to the elements mentioned, there are several abilities that rosemary has, but there is still no research that has tested these effects.
Due to the presence of minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, the herb would have a diuretic action and facilitate digestion . Rosemary tea, for example, can help relieve intestinal gas and promote good liver health.
The drink would also be very helpful in fighting the symptoms caused by PMS or PMS, as it would relieve colic and reduce stress and nervousness.
Different ways of using rosemary
Rosemary is very versatile and can be used in many ways. In food, it can be added in sauces, breads and seasonings for roasts and vegetables. It is also possible to make tea or put the herb in vitamins and juices.
Other forms of use are for the preparation of baths, scalding feet or even as an essential oil for massages and aromatherapy. To strengthen the hair, a good tip is to put five drops of rosemary essential oil in coconut oil and massage the scalp with the mixture.
The only reserve for rosemary is overuse, especially in the form of supplements and concentrated oils. If applied excessively, it can cause allergic reactions and irritations. It is also important to remember that use as a medicine can only be done after being indicated by your doctor.
