Rosemary is a semi-shrub with narrow, short leaves that are somewhat reminiscent of conifer needles. The leaves are two-tone: in the upper part they have a rich emerald color, and below - matte white. This shrub is evergreen, so it serves as a real decoration of nature at any time of the year. However, he loves warmth, and grows very reluctantly in countries with a harsh climate. The height of the plant reaches one and a half meters, some varieties can grow up to 2 meters in height.

Rosemary has a distinctive aroma for which it is known throughout the world. This fragrance is somewhat reminiscent of the open spaces of the sea, especially since the shrub is very fond of warm places near the seas. For example, in the Crimea, rosemary is very often used as a decoration of plots, making a real hedge out of it. Tellingly, it begins to bloom very early, usually in late February and early March. Flowers come in a variety of hues, depending on each individual cultivar, ranging from white to deep purple.

Rosemary is very easy to grow, as it does not require specific types of soil and is unpretentious in this regard. However, it needs abundant moisture in order for it to grow normally, as well as warm winters when the temperature does not fall below minus 10 degrees Celsius. It is for this reason that in domestic open spaces it is often grown either in greenhouses, or (even more often) rosemary is immediately grown at home in pots.

Historical facts

For the first time, rosemary, like many other medicinal or spicy plants, became known in Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. It was also included in a considerable number of sacred plants. It was very often used in various historical or religious rites, with its help they drove out evil spirits from dwellings. It was believed that the Greek gods adorn themselves with wreaths of blooming rosemary and simply adore this plant. That is why the Greeks very often did the same thing: they wove wreaths from a flowering plant or its greenery and decorated their heads. It was especially popular among philosophers and writers: it was believed that such a wreath could refresh the mind and inspire new ideas.

In addition, it is considered a symbol of prosperity and abundance, so it is very often used to attract good luck and give it to newlyweds so that the family is strong and the house is a full bowl.

The Greeks considered rosemary to be the plant of Venus, because, in their opinion, it was able to make a person happy, cheerful and carefree, as well as inspire love deeds. In addition, it has been used as a remedy for bad dreams and to prolong the freshness of the youth of the soul and body.

Rosemary was an indispensable plant in the home of a person who was ill, as it was believed that it tones the body's forces. For the sake of preventing various diseases, it has become an obligatory attribute of large gatherings of people, for example, during holidays or folk processions. This opinion is absolutely true, because rosemary contains substances that prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria in the body.

plant properties

Rosemary contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, as well as verbenone and borneol. It is thanks to them that it has such a rich aroma, and a bitter aftertaste is the merit of carnosol and rosmarinic acid.

As for medicinal purposes, young shoots or leaves of the plant are used for this. Most often they are harvested during flowering, but sometimes before that. Medicinal properties rosemary has been known for a very long time: it is able to stimulate the immune system, fights inflammation and has a general tonic effect on the body. It is able to help people fight depression, heal wounds and remove toxins.

Rosemary is recommended for those with mental or physical exhaustion, people with low blood pressure, and is also considered an excellent tool for increasing libido. Even diseases such as rheumatism or sciatica can be treated with rosemary by taking a bath with the addition of this plant.

Rosemary is used as a sedative, including to improve memory, so it was used very often and very actively in the past by students and schoolchildren in order to stimulate their mental activity and calm down before the exam. In addition, rosemary helps to relax and cheer up. It is best to add a few drops of oil to the bathroom for this.

Chemical composition rosemary (per 100 g)

calories	131 kcal
Squirrels	3.31 g
Fats	5.86 g
Carbohydrates	20.7 g
Alimentary fiber	14.1 g
Water	67.77 g
Ash	2.35 g
vitamins
Vitamin A	900 mcg
Vitamin B1	0.036 mg
Vitamin B2	0.152 mg
Vitamin B5	0.8 mg
Vitamin B6	0.336 mg
Vitamin B9	109 mcg
Vitamin C	21.8 mg
Vitamin PP	0.912 mg
Macronutrients
Potassium	668 mg
Calcium	317 mg
Magnesium	91 mg
Sodium	26 mg
Phosphorus	66 mg
trace elements
Iron	6.65 mg
Manganese	0.96 mg
Copper	301 mcg
Zinc	0.93 mg

Rosemary oil can be easily made at home if you can't buy it or don't want to. To make rosemary oil, take a few whole branches of the plant and place them in a glass container with cool olive oil. This oil must be placed in the sun so that the plant gives up the maximum of its beneficial substances. Keep it in this state for 6 weeks, then strain very carefully, pour into a glass container, close carefully and store in a dark, cool place.

In addition, an essential oil is obtained from rosemary in a much more complicated way, which is best used for massage for pain in the muscles or joints. In addition, rosemary essential oil is often used to treat various upper respiratory ailments. It has also proven effective as a cleanser for the liver or kidneys.

In addition, the essential oil can significantly enhance the sense of smell and hearing, and it is also often used to help with vision problems. People who suffer from bad dreams, or who cannot sleep due to constant stress, or suffer from constant headaches, can also benefit from essential oil. To do this, you need to apply it to whiskey light massage movements before bedtime if you have insomnia, or at any time of the day for a general tonic effect and relieve headaches. By itself, this oil, with regular (even external) use, due to its aroma, can increase efficiency, concentration and improve memory.

If you use rosemary essential oil, be sure to dilute it with some other natural neutral oil, such as . The fact is that a high concentration of essential oil can cause burning of the skin.

The use of rosemary in medicine

Based on rosemary, special medical ointments are made, which are famous for their good property overcome such a problem as sciatica. Also, with sciatica, it is very useful to use baths with the addition of rosemary sprigs, which will not only help with sciatica, but also generally increase blood circulation, raise blood pressure, and help relieve and get rid of stress.

Very often, rosemary is also used to treat female reproductive system. Doctors recommend using rosemary for menopause for easier flow, and also if a woman has a violation menstrual cycle. Sometimes it is taken even during pregnancy to reduce the irritability associated with hormonal changes, as well as to minimize the manifestations of toxicosis. However, during pregnancy, this should be done carefully and after consulting with your doctor.

Rosemary Recipes for Treatment and Prevention

An infusion of the leaves helps with various respiratory diseases. To do this, you need to take it orally 3-4 times a day. It is no less useful during a cold: you can use it to improve your condition if you gargle or use it to rinse your nose.

Dried rosemary infusion is often used as effective remedy from flatulence and for various problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, doctors recommend taking a weak infusion for people who have suffered a stroke, as this plant is able to restore blood circulation in the brain.

rosemary decoction

Take two teaspoons of dried leaves, add 250 ml of boiling water to them and boil the resulting mixture for 15-20 minutes. Then let cool slightly and strain thoroughly. The resulting mixture should be consumed in a teaspoon half an hour before meals.

Alcohol tincture

Rosemary infusion

Add 2 teaspoons of chopped raw materials to 250 ml of boiling water, insist for half an hour and strain thoroughly. The resulting mixture must be drunk in one day, in about 5 doses.

rosemary tea

To do this, add about one teaspoon of dry rosemary to one cup of boiling water, and let it brew well. Such tea will save with weakness, stress or after illness. A few glasses a day are enough to make you feel much better and more energized.

Rosemary in cooking

Rosemary is very often used in cooking as a spice. Leaves are used for this, and the plant gained the greatest popularity as a spice in France: they make vinegar from it to add to various dishes, and also add leaves to meat. This helps to shade the taste of meat and give it completely new notes, because the leaves have a fresh aroma and a little bitter taste, and they are also able to kill the specific smell of some types of meat, for example. It is very actively used in cooking during the processing of meat, including because it does not lose its properties and pleasant aroma even after heat treatment, so it can be added to the dish even in the process of stewing or frying. If you like the aroma and taste of rosemary, you can try adding it not only to meat products, but also to cheese, and in a small amount you can even add it to some desserts to diversify their taste.

If you like rosemary, but not as strongly flavored as it contains on its own, you can try adding it to neutral vegetable oil or salts so that it takes on the rosemary flavor, but not too strongly. Rosemary is not recommended to be added to fish, as it is able to interrupt its delicate taste with its aroma. The same applies to sauces or marinades with a delicate taste: in this case, it is better to give preference to either salt with rosemary, or to refuse it altogether.

The use of rosemary in cosmetology

The plants themselves are used to combat overweight, it is also considered an excellent means of combating cellulite. Rosemary has a very good effect on the skin, smoothing it, stimulating blood flow to the epidermis and providing a rejuvenating effect. Rosemary is often used to make face tonics. If you apply them regularly, a pronounced effect will be noticeable. Very often in cosmetology, the essential oil of a plant is used, which is able to fight inflammation and rashes on the skin due to its ability to prevent the development of bacteria. That is why it is actively used to treat problems such as acne, abscesses or small wounds that have become infected.

Rosemary is also used for hair, usually oil extracted from it. Due to its ability to stimulate blood circulation, it helps to strengthen hair and stimulate its growth, and will also be an excellent remedy for dandruff.

Rosemary oil is used in cosmetology, as it is able to have an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to cope with skin rashes, as well as significantly improves skin condition, tightens pores and removes fine wrinkles. With regular use of essential oil, it stimulates the processes of skin regeneration, significantly improves its condition and appearance.

Contraindications for use

Rosemary is contraindicated in medicinal purposes during pregnancy, as it stimulates the body, it can cause an increased tone of the uterus, which sometimes leads to miscarriage. It is for this reason that it is forbidden to take it and people suffering from epilepsy. Also, if you have high blood pressure, don't use rosemary as it raises it even higher. It is advisable to avoid infusions and decoctions of rosemary when it comes to treating or helping young children.

Sources

1. Nikitina A. S., Tokhsyrova Z. M., Popova O. I. – Elemental composition of shoots of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), introduced in the botanical garden of the Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute

Irina Mart

Rosemary - cultivation, properties, application

• 30.05.2016
• medicinal plants
• Irina Mart
• 2004

- a magnificent spicy aromatic plant, one of the types of which is rosemary officinalis. In addition to using it as a spicy herb, it is very decorative. This evergreen shrub with thin, needle-like leaves grows wild on the Mediterranean coast. During flowering, it is strewn with lovely lilac flowers. In translation, "rosemary" means "sea freshness." The ancient Romans called it sea dew, believing that coastal waves give its delicate flowers such a shade.

Rosemary properties

It has a spicy, slightly coniferous smell and a bitter taste. Thanks to its essential oils, it is widely used in cooking and aromatherapy. As a spice, it is widely used in Africa, India, and Russia.

Rosemary - medicinal plant . It is believed that adding it to food improves digestion, relieves nervous tension, improves cerebral circulation, has a beneficial effect on memory and vision, and helps fight colds.

In ancient Rome, he was credited magical properties, and even fumigated rooms with seriously ill people. It was believed that the fresh smell of essential oil drives away diseases and all evil. The tradition of presenting sprigs of rosemary to newlyweds as a symbol of well-being has remained to this day in some countries.

Internal application. Water infusion is used for nervous disorders ah, menopause, impotence and stomach cramps.

Outdoor application. It is used for neuritis, thrombophlebitis, rheumatism, and also as a wound healing agent.

Application of rosemary

In cooking- as a spice. Great for fish and meat products, as well as mushrooms. It is added to soups, salads, marinades and pastries. Rosemary is used to flavor the oil. To do this, you need to place a few leaves of rosemary in a clean bottle and fill it with any vegetable oil. Then the bottle must be tightly closed and put away in a dark place. After 2-3 weeks, the oil is ready. It turns out a natural flavor that can be used in cooking.

The external use of rosemary essential oil is very diverse. For example, rosemary oil is known to be an ideal massage oil for stress relief. It is easy to prepare at home. Mix 5-7 drops of essential oil with 10 ml of vegetable oil. Such a massage effectively relieves stress, and is also used for arthritis, myalgia and rheumatic pains.

Compress with rosemary oil helps:

• for minor burns
• with inflammation
• when treating abrasions

The compress can be prepared by dissolving 5-7 drops of rosemary oil in a bowl of hot water. Then you need to dip a piece of cloth into the water and apply a compress.

Very efficient and rosemary baths. 7-10 drops of rosemary in a bath of water will relieve the condition with:

• stress
• Overwork
• Before menstruation

Very efficient and rosemary inhalation. Mixed with eucalyptus and mint, it is an excellent remedy for asthma, bronchitis and coughs. Soothes an irritated throat and improves well-being.

It has been noticed that regular fumigation of a room with essential oil improves memory, puts thoughts in order, and helps with constant mental stress.

Internal application rosemary essential oil strengthens the heart and liver, lowers cholesterol and promotes the onset of menstruation. To do this, you need to drip 2-3 drops of essential oil into 1 tsp. honey and drink a glass of herbal tea.

In cosmetology rosemary essential oil used as an anti-inflammatory, regenerating and antibacterial agent. Rosemary is part of the care products for oily and problematic skin faces. It reduces the increased secretion of the sebaceous glands, tightens pores and evens out the skin.

If you add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to the cream, it will help soften the skin and lift its tone.

Rosemary applied and for dry skin care. It regenerates and softens rough skin, improves elasticity.

Means for removing scars, scratches and scars from the skin, as well as anti-cellulite products, must contain rosemary essential oil.

Adding a few drops of rosemary oil to hair masks strengthens the roots, prevents hair loss and dandruff. You can make your own hair oil by taking almond oil as a base and adding a few freshly picked leaves to it. Insist 2 weeks. This oil should be applied to the roots for 10-15 minutes.

Water of the Hungarian Queen

You may have heard of this miracle cure. The fame of him has not ceased for many centuries. This rejuvenating tonic helped Queen Erzsébet of Hungary keep her youth up to 70 years. It was rumored that already at an advanced age, the queen looked so magnificent that she even seduced the Polish king.

The main miraculous component of this aromatic water was rosemary. It has had a reputation for hundreds of years as a remedy for gout.

Water of the Hungarian Queen has a morning aroma, very invigorating, and in the modern interpretation is used mainly as a refreshing summer perfume. Some sources say that rose oil was also part of the water. However, rosemary was the main ingredient.

"Hungarian water" can be used as a facial tonic, as well as rubbed into the scalp.

Here is one option preparation of "Hungarian water"(concentrated version - per 100 ml of alcohol):

• Em. rosemary 26 drops
• Em. lemon 12 drops
• Em. lemon balm 12 drops
• Em. mint 2 drops
• Em. roses 0.5 drops
• Em. neroli 0.5 drops

Mix essential oils, add them to alcohol. You can add orange blossom water. Shake everything properly. Put insist. The mixture must be shaken first daily (5-7 days), then once a week.

Growing Rosemary

Despite the fact that rosemary — mediterranean plant, in our country they have already learned how to grow it. Success is guaranteed if you follow the basic rules:

• Rosemary loves light and warmth. Therefore, a landing site must be chosen appropriately.
• It does not tolerate frost at all. Landing in the ground is possible only after the final passage of the night cold.
• soil for rosemary should be calcareous, loose and light. It is difficult to take root in acidic or fatty soils.
• Rosemary loves moisture. But it does not tolerate waterlogging.
• If you are growing rosemary in a pot, it is advisable to turn it periodically around its axis so that the course grows evenly.

Rosemary is grown in 4 ways: by cuttings, layering and dividing the bush. The depth of sowing when sowing in the ground is 1.5 cm. Shoots appear in a month. To speed up this process, pre-soak the seeds. A bed with sown seeds should be covered with a film. This will protect the soil from drying out and possible frosts. Regular garden care - regular watering, loosening, weed removal.

Growing seedlings from seeds- the best option. Seedlings can be sown in February-March, and planted in the ground after the onset of stable heat.

In open ground, seedlings should be planted at a distance of 50-60 cm if you plan to grow shrubs (with subsequent shelter for the winter). If you want to grow rosemary for greenery, it is enough to plant them at a closer distance - 10-15 cm.

Propagation by cuttings. Young shoots 8-10 cm are cut from the bush around the end of June. Then they are stuck at an angle into the ground by about half. The stalk should be previously exposed and processed in "Kornevin" or any other similar agent. Cuttings root fairly quickly.

You can do it differently. Peel a 10-centimeter stalk from the lower leaves and place in a dark glass vase with water. Add a couple of pills activated carbon. After about 2 weeks, roots will appear, after which you can plant in a pot.

If you have rosemary in a pot, repot it regularly. If you see that the plant does not get drunk after watering (water immediately drains), this means that the pot is full of roots. So the plant needs to be transplanted urgently.

You also need to pinch the tops at the points of growth. So the plant will be more bushy.

If you grow rosemary in open ground, then before wintering it must be well covered. When it snows, add more snow. But in a harsh winter, the plant can still die. Therefore, the best option is to dig up the plant and transplant it into boxes, and then place it in the basement.

Rosemary(Rosmarinus) is a fragrant evergreen shrub that has thin, needle-like leaves. Rubbing a leaf of rosemary between your fingers, you can easily feel the fresh, subtle, slightly coniferous aroma. The flowering rosemary bush is very beautiful, it is covered with pale lilac flowers, sometimes they can be white or pink. Rosemary is highly valued in cooking and aromatherapy due to the essential oil it contains.

The homeland of this plant from the Yasnotkovy family is the west of the Mediterranean coast, the roots are also hidden here. Latin name, which can be translated as "sea freshness" (from the Latin "ros" - freshness and "marinus" - sea).

Today, rosemary is popular all over the world, it has long been cultivated as a medicinal and aromatic plant.

Description of rosemary

In nature, rosemary can grow to the size of a small tree, and in cultural conditions it is usually a shrub no more than a meter high. The leaves of rosemary are shiny and dark green on one side, and matte and more so on the other. light shade. This shrub blooms in early summer. Its winter hardiness depends on the climatic zone, and in regions with a more severe climate, rosemary is recommended to be grown in containers in order to bring it into a cool room for the winter.

Rosemary has a pronounced rich camphor aroma, with sweetish notes, its smell resembles the smell of pine. The taste of rosemary is slightly sharp and very spicy.

Composition of rosemary

Rosemary leaves contain alkaloids, tannins, rosmarinic and ursolic acids, etc.

Also, in the leaves, upper parts of the shoots and flowers of rosemary there is essential (rosemary) oil, the maximum amount of which accumulates in the plant twice - at the time of full flowering and during shedding of fruits.

In the composition - pinenes, camphenes, cineole, limonene, camphor, paracymol, bornyl acetate, linalool, borneol, terpineol, bitterness and resins.

For the ancient Romans, rosemary was a symbol of fidelity and memory, even at that time people believed that it had a stimulating effect on the brain. Rosemary was used to decorate public spaces and temples, it was used in magical rituals and during religious ceremonies, as well as at funerals and weddings. For a long time, to disinfect the air in the wards where sick people lay, they burned rosemary and juniper cones. The fresh and healing aroma of rosemary is due to the high amount of essential oil found throughout the plant.

Attributing magical powers to rosemary, the ancient Romans believed that the delicate lilac-blue color of its flowers is due to the fact that a shrub grows on the seashore and, washing by its waters, always has such a shade, therefore rosemary was also called "sea dew".

Until now, in some countries, newlyweds are given sprigs of rosemary on their wedding day as a symbol of well-being and mutual understanding.

Useful properties of rosemary

As not very popular in Russia, although it is widely cultivated in India, Africa, Southern Europe, the Crimea and the Philippines. Adding rosemary to food improves digestion and increases the secretion of gastric juice.

The medical use of rosemary is due to its ability to increase blood pressure, increase heart contraction, fight nervous tension and stress. Water infusion of rosemary also has tonic and choleretic properties. In combination with lavender, rosemary water infusion has a beneficial effect on people who have had a stroke, due to the fact that it has the ability to improve cerebral circulation, positively affect vision and memory.

Rosemary also helps to cope with colds, as its volatile substances effectively purify indoor air from pathogenic microbes accumulating in it. Rosemary fights streptococci, staphylococci, yeast and E. coli.

Internal application. Annual shoots of rosemary and its leaves are used in folk medicine as an astringent for amenorrhea, as a tonic for impotence. It is used to treat nervous disorders in menopause as a sedative. For stomach cramps and pain in the heart, rosemary is used as an analgesic.

Outdoor application. Rosemary is also used for rheumatism, thrombophlebitis, neuritis, leucorrhea, mumps, and also as a wound healing agent.

Contraindications to the use of rosemary

Application of rosemary

Flowers, leaves, and young shoots of rosemary are used as spices, both fresh and dried. Rosemary is added to food in small quantities due to the saturation of the aroma. This spice goes especially well with fish, minced meat, fried poultry, mushrooms. It is also added to vegetable dishes and soups, as well as salads. A popular combination of rosemary with white and red cabbage, it is also added to marinades. To give a spicy taste, rosemary is added to soft cheeses, game meat, lamb, pastry and potatoes. The famous dish of Georgian cuisine "Satsivi" (boiled chicken with spices and nuts in a spicy sauce) is always prepared with rosemary.

In cooking, rosemary is also used to flavor oils and salts. With antioxidant properties, rosemary is a natural food preservative.

Young shoots and flowers of rosemary are used in the bakery and liquor industry.

Rosemary essential oil is used in the perfumery and cosmetics industry and aromatherapy. Rosemary essential oil is used for aromatizing rooms, taking baths, for massages, body wraps, etc. Rosemary oil has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair and skin, it is added to lotions, creams and conditioners. Scientists have also discovered the anti-aging antioxidant properties of carnosolic acid, which is found in rosemary essential oil.

To create a pleasant aroma and deodorize the air in the house, you can place dried rosemary leaves and flowers in a special woven sachet. As part of a potpourri, rosemary will also allow you to enjoy a wonderful aroma for several months.

The beautiful bark of rosemary and its size make it suitable for growing bonsai. And, despite the fact that rosemary is of southern origin, it can be successfully grown in Russia. It is best to do this in tubs, which in winter it is desirable to store indoors at a temperature not lower than + 5 ° C.

Romanchukevich Tatiana
for women's magazine site

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Rosemary spice (Rosmarinus officinalis) is the leaves (fresh and dry) of semi-shrub evergreen plants of the Lamiaceae family, translated from Greek as "sea dew". The spice has a strong aroma with coniferous and camphor notes, the taste of rosemary is slightly pungent.

The use of rosemary in cooking
As a spice, fragrant fresh or dried rosemary leaves are used. It is a strong spice that can overwhelm others, so it should be used in small amounts. Rosemary does not lose its properties during heat treatment; this spice can be added at the very beginning of cooking.
Rosemary is good for marinating and soaking game, pork, lamb, rabbit meat - it helps to rid the meat of unpleasant odors and add a rosemary smell and notes of taste.

Rosemary is also used in sauerkraut, pickling vegetables and mushrooms, and in canning.
Rosemary can also be used to flavor the smoke of fires or charcoal barbecues. Poultry can be wrapped in rosemary sprigs before roasting or grilling.
In general, rosemary goes well with any meat dishes - fried, grilled, baked, stewed, boiled meat, minced meat, goulash. Moreover, it is believed that the spice rosemary fights carcinogens formed during high-temperature processing of foods.

Rosemary is especially good with cheese. Mushroom dishes with rosemary are a win-win option. You can add a little rosemary to dishes with eggs.
A variety of vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, spinach, peas, beans, cauliflower and just cabbage, potatoes ...) in combination with rosemary show their best qualities in soups, salads, stews ...

A little rosemary is added to wine punch, some recipes for grog and liqueurs, and tea.
Rosemary spice is suitable for first, second courses, salads, snacks, drinks, pastries and even jelly.
Italians use rosemary in pizza and pastas. Italians traditionally cook lamb with rosemary.
Rosemary is wonderful in sauces. If you add rosemary leaves to a bottle of vinegar, the spice will give it fresh shades, flavor it in an original way.

Rosemary goes well with other spices, is part of mixtures of bouquet garni, Italian herbs, Herbs of Provence. Rosemary can replace bay leaf, but combining these spices is not recommended.

Medicinal uses of the spice rosemary
Rosemary leaves contain a large number of essential oils (cineole, camphor, borneol, limonene, pinene, camphene, bornyl acetate), tannins, resins, bitterness, etc.
Rosemary, thanks to camphor, has an antiseptic and soothing effect, stimulates nervous activity, blood circulation, respiration, and digestion. Used in dentistry. Indicated for epileptics. Rosemary tones, restores, strengthens the body. Rosemary improves the cardiovascular system. Helps with loss of strength and sexual weakness.
Rosemary improves memory and mental activity in general.
Recently, the antioxidant effect of rosemary has been proven - it prevents aging, helps to remove toxins, acts as a urine and choleretic agent.
When used externally, rosemary oil and decoctions strengthen the hair and cleanse the skin.
Wine infused with rosemary dilates blood vessels, tones, improves well-being, helps to wake up.
Rosemary increases blood pressure, enhances the work of the heart muscle.
Rosemary stimulates appetite, improves the functioning of the stomach and intestines, and prevents flatulence. It also fights colds, sore throats, helps with asthma and headaches.
With gout, neuritis, neuralgic pains, ointments for rubbing and baths from rosemary infusions are used.
In general, it is believed that rosemary improves mood, relieves nervous tension, and helps to relax.
The famous elixir of youth of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary (at the age of 72 she captivated the beauty and youth of the Polish king, who offered her a hand and heart), known as "Hungarian Water" contains rosemary essential oil.
Hypertensive patients and pregnant women should use rosemary very carefully.

Description of rosemary spice
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a species of perennial semi-shrub evergreen highly branched plants of the Lamiaceae family, reaching 2 m in height.
The homeland of rosemary is the Mediterranean, where it is still cultivated, as well as in Asia Minor, the Crimea, the Caucasus, England, the USA (Florida), Mexico.
Rosemary leaves are dark green and shiny, and underneath are lighter and matte, needle-like with a pleasant aroma. If you rub a rosemary leaf between your fingers, you can feel its fresh, slightly coniferous smell. Blooming rosemary is completely covered with pale purple (rarely pinkish or white) flowers. Seeds are brown, small.
Rosemary has a burning, bitter taste, with a pleasant resinous, camphorous smell.
Dried rosemary leaves are used as a spice. For the spice, the tenderest leaves from the top third of the branches are harvested and then dried in the shade to retain their aroma. Collection begins at 3-4 years of plant life. The finished spice is very fragile, having a convex top surface and a folded bottom. Store the spice in a cool dry dark place.
Fresh rosemary leaves also produce essential rosemary oil (pinene, camphene, paracymol, cineol, limonene, camphor, borneol, terpineol, bornylacetate, caryophyllene, isoalantolactone).
In addition to the essential oil, rosemary contains low-toxic alkaloids, ursolic and rosmarinic acids. Flavonoids, terpenoids, diterpene glycosides, quinones, terpenic acids, carnasol, carnasidic acid and phenolcarboxylic acids have been isolated from rosemary raw materials. Relatively recently, a new compound, 7-methoxyrosmanol, has been isolated, as well as betulin and cirsimaritin, previously isolated from other plants, have been identified.
Rosemary is propagated mainly by cuttings, less often by layering and seeds.

History of rosemary spice
Rosemary has been known to us since biblical times. The homeland of spices is considered the Mediterranean. Since ancient times, rosemary has been used as a spicy and medicinal plant.
There are several versions of the origin of the name rosemary: Latin Rosmarinus - sea dew, sea freshness (Pliny wrote that rosemary flowers have such an attractive color due to the fact that sea foam, falling on the flowers, turns them blue); Greek rhops - shrub and meron - balsam.
The ancient Greeks dedicated it to Aphrodite (the Romans - to Venus) and believed that a wonderful plant can make a person happy, get rid of bad dreams, and preserve youth.
The ancient Greeks, following the Egyptians, in addition to medicinal and culinary uses, used rosemary instead of incense, and also made wreaths from it. Hippocrates prescribed rosemary for liver diseases. The Romans loved rosemary honey, it was considered a symbol of lovers, used for decoration public places during solemn ceremonies.
It is clear that rosemary was spread by the Romans throughout Europe. In the Middle Ages, rosemary was considered a symbol of memory and fidelity - it’s not for nothing that Shakespeare’s Ophelia says: “Here’s rosemary ... This is for memory ... Don’t forget, dear, don’t forget ...” The famous botanist Nicholas Culpeper claimed that rosemary improves weakened memory, and the ancient Germanic herbalists say: “Rosemary helps with weakness of the brain. Put the leaves in wine, warm it up and let the patient inhale its vapors ... "
In the Middle Ages, rosemary was thrown into fires during plague epidemics to disinfect the air. Rosemary is found in many funeral coats of arms. Later, rosemary became a symbol not only of funerals, but also of weddings; peasants traditionally included sprigs of rosemary in the bride's bouquet (in the 18th century, rosemary was replaced by sprigs of myrtle), as a symbol of fidelity and long happy love.
During the Renaissance, rosemary was part of many pharmaceutical medicines.
Europeans brought rosemary to New World where it is still loved and cultivated.
In Russia, rosemary appeared around the 16th century, there is a mention of it in Domostroy: “Rosemary oil is suitable for many medicines ... The same oil helps stagnant veins in which the blood freezes: smear with that oil, and everything will pass. Whiskey is smeared with the same oil - it strengthens the memory and gives a sharp mind ... "

The well-known Mediterranean rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) belongs to the evergreen perennial subshrubs from the mint family. Translated from Latin, ros marinus means "sea dew". Among the people, this fragrant strongly branched plant has other names. It is often called the bride's dress, incense grass, sea dew, wedding color...

Its branches are covered with narrow small leaves resembling needles. From above they are dark green, leathery, and from below they are white tomentose with a characteristic smell. Their aroma is reminiscent of the intertwining aromas of camphor, eucalyptus, pine and lemon.

Amazingly fragrant violet-blue flowers are small, collected in inflorescences. This heat-loving branchy shrub blooms from February to May and, like it, can reach a height of up to 2 meters.

The birthplace of rosemary is the western Mediterranean, and it is not for nothing that its aroma resembles the freshness of the sea. Currently, its wild species can be seen in almost all countries of Southern Europe.

In our country, rosemary is cultivated as an essential oil plant, mainly in Transcarpathia and the Crimea, since it does not withstand prolonged frosts. Rosemary is used primarily as an aromatic and medicinal plant.

Since ancient times, it has been revered and considered sacred in Greece, Italy, Egypt, as evidenced by many legends. For example, the inhabitants of Rome and Greece often wore wreaths woven from rosemary branches on their heads. It was believed that wearing them activates mental activity, and also improves memory.

In the Middle Ages, due to its antiseptic properties, this needle grass was used against plague and other epidemics. In some European countries, according to tradition, the grave-bearers still carry sprigs of rosemary with them. And drawings of rosemary branches can be seen on Egyptian tombstones.

AT Ancient Greece this wonderful plant was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. The Greeks believed that it brings happiness, protects from bad dreams, preserves beauty and youth.

According to the sources of 1870, it is known that the famous “Water of the Hungarian Queen” or as it was also called the “Elixir of Youth” included miraculous rosemary in its composition, it was he who helped turn the ailing princess into a beautiful beauty, whose hands and hearts the king himself sought Polish.

In ancient times, in order for the washed linen to absorb the smell of freshness, the inhabitants of the Mediterranean dried it by hanging it on rosemary bushes. They also used this wonderful plant as a preservative for food storage, especially meat and fish.

As a spice, this fragrant plant has been known since ancient times and today is widely used in aromatherapy and herbal medicine, cooking and cosmetics. Currently, this fragrant spice is popular not only in the Mediterranean countries, but also in Western European countries, as well as in the United States. Unfortunately, in the countries of the former CIS, it is not widely popular.

Rosemary harvesting

For treatment, one-year shoots and leaves collected before flowering are harvested. In order to preserve the essential oil as much as possible during drying, it is necessary to dry the raw materials in the shade, and the temperature should not exceed +35 degrees.

Rosemary is very thermophilic and practically does not tolerate even small frosts. Therefore, if you have frosty winters, it can be successfully grown in a pot.

To do this, we take a rosemary stalk, place it in a small container with water, wait for the roots to appear, after which we transplant it into a room pot with good soil and place it on the windowsill on the south side.

Rosemary has choleretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, as well as tonic, antidepressant and antioxidant properties. The most powerful of the antioxidants that have a beneficial effect on the immune system is rosmarinic acid.

Rosemary is rich in vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, folic acid and niacin. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, fats and many macro and microelements.

But the most valuable is the essential oil obtained from rosemary. It is used to treat eczema different kinds rashes, burns, used for scabies, pediculosis and abscesses.

Rosemary is a good stimulant of the human immune system. Especially effective for heart disease, low blood pressure, colds, male sexual weakness. For the treatment of radiculitis and rheumatism, it can be used by adding it to baths, as well as in ointments for rubbing diseased areas.

Rosemary is an excellent antiseptic and is often included in toothpastes. It is very useful for normal metabolism, blood circulation, after strokes, when restoring activity. gastrointestinal tract, swelling of the legs, menopause, to relieve various spasms.

To improve weakened memory, a head massage with the essential oil of this wonderful plant is useful, it prevents age-related changes in the brain, and helps prevent Alzheimer's disease.

In cosmetology, rosemary is known as an effective remedy for combating overweight and cellulite. The beneficial effect of this plant on the skin contributes to its rejuvenation.

Essential oil derived from rosemary is especially useful for hair care. Positively affecting not only the hair, but also the scalp, it disinfects and tones it, improves blood circulation.

Thanks to regular head massage using essential oil, hair growth is enhanced, hair loss is significantly reduced, the appearance of gray hair is slowed down, and dandruff disappears.

For example, a head massage with rosemary and castor oil taken in equal parts strengthens the hair well, making it shiny and silky. Rubbing rosemary oil for two weeks can even stop baldness.

And by adding essential oils of basil and tea tree, you will get an excellent antibacterial agent for the treatment of many diseases of the scalp.

For those with dry hair

Mix olive oil (50 g) and egg yolk, add 2-3 drops of rosemary oil. Then this mixture is gently applied to the hair for 30 minutes, after which I wash my hair with shampoo.

For oily hair

Mix jojoba oil (10 g) with grape stone oil (20 g), add a couple of drops of rosemary oil. The resulting product is applied for 1 hour on the hair. We also wash off the mask with shampoo.

dandruff mask recipe

Burdock oil (3 tablespoons) is mixed with pre-melted cocoa butter (3 tablespoons) and 3-4 drops of rosemary oil. This mixture is applied to the hair, hold for 3 hours, then rinse with shampoo.

hair loss mask recipe

We take burdock and castor oil in equal parts, add 2 drops of rosemary oil to them. We mix all the ingredients of the mask and keep it on the hair for 40 minutes, after which we wash our hair with shampoo.

Recipes for the use of rosemary in folk medicine

Infusions, tinctures, powder, decoctions and essential oils from rosemary are often used in folk medicine. So the use of alcohol rosemary tincture improves the functioning of the heart and blood circulation.

Dried rosemary powder is effective at low pressure. Decoctions normalize the work of the intestines and stomach, gallbladder, and rosemary infusions will be useful for thrombophlebitis.

With weakening of memory, loss of strength, colds and depression, rosemary tea is recommended according to the following recipe:
Pour chopped dried rosemary leaves (1 teaspoon) into a quarter cup of boiling water, insist for 15 minutes, filter well. We drink in small sips, slowly, a glass twice a day. The drink must be warm.

At low pressure, rosemary works best when boiled with white grape wine or when to infuse homemade white wine on it.

Cholagogue
Powder: Dried rosemary is ground to a powder. The resulting rosemary powder is taken three times a day, 2 grams each.

For soothing compresses for pain and for the treatment of leucorrhea in women, a full glass of a mixture of rosemary leaves, sage leaves and mint leaves in a ratio of 4:10:5 is poured with boiling water so that it is steamed and infused a little. Apply warm. In the same way, compresses are made for inflammation of the middle ear, parotitis, and various ulcers.

Baths with the addition of rosemary leaves should be taken for sciatica and the treatment of rheumatism.
With diseases of the respiratory system and bronchial asthma, smoking cigarettes also from rosemary leaves, but already dried and crushed, helps.

Contraindications

It is strictly forbidden to take rosemary and preparations from it.

• during pregnancy (this can provoke a miscarriage),
• epilepsy and allergy to rosemary;
• it is not recommended to use it for exacerbation of gastrointestinal ulcers;
• tendency to convulsions;
• also to children.

Its overdose can disrupt the functioning of the kidneys, lead to various disorders, vomiting, uterine bleeding, liver pathology, and even fatal pulmonary edema.

Before using preparations from rosemary, consulting a doctor is mandatory!

In cooking, rosemary leaves and flowers are often added to dishes as a spice. They are collected, dried, after which they are crushed into powder and put on sale.

One of the most popular fragrant mixtures in France, "garni bouquet" and "herbs of Provence" include this spice in their composition. In Italian cuisine, pasta is flavored with it and added to pizzas.

The leaves of this amazing plant do not lose their aroma even with long heat treatment. Therefore, they can be successfully used for stewing, baking and frying various products.

Rosemary is in perfect harmony with peas, spinach, cabbage, zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, eggs and mushrooms. Its ground leaves are especially good with cheese dishes, and they are also a good addition to various sauces and soups.

Rosemary leaves go well with any meat, they are added to the preparation of marinated meat dishes. They give the meat a pleasant aroma, perfectly drowning out the specific natural smell. Before roasting on charcoal or grill, the game is wrapped with rosemary sprigs.

The leaves of this wonderful plant are added to vegetable dishes as an addition. A small amount of rosemary leaves will add a refreshing flavor to salads.

Rosemary is a highly effective natural antioxidant, it keeps food from spoiling for a long time.

We bring to your attention a healthy and very simple recipe for potatoes.
Recipe: Take a few large potato tubers, wash them well, cut into 4 parts, salt and put on a baking sheet.

Then add a few rosemary leaves, pour a little olive oil on top and bake in the oven until tender.

It should be noted that red vegetables (beets, tomatoes, etc.) do not combine with rosemary. It is also not recommended to add it to fish dishes and light marinades so as not to overpower their natural flavor.

It is not advisable to use rosemary spice with bay leaves, as the aromas of these spices are largely identical. However, spices such as black pepper, parsley, thyme, basil perfectly complement rosemary.

How to properly use rosemary spice?

Because of the rich aroma, it is used quite a bit, in dried form - a pinch, and fresh - a small sprig is enough. So that the dish does not have a bitter aftertaste, add this spice at the end of cooking.

How to properly store rosemary?

Ground rosemary loses its flavor quickly, so it's best to buy whole rosemary leaves. Properly it should be stored in a dry form for no more than a year in tightly closed dark-colored glass jars. And fresh - will be perfectly stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

All about rosemary video