Mediterranean herb and medicinal ally

What is rosemary?

Rosemary, botanically Salvia rosmarinus or Rosmarinus officinalis, is one of the key herbs of Mediterranean cuisine. The aromatic sprigs of the shrub enhance a wide range of dishes, including grilled and vegetable dishes, stews, sauces, as well as herb blends for salad dressings and marinades. Beyond culinary use, rosemary is also used in herbal medicine, with the leaves gently dried to obtain valuable rosemary oil.

The name „Rosmarin" has its roots in Latin, where „ros marinus" means "dew of the sea". This name comes from the fact that rosemary often grows along Mediterranean coasts, where the moist sea air condenses at night into small dew drops on the flowers.

Originally, rosemary comes from the Mediterranean region and grows wild in its natural habitat. North of the Alps, however, it only thrives in particularly sheltered locations due to its low frost hardiness. The evergreen, heavily woody shrub can reach up to two metres in height and is characterised by widely branched stems with needle-like, leathery leaves. These leaves are glossy on the upper side, white-felted on the underside and rolled downwards. The pale blue to violet labiate flowers of rosemary appear from May to June.

Which valuable constituents does rosemary contain?

The composition of rosemary comprises a variety of constituents, with the proportion of essential oils being about 2.5%. The main components of these oils are terpenes such as borneol, cineole, carnosolic acid, terpineol, camphor, oleanolic acid, betulin, bornyl acetate and carnosol. In addition, there are about 8.0% tannins, among which rosmarinic acid is of particular importance. 

Furthermore, the plant contains a range of nutrients, flavonoids, resin, saponins, bitter substances and glycolic acid. Notable is the pentacyclic triterpenoid ursolic acid.

What health effects does rosemary have?

Rosemary can be used for numerous ailments. Rosemary has a digestive-stimulating effect and is especially helpful for bloating. The bitter compounds contained in the plant have a positive effect on the production of digestive juices and thus support smooth digestion. In addition, it has antispasmodic properties that act on the digestive tract.

For circulatory complaints, rosemary is used for its stimulating and invigorating effect. While it is taken internally for digestive problems, it is applied externally, often as a bath additive, to support circulation.

How is rosemary applied externally?

Rosemary is also applied externally to improve circulation. It helps with venous problems and rheumatic complaints. Diluted rosemary oil is suitable for rubbing in, taking care that essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin. The circulation-promoting properties of rosemary are considered helpful for muscle cramps and headaches.

Rosemary oil, with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, is used for inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes. Compresses and mouth rinses with rosemary support wound healing and even act against herpes viruses. In addition, rosemary has antioxidant properties that protect against free radicals.

What precautions should be taken when using rosemary?

Despite its positive effects, some precautions should be observed when using rosemary. Undiluted rosemary essential oil can cause skin irritation and, when applied externally, a low dosage should be chosen if there are pre-existing conditions such as heart weakness or severe circulatory problems.

Internal use should be discussed with a doctor, especially during pregnancy. Infants and young children should not come into contact with the essential oil, as it can cause breathing difficulties, primarily due to the camphor it contains.

How to make the best use of rosemary in your daily life: versatile applications

• Enjoy the healing power of rosemary in various forms, whether as a spice, tea, aromatherapy or cosmetically in soaps, baths, creams and hair tonic.
• If you cook rosemary sprigs with food, be aware that excessive heat can lead to the development of bitter compounds. If this flavour is not desired, add rosemary only shortly before the end of the cooking time (about 30 minutes before).
• Use rosemary tea for digestive complaints, nausea, kidney and bladder conditions, low blood pressure, menstrual complaints and fatigue. Drink the tea daily to alleviate states of exhaustion.
• Pour one teaspoon of dried or fresh chopped rosemary leaves over a quarter litre of boiling water. Let the tea steep for 8 to 10 minutes and drink it up to three times a day.
• Care for your scalp and combat hair loss and dandruff with rosemary in the hair tonic. For this rosemary hair tonic you need 500 ml of water, 3 to 5 fresh rosemary sprigs and a spray bottle. Chop the rosemary, bring it to the boil with the water and let the sprigs steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Pour the mixture through a sieve or a coffee filter into the spray bottle. Test the water for skin compatibility before use. Spray the homemade rosemary water onto the whole hair after washing, especially onto the scalp and hair roots. For noticeable improvement, apply regularly without rinsing out.
• Experience the wound-healing, pain-relieving and stimulating effects of rosemary in aromatherapy through room fragrance, massages and baths.
• Use rosemary as a room fragrance to achieve a mood-lifting effect in cases of stress, nervousness and depression.
• Dry rosemary easily yourself: tie the sprigs into small bundles and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place at 20 to 30 degrees. Drying then takes only a few days.
• Mix 4 drops of rosemary oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil for massages for joint and muscle pain as well as aching legs.
• Add 5 to 10 drops of rosemary essential oil to your full bath to relieve colds, joint and muscle pain and tension.
• Use older, pruned rosemary sprigs as skewers for grilled dishes and give your food the typical rosemary aroma.

Rosemary is not only a tasty spice in the kitchen but also a versatile medicinal plant. Its health-promoting properties, from supporting digestion to the potential to enhance concentration, make it an important resource for holistic well‑being. The many facets of rosemary underline its value as an enrichment for a healthy lifestyle.