Rosemary is commonly used to flavour soups, sauces, and meats. But beyond its culinary uses, this aromatic herb from the mint family boasts of an unending list of medicinal properties. It is known to be used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments over the centuries. From treating your skin (READ) and hair to household pests, rosemary does it all. So, let's take a look at how this herb can work wonders for your daily wellbeing.
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For your overall health
From boosting your memory to treating several types of cancers, rosemary does it all.
- Rosemary can rev up your grey cells and can improve your memory (Read: How Almonds Boost Your Memory). A research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience revealed that when the fragrance of rosemary was spread in a workplace, it helped in improving the memories of the employees. So, simply keep a rosemary plant at your office or home to give a boost to your memory.
- Another study in Cell Journal has found that carnosic acid in Rosemary has ‘neuroprotective’ properties as well. It stimulates your brain nerves and prevents memory loss caused due to ageing. So, it is a great discovery for Alzheimer's patients as well.
- Rosemary contains carnisol, which is a compound that can help to prevent breast cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and leukemia.
- Rosemary oil can help to relieve stomach cramps and pain caused, due to menstruation and indigestion. This oil is also known to relieve joint pain and muscle sores.
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For soft and shiny hair
Who does not want a beautiful and lustrous mane? Rosemary is your solution for it. It nourishes your scalp and promotes hair growth as well.
- Do you hate your rough and dry hair? Then you must regularly apply rosemary oil on your scalp. This oil increases the blood circulation in your scalp, thereby improving your hair quality.
- Another effective technique for dry hair is to rub rosemary oil on your hairbrush and run it through your scalp. Then, after three minutes, take a bristle brush and run it through your strands. Again, leave it for about three minutes. After the oiling session, shampoo your hair. You will be amazed at the bounce and shine you get.
- This oil is effective in treating dandruff as well. Add a small proportion of rosemary oil in your base oil, and massage the scalp gently. Wrap a hot wet towel and leave it for a few minutes. Shampoo your hair afterwards.
- Drinking rosemary tea can prevent hair loss too. All you have to do is boil a couple of leaves in water for a few minutes and drink it.
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For youthful complexion
A perfect ingredient for a wrinkle-free skin, rosemary enhances your complexion and tightens up your skin.
- Rosemary oil has anti-bacterial properties, which helps in preventing blemishes and pimples. It can also be used to soothe skin irritations.
- It is a natural astringent and can be used to cleanse oily skin. [Read: Best Ubtans (Facepack) Recipes For Fair Skin]
- If you get hurt, do not forget to rub some rosemary oil on your wound. Rosemary can prevent infections and is also known to speed up healing of wounds.
- It is a popular ingredient in anti-ageing creams. It increases cell regeneration, increases skin firmness and reduces puffiness. It also improves blood circulation in your skin and enhances your skin tone.
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Household uses
A perfect material for cleaning floors, this herb can also ward off pests and bugs.
- Rosemary deters small household pests like mice and rats. All you have to do is keep a few sprigs in your kitchen cabinets and watch it work its miracle.
- It is also an active ingredient in a number of bug sprays and is known to ward off mosquitoes.
- This herb has anticeptic properties as well. Boil a handful of rosemary leaves in two cups of water for ten minutes. Use this mixture as an antiseptic solution for cleaning your kitchen and bathroom floors.
A word of caution
Rosemary does not have any side effects as such, but doctors recommend that pregnant women should avoid its consumption in large amounts. It can lead to uterine contractions and in rare cases, even miscarriage. It can also lead to elevation of your blood pressure levels, so people with high blood pressure should avoid it.
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So, if you want those lustrous looking hair and a wrinkle-free skin, add this herb to your kitchen garden and pamper yourself. Or else, impress your in-laws with your shining and sparkling home!