Rosemary: its health benefits

Rosemary is as much at home in the kitchen as it is in herbal medicine. A classic aromatic plant, it is also credited with a range of medicinal properties. Whether taken as an infusion or used externally, the uses of the plant and its essential oils are many: digestive health, pain relief, memory support — here is a look at the many benefits of rosemary.

Rosemary: a closer look at the plant

Known as Rosmarinus officinalis or Salvia rosmarinus, rosemary is a plant native to the Mediterranean basin. It is a shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family, capable of reaching 2 metres in height. Rosemary has small, narrow, persistent green leaves. In late winter, blue to violet flowers appear during its blooming season. Its intense flavour makes rosemary a staple in cooking. As a prime melliferous plant, it also yields an aromatic honey. But what interests us here are the medicinal properties of rosemary. Its use to relieve various ailments has been known since Antiquity, and it already held an important place in Greco-Roman culture. Today, the plant remains very much in use in herbal medicine. Studies on the benefits of rosemary are still limited; however, official bodies recognise the traditional use of rosemary taken orally as an infusion, applied externally, or in the form of its essential oil.

Rosemary for digestive health

A cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking, rosemary also plays a role in digestive health. This member of the Lamiaceae family helps relieve digestive discomfort, including:

• stomach aches;
• indigestion symptoms;
• excess gas.

The benefits of rosemary also extend to the function of the intestinal tract, liver and gallbladder. So the next time you are faced with a heavy, sluggish digestion, the answer may simply be to add a few rosemary leaves to your cooking.

Rosemary for pain relief

Beyond its culinary uses, rosemary is also prescribed in herbal medicine. The essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis offer notable benefits when applied externally. Rosemary has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it useful for relieving a range of complaints:

• headaches;
• joint pain and rheumatism;
• muscle tension;
• minor surface wounds.

To experience these benefits, simply apply a few drops of essential oil and massage the affected area. A pain-relieving effect is also noted when rosemary is taken internally. At home, you can prepare a rosemary leaf infusion — the resulting tea is thought to help with headaches and menstrual cramps.

Rosemary and memory in herbal medicine

The benefits of rosemary also extend to cognitive wellbeing. Plant extracts are thought to improve memory, with rosemary supporting the hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for learning and recall. Rosemary essential oil stimulates concentration and promotes healthy memory function. For a revitalising infusion, steep a few rosemary leaves in boiling water for several minutes. Inhaling the plant's essential oils is also said to sharpen focus and boost motivation.

Rosemary's draining properties

In herbal medicine, rosemary is recognised for its diuretic and depurative properties. It encourages the elimination of excess water by stimulating the urinary system, which in turn may help reduce the risk of urinary stones. Rosemary also supports the liver and gallbladder. Taken orally, the plant's leaves stimulate the secretion of digestive juices.

Active compounds in Rosmarinus officinalis

To better understand rosemary's effects on health, it helps to look at its composition. Like most medicinal plants, rosemary contains antioxidants and essential oils with beneficial properties for the body.

• Rosmarinic acid is a powerful antioxidant found in plants of the Lamiaceae family. Studies are even exploring its potential role in the prevention of prostate and breast cancer.
• Triterpenes such as oleanolic acid offer analgesic properties, helping to relieve pain and inflammation.
• The various polyphenols in rosemary protect the body's cells. Molecules such as carnosic acid provide antioxidant effects and contribute to overall health.
• Depending on the plant material used and the distillation process, three types of rosemary essential oil can be obtained: cineole-dominant, camphor-dominant, or verbenone-dominant. Each has its own specific indications and uses.

How to enjoy the benefits of rosemary at home

One of the easiest ways to bring rosemary's benefits to the whole family is to use it in everyday cooking. Fresh or dried, rosemary leaves can replace or complement other spices, adding flavour to sauces, gratins and grilled dishes alike. You can also enjoy the plant as an infusion or decoction. To prepare a herbal tea, steep a few grams of rosemary leaves in boiling water for around ten minutes. Whether inhaled, drunk as a tea, or applied externally, rosemary can help relieve a variety of complaints — from poor concentration and digestive discomfort to other forms of pain. As for rosemary essential oil, its applications are wide-ranging: it can be used topically, taken orally, or inhaled. Essential oils should always be used with care, following the recommended number of drops. Some oils can be neurotoxic or allergenic, so it is worth seeking advice from a healthcare professional. Rosemary is also available in other forms: capsules, macerates, extracts, topical preparations and more. Want to enjoy the benefits of rosemary as an infusion? Try our rosemary herbal tea, blended with thyme and lemon.