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Rosemary is best known as a spice. However, rosemary and rosemary oil extracted from it have been used in natural medicine for many years, because they have many healing properties. Rosemary lowers blood sugar levels, soothes stomach pains and supports the work of the liver, while rosemary oil fights bacteria. What else does rosemary have?

Rosemaryis a herb whosepropertieswere first appreciated by the inhabitants of the Mediterranean. Rosemary was considered by them not only as a medicinal plant, but also as a symbol of love and fidelity. During the wedding ceremony, brides often wore a wreath of rosemary, and wedding guests received a branch of this plant as a sign of love and loy alty.

In the past, rosemary sprigs were also used to ward off "evil spirits" and nightmares - it was believed that a twig placed under the pillow would transfer a restful sleep. In French hospitals, on the other hand, rosemary was smoked along with juniper fruit to purify the air and prevent the spread of infection.

Rosemary, and especially the oil extracted from itrosemary oil , has strong viral, bactericidal and fungicidal properties. In addition, rosemary and rosemary oil strengthen immunity, have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and can be successfully used in diabetics. These are not the only properties of rosemary.

The name of the herb comes from the Latin word rosmarinus, which means "dew from the sea" - rosemary often grows by the sea.

He alth benefits of rosemary

Rosemary has a number of he alth-promoting properties.

Rosemary Proven:

  • anti-inflammatory
  • has virucidal and fungicidal properties
  • has antibacterial effect
  • strengthens immunity
  • has antioxidant properties
  • has anti-cancer properties
  • protects against UV radiation
  • improves digestion
  • relieves stomach ache
  • has a choleretic and choleretic effect
  • has a positive effect on the heart
  • accelerates weight loss
  • promotes hair growth
  • helps heal muscle and joint pain
  • has anti-diabetic properties
  • lowers blood glucose levels
  • protects the liver
  • supports processesmemory
  • has a calming effect
  • protects against macular degeneration.

Nutritional benefits of rosemary

Nutritional values ​​of fresh / dried rosemary(per 100 g)

  • Energy value - 131/331 kcal
  • Total protein - 3.31 / 4.88 g
  • Fat - 5.86 / 15.22 g
  • Carbohydrates - 20.70 / 64.06 g
  • Fiber - 14.1 / 42.6 g
  • Vitamin C - 21.8 / 61.2 mg
  • Thiamine - 0.036 / 0.514 mg
  • Riboflavin - 0.152 / 0.428 mg
  • Niacin - 0.912 / 1.000 mg
  • Vitamin B6 - 0.336 / 1.740 mg
  • Folic acid - 109/307 µg
  • Vitamin A - 2924/3128 IU
  • Calcium - 317/1280 mg
  • Iron - 6.65 / 29.25 mg
  • Magnesium - 91/220 mg
  • Phosphorus - 66/70 mg
  • Potassium - 668/955 mg
  • Sodium - 26/50 mg
  • Zinc - 0.93 / 3.23 mg

Data Source:USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

Rosemary for diabetes

Rosemary has long been used in traditional folk medicine to treat hyperglycemia. Its antidiabetic properties have been confirmed in many scientific studies. They showed that rosemary extract contributes to an increase in insulin levels and a decrease in blood glucose levels.

Rosemary is believed to protect the pancreatic β cells from degradation or to regenerate them so that they remain active and able to produce insulin.

In one study, the antidiabetic effect of rosemary at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg / kg bw was stronger and lasted longer than after the administration of the antidiabetic drug glibenclamide¹. In addition, rosemary has the ability to reduce the activity of intestinal α-glucosidase.

Intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitors slow the absorption of carbohydrates from the small intestine, resulting in a reduction in postprandial glucose and insulin levels. Rosemary also protects against oxidative stress, which is involved in the development of diabetic complications.

Rosemary for he althy eyes

Researchers from the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (USA) in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science argue that rosemary has a positive effect on eye he alth. The carnosic acid contained in the herb can protect against macular degeneration.

First, researchers subjected cells grown in a laboratory to hydrogen peroxide to induce oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Cells that have been injected with carnosic acid started to produce antioxidant enzymes that reducethe level of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen compounds.² Then animal studies were carried out. In those previously given the rosemary ingredient, the outer nuclear layer of the retina remained thicker, which meant that the photoreceptors were protected.

Rosemary will relieve stomach pains, protect against ulcers

In natural medicine, the relaxing effect of rosemary is used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It soothes stomach pains, supports the treatment of intestinal and gallbladder diseases (it has a choleretic and choleretic effect). And thanks to the presence of bitterness, it stimulates the secretory activity of the stomach and improves digestion.

Modern research has shown that rosemary may also protect against stomach ulcers. Scientists have shown that rosemary extract protects the gastric mucosa from the damaging effects of ethanol, indomethacin and reserpine. It has also been shown that the hydroalcoholic rosemary extract protects the gastric mucosa against the effects of hydrochloric acid and pepsin.

Rosemary extracts also work againstHelicobacter pylori- bacteria whose presence increases the risk of type B gastritis (which can lead to the formation of cancer and ulcers).

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Author: Time S.A

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Rosemary for ticks, mosquitoes and moths

Rosemary is used to strip moths from clothes. A sprig of rosemary thrown into the fire will scare away intrusive mosquitoes. It is also a proven method for ticks. It is enough to brew a small amount of rosemary (like regular tea), and pour the cooled infusion into an atomizer and mix it with lemon juice. Such a spray should scare off Lyme disease spreaders.

Rosemary protects the liver

In the past, rosemary was recommended in herbal medicine as a liver cleanser. Modern research has shown that rosemary not only contributes to detoxification, but can also protect liver cells from damage caused by certain medications, including azathioprine. It is an immunosuppressive drug used after organ transplants. In the studies, rosemary extract showed a protective effect also with the use of another hepatotoxic compound - carbon tetrachloride.

Topical rosemaryit soothes muscle and rheumatic pains and improves blood circulation in the skin. Incidentally, it is used in bacterial skin diseases

Rosemary for better memory

Rosemary, specifically the extracts containing antioxidants from this herb, can aid learning and memory, and reduce the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment that heralds the development of dementia, researchers from Saint Louis University School of Medicine reported .³

Rodents that were fed rosemary performed better on three cognitive tests. Taking the preparations was also associated with a reduction in the level of oxidative stress in the areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning. The researchers noted, however, that the studies were conducted on animals, and it is not known if rosemary could have similar effects in humans.

Rosemary: rosmarinic acid prevents depression

Rosmarinic acid contained in rosemary prevents depression, and at the same time reduces stress and calms down. It is an ingredient of many pharmaceutical tranquilizers. In addition, rosmarinic acid fights viruses, bacteria and fungi, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, protects against the harmful effects of UV radiation and free radicals. Moreover, it has slight antiallergic properties.

Rosemary: use in the kitchen

Rosemary has a strong, spicy aroma and a slightly bitter taste. It is best to buy fresh herb as it loses most of its flavor and aroma as it is dried. Rosemary is used in Mediterranean cuisine as a flavor enhancing herb - seasoning poultry, lamb, fish, rice dishes, vegetables and soups. It is often added to wines and beers. Rosemary has also found another practical use in the kitchen - its stem can be used as an aromatic skewer pin.

Lamb recipe with rosemary and cherry tomatoes

Source: x-news / Dzień Dobry TVN

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