November at Amazingy is all about the health benefits of different plants and herbs. With fall on its way out and winter approaching, we’d like to introduce you to some of the lesser known spices and herbs that aren’t just great in the kitchen, but can also be incorporated into your beauty routine. After all, true beauty comes from the inside out!
Our forefathers and mothers knew the properties of rosemary all too well, and today rosemary continues to impress by providing a bountiful amount of nutrients and therapeutic uses. My favourite attributes of rosemary is its use in the beauty realm. Rosemary has received its fair share of scientific research and has now found its way onto the ingredient lists of cosmetics, especially for being a ‘clean label preservative.’ Working as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, rosemary is in skin cleansers, toners, creams, soaps and facial masks, the possibilities seem endless.
Rosemary is abundant in vitamin A and C, iron and calcium, and by utilising the nutrient profile it holds, rosemary will benefit your body in so many ways. Firstly, in the pathway of collagen synthesis, by supporting the structural protein found in skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage. Secondly, protection form free radicals, as both vitamin A and C work as an antioxidant to neutralise damage in the body. There is a lot of thorough research on the benefits of these vitamins and their connection with maintaining healthy skin, especially helping protect skin from wrinkles and aiding in cell repair.
Other important nutrients that rosemary contains are the B vitamins, which are required by every cell to create energy. The B vitamins that are abundant in rosemary are pantothenic acid (B5) pyridoxine (B6) and folate (B9), all specifically useful in promoting repair of structural DNA, which is beneficial for cell function and tissue repair.
There is a natural phyto-polyphenol called carnosol found in rosemary, which is a structural component of the plant having numerous protective roles in the body. It acts as a potent antioxidant and prevents skin from looking damaged, but also tightens, strengthens vein and helps to treat signs of aging. Carnsol also deregulates the inflammatory pathways from when the skin has been damaged, or infected. All in all it helps with cell growth and regeneration and is integral to helping maintain overall youthful health.
There are more and more studies popping up which demonstrate the benefits of the chemical composition of Rosemary. As it will destroy or at least try to prevent the development or growth of microorganisms such as fungus, bacteria or a virus that are present in the body or on the skin. It is important to hinder the spread of infection and is good for conditions such as acne. These antimicrobial properties also make it a good natural preservative by extending a products shelf life in cosmetic and some foods.
Rosemary, on top of everything else, also stimulates circulation, ensuring blood gets pumped to all the small veins in every corner of the body. The ability to pump more blood to vital organs is what makes this herb so profound for memory enhancement, as well as its use in cosmetics. The internal and external application promotes circulation of blood to the skins surface, in this way rejuvenating the cell and providing proper blood supply to reach the furthest parts of the body. By rubbing rosemary topically to your skin is the way it improves circulation and can help with hair loss, relieve muscle pain, and other skin conditions. On further investigation, I contacted a few brands who use rosemary in their products to get their take on things.
Caution: Rosemary does not usually have allergenic responses. But like all herbs, it does contain some parts that may have side effects to other medications. If unsure, always consult your health care provider.
Rosemary is versatile – internally and externally – and can be used in the kitchen and in the bathroom: As a herbal infusion or in facial cleansers, facial washes, creams and masks. In addition, it is a convenient and effective alternative to chemical products with questionable ingredients.
A rosemary infusion is easily be made:
Ingredients:
Method:
Remove stems from fresh rosemary. Fill jar with Rosemary, but do not pack too tightly, then top up with olive oil. Store in fridge. Shelf life 3 months. Can be eaten on salads, bread, or applied to skin or hair.
Alana is a qualified naturopath & nutritionist from Australia. After years of studying and first clinical experiences, she moved to Europe where she spent many years as a health editor and writer for Amazingy Magazine. In 2020 Alana started her online Health Practice based out of Berlin. She believes the body has the innate ability to heal itself. The core of her work is teaching individuals the foundations of nutrition for an abundance of energy, smooth digestion and vital health. The stuff she teaches we just weren't taught at school, but it is fundamental for excellent health for everyone. Get in touch with Alana via her website: https://alanabonnemann.com/
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