Surprising uses of rosemary in the kitchen and beyond
Until recently, for me rosemary was nothing more than a "simple" aromatic herb that added a delicious touch to my dishes. I used it regularly to spice up a roast chicken, flavour a rice dish with rabbit or flavour an Italian focaccia. But today, a memory from my childhood came to mind: a glass jar my grandmother kept in her apothecary, an amber liquid in which rosemary sprigs floated and which, of course, she never let me touch. When I asked her, she told me it was rosemary alcohol, and that's where it stayed, until today. What would my grandmother use this homemade "potion" for? Looking for information, not only have I found the answer to this question, but I have been amazed with the multiple medicinal, aesthetic and therapeutic uses and applications of this plant, far beyond its culinary use. And I want to share them with you.
An essential aromatic herb in the kitchen
This Mediterranean plant, with its intense aroma and slightly bitter taste, is known to add a unique touch to a variety of dishes. Used in moderation, rosemary can transform a simple recipe into a flavorful delight.
- Roasted meats: Rosemary is perfect for flavoring meats such as chicken, lamb or pork. It can be added directly to food, or infused in oil or butter and then rubbed on pieces of meat before cooking.
- Accompaniments: A few chopped rosemary leaves can add a special twist and aroma to Parmesan crackers, rice or baked figs with goat cheese and honey. In addition, their freshness and earthy flavor harmonize perfectly with sauces and soups.
- Bakery: Even in the bakery, rosemary is used to give an aromatic touch to breads, bretzels and focaccias, providing a delicious contrast between the sweetness of the dough and the strong flavor of the herb.
Much more than that: the medicinal remedies of rosemary
Although rosemary is commonly known for its culinary applications, this aromatic plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Europe and Asia. Since ancient times, rosemary has been used to treat a variety of ailments, and today it continues to be a valuable health resource.
- Improving digestion: Rosemary has been used for centuries to treat digestive problems. Rosemary infusion can help reduce gas and relieve the feeling of stomach heaviness. It is also believed to stimulate bile production, which can help digest fats better. To prepare a digestive infusion, simply add a teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves in a cup of hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of rosemary make it an ally to relieve muscle and joint pain. Rosemary alcohol (like the one my grandmother had in her apothecary) is used to massage sore areas. It is also commonly used to soothe headaches by applying it to the temples.
- Improve blood circulation: Rosemary is known for its positive effects on circulation. It is believed to help stimulate blood flow, which can be beneficial in relieving tired legs and improving oxygenation of muscles.
Rosemary in esthetics: care for skin and hair
In addition to its medicinal benefits, rosemary also plays an important role in personal care. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties make it very popular in skin and hair treatments.
- Hair care: Rosemary is excellent for the scalp, as it helps stimulate circulation, which can promote hair growth. It also has antimicrobial properties that make it effective for treating dandruff or excess oil in the hair. To take advantage of these benefits, you can make a concentrated infusion of rosemary, cool it and use it as a rinse after washing your hair.
- Skin care: Thanks to its antioxidant power, rosemary can protect the skin against free radical damage, helping to prevent premature aging. It also has antibacterial properties that make it useful for fighting acne and other skin problems. You can prepare a facial toner by adding a few sprigs of rosemary to boiling water and applying it (once cooled) to the skin after cleansing.
Other home remedies with rosemary
Here are some other home remedies with rosemary that you can try:
- Rosemary alcohol: As I mentioned before, rosemary alcohol is one of the most well-known remedies. It can be prepared by filling a jar with fresh rosemary branches and covering them with 70º alcohol. After 15 days of maceration in a dark place, the alcohol is ready to be used for massage to relieve muscle pain, improve circulation and relieve joint pain.
- Rosemary infusion for digestion: To prepare a digestive infusion, simply boil water and add a few sprigs of fresh or dried rosemary. Let it steep for 10 minutes and consume after meals. This drink will help relieve stomach upset and heavy digestions.
- Rosemary hair rinse: To combat hair loss and dandruff, prepare a concentrated rosemary tea and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing. Rosemary will stimulate the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.
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Patricia
