Rosemary
Other plantsThe Queen’s Water
In the 17th century, the physician Jean Prévost reported discovering a strange recipe attributed to a queen of Hungary in an old manuscript.
According to legend, at the age of 72, ill and suffering from gout, the queen received a rosemary preparation from a mysterious hermit. After using it, she is said to have regained her health, her strength and even her youth, to the point that a king of Poland supposedly asked for her hand in marriage.
Medicinal properties
Leaves
Traditionally used as an infusion to support digestion. Their carminative effect helps expel gas and relieve bloating.
Leaves
Rosemary is traditionally used externally to relieve muscle and joint pain. Its leaves are steeped in a vegetable oil, then the strained oil is massaged into sore muscles or painful joints.
Recipe
Rosemary Infused Oil
- Plant part
- leaves
- Duration
- 2 to 3 weeks
Ingredients
- Dried rosemary leaves
- Sweet almond or sunflower oil, enough to cover the leaves
Preparation
- Half-fill a clean, completely dry jar with rosemary leaves.
- Pour in the oil until it covers the leaves by about 2.5 cm.
- Seal the jar and let it infuse for 2 to 3 weeks away from direct light.
- Gently shake the jar once a day and make sure the leaves remain submerged.
- Strain carefully, then store the oil in jars.
Sources and references
- Szima Viktória. Magyar Királyné Vize. Magyar Nemzeti Levéltár, Fejér Vármegyei Levéltára. 20 March 2026.
- Andrade JM, Faustino C, Garcia C, Ladeiras D, Reis CP, Rijo P. Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity. Future Science OA. 2018;4(4):FSO283. doi:10.4155/fsoa-2017-0124.
