Rosemary leaves are suitable for internal and external use. Used internally, rosemary can be used to treat digestive problems such as stomach cramps, flatulence and bloating. At the same time, the plant is also said to stimulate appetite and the formation of digestive juices. Used externally in a supportive manner, rosemary relieves rheumatic complaints and circulatory problems.
Rosemary for skin and heart
Traditionally, rosemary alone is said to promote blood circulation to the skin and, in combination with other agents, to support the function of the cardiovascular system. According to experience, rosemary can therefore be used to treat coronary heart disease.
Application in folk medicine
In folk medicine, rosemary used to be taken to aid digestion, stimulate appetite, heal wounds, and as a flatulence reliever and heart tonic.
Today it is used externally in folk medicine for poorly healing wounds and inflammation of the skin (eczema) and internally for digestive complaints. Furthermore, rosemary is also said to act against bacteria, fungi and parasites, relieve headaches and nervous complaints and have analgesic effects on muscle and joint pain.
Homeopathic use of rosemary
In homeopathy, rosemary is also used for complaints in the gastrointestinal tract, such as flatulence and bloating. Furthermore, the leaves are used for menopausal symptoms, the oil inhaled for coughs and as an ingredient in massage oils to promote circulation and relieve pain in the limbs and nerves.
Ingredients of rosemary
Rosemary leaves contain 1-2.5% essential oil with the terpenes cineole, camphor and α-pinene as the main components. The exact composition of these compounds may vary to a greater or lesser extent depending on the origin of the plant.
The leaves of the plant also contain lamiaceous tannins with rosmarinic acid, bitter diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids and glycosides.
Rosemary: Indication
Medicinal use of rosemary can be found in the following cases:
- Digestive problems
- Indigestion
- Stomach cramps
- Flatulence
- Feeling of fullness
- Loss of appetite
- Rheumatic complaints
- Circulatory complaints
