What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen perennial herb that is part of
the mint family. It has needle-like leaves and is also known as
Rosmarinus Officinalis and Anthos. It is native to the Mediterranean
region and has been used in cooking, soaps, fragrances, cosmetics, and
herbal remedies for centuries. It is also known as a symbol of love and
traditionally its sprigs are used in wedding ceremonies. Studies have
found that it is rich in a number of components such as calcium,
potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, thiamin,
niacin, riboflavin, protein and dietary fiber which may explain its
long history of medicinal use. It also contains carnosic acid which is
known to promote cognitive performance and eye health.
What are the Health Benefits of Rosemary?
Rosemary has been used in the treatment of many health conditions for
centuries. Studies suggest that Rosemary may have anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anticarcinogenic, and
antioxidant activity. Therefore, it may help with digestive tract
problems, headaches, respiratory conditions, bad breath, body odor,
baldness, Oedema (fluid retention), neurological and cognitive problems,
macular degeneration, poor blood circulation, and arthritis. A few
preliminary results suggest that it may also relieve muscle pain,
increase menstrual flow, promote urine flow, prevent thrombosis or blood
clots, and improve hair growth.
Health Uses of Rosemary
Indigestion
Studies show that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of
rosemary may help with indigestion and gastrointestinal infections. In
fact, in Germany, rosemary has been approved as a safe and effective
herb for treating dyspepsia (impaired digestion). Therefore, drinking
Rosemary tea three times daily at the onset of indigestion, mild food
poisoning, diarrhea, and vomiting may help soothe your digestive tract
and relax the stomach. To make Rosemary tea, simply boil one to two
stems of Rosemary in a cup of water for 5 minutes, strain the stems and
add sugar or honey for taste.
Migraine Headaches
Aromatherapy with rosemary is an effective remedy for migraine
headaches. Studies have found that the soothing and stimulating
properties of Rosemary may help relieve stress related headaches by
promoting blood circulation in the brain and by lowering levels of the
stress hormone cortisol.
An effective home remedy for headaches and migraines is to inhale the
vapours of rosemary. Simply boil five or six fresh Rosemary stems or add
five to six drops of the essential oil into a medium size pot of water.
Once the water comes to a boil, place a towel over your head and inhale
the steam from the boiling pot by breathing deeply and slowly for about
10 minutes.
Anxiety and Stress
As mentioned earlier, Rosemary may help lower cortisol - the stress
hormone. Studies show that using rosemary may help increase
concentration and help with symptoms of anxiety and stress. Therefore,
drinking one cup of Rosemary tea daily may help keep you calm and
relaxed.
In one study, aromatherapy using Rosemary and Lavender essential oil
sachets showed significantly reduced stress levels in students before an
exam. To make Rosemary sachets, simply put a few drops of the essential
oil on 4-5 small cotton balls and tie them in a small 6 inch by 6 inch
piece of thin cotton or burlap fabric or put the cotton balls in a small
ready-made fabric sachet. Simply keeping the sachet beside you while
working or sleeping may help reduce stress and anxiety.
Improving Memory and Cognitive Performance
Research suggests that Rosemary contains an ingredient, carnosic acid,
that has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties which may control
free radical damage in the brain. Rosemary also improves blood
circulation, and better blood circulation in the brain promotes the
overall health of the brain. Therefore, drinking one cup of tea made
with 3-4 stems of Rosemary or taking one capsule of Rosemary extract
with carnosic acid (CA) daily may help protect against Alzheimer's
disease and memory loss and improve cognitive performance.
Weight Loss
A study done on rats at the National Institute of Health, Maryland,
found that long term use of Rosemary extract (which is rich in carnosic
acid) may moderate weight gain and improve the plasma lipids profile.
The study also noticed a significant reduction in serum triglycerides
and cholesterol levels. Therefore, drinking 1-3 cups of Rosemary tea or
taking one capsule of Rosemary extract daily may promote weight loss.
Bad Breath
Due to the aromatic, antibacterial and antiseptic properties of
Rosemary, it can effectively be used as a mouthwash for bad breath
caused by gingivitis or oral bacteria. To make Rosemary mouthwash,
simply boil 5 to 6 stems of fresh Rosemary in a litre of water for 10-15
minutes. Let it cool and then strain the water into an airtight bottle.
This organic Rosemary mouthwash can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Using Rosemary mouthwash, at least three times daily, may help eliminate
bad breath.
Body Odor
Studies show that the antiseptic and aromatic properties of Rosemary may
help reduce body odor. A simple body odor remedy is to boil 10-15 stems
of Rosemary in a quart of water and mix it into your bath water each
day to provide a fresh body scent as well as for relaxation purposes. A
simpler alternative is to add 10 drops of Rosemary essential oil to your
bath water instead of using fresh stems.
Improving Eyesight
A study done at Sanford-burnham Medical Research Institute concluded
that a key ingredient in Rosemary, carnosic acid, may significantly
improve eye health. A few clinical studies also suggest that Rosemary
extract may help with age-related eyesight loss and other eye conditions
that affect the outer retina and cause macular degeneration. Therefore,
simply drinking Rosemary tea 1-2 times daily or taking one capsule of
Rosemary extract daily may help improve the health of your eyes.
Anti-Aging Remedy
Antioxidants help neutralize the free radicals which damage cell
membranes and lead to cell death. Studies show that the antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory activity of Rosemary may help stimulate cell
regeneration, which in turn reduces skin puffiness and rejuvenates the
look of aging skin. For this reason, it is not surprising that Rosemary
has been used in anti-aging remedies for centuries and can be found in
many modern day anti-aging products. A simple home remedy for improving
the look of aging skin is to drink a cup of Rosemary tea once daily.
This same tea can also be cooled and applied to your hands and face with
a cotton pad overnight to stimulate blood circulation and refresh and
rejuvenate aging skin.
Congestion and Respiratory Conditions
Due to the healing properties of Rosemary, it has been used for
centuries in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as sinusitis,
laryngitis, nasal congestion, headaches caused by allergies, and colds.
Drinking Rosemary tea 2-3 times daily and inhaling Rosemary essential
oil vapours may help alleviate the symptoms of these respiratory
conditions. To make Rosemary tea, simply strip the needles of one stem
of Rosemary and put them in a cup of boiling water. Let it simmer for
about 5 minutes and add honey for taste. For Rosemary aromatherapy to
clear congestion, boil 5-6 stems of fresh Rosemary in a big pot of water
and cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam slowly for 10-15
minutes. Rosemary essential oil can also be used in a diffuser to treat
respiratory conditions.
Hair Loss
Poor blood circulation in the scalp may be a cause of hair loss. Since
rosemary is known to promote blood circulation, it may help stimulate
hair growth. A study suggests that mixing one drop each of rosemary,
lavender, thyme, and cedarwood essential oils together and massaging the
mixture into the scalp once per day for seven months may help prevent
hair loss. If you have sensitive skin, this mix of essential oils can be
added to one tablespoon of cold pressed almond or coconut oil before
massaging.
Arthritis
Studies show that oral and topical use of Rosemary may help treat
symptoms of arthritis. Rosemary contains carnosol and carnosic acid
which, according to a study, may help inhibit the inflammatory process
and may help treat sore and painful muscles and joints. Drinking
Rosemary tea twice daily and applying Rosemary essential oil onto sore
and inflamed muscles and joints before going to bed every night has
appeared to be an effective home remedy for many people suffering from
arthritis. For sensitive skin, 10 -15 drops of essential oil can be
diluted in a teaspoon of organic coconut or olive oil before applying.
Side Effects of Rosemary
Rosemary has been used in culinary dishes for years without any reported
adverse side effects. However, from a medicinal perspective, an
overdose of rosemary leaves or its extract may cause vomiting, muscle
spasms, and in some cases pulmonary edema or coma. Therefore, dried
rosemary should not be consumed in quantities of more than 4-6 grams per
day and rosemary essential oil should never be taken orally. The
therapeutic use of rosemary is not recommended for pregnant women. It is
also not recommended for patients who are taking medication for high
blood pressure, epilepsy, or diabetes, or any type of anticoagulants,
antidepressants, or diuretics since rosemary may affect the activity of
these medications. It is important to consult your physician before
using rosemary products in a medicinal capacity if you are taking any
medication or are pregnant.
Where and How to Buy Rosemary
Rosemary is available in many forms at grocery and herbal food stores.
It can be found in fresh or dried plant form, as well as in capsules,
alcohol tincture, essential oil, liquid extract, and tea forms. Fresh
rosemary can be purchased at most major grocery stores. When buying
fresh, make sure that the stems don't have any yellow or dark spots and
are deep sage in color. When buying in dried, oil, or other forms,
choose products which are made with organically grown, pesticide free
and nonirradiated rosemary leaves. For a better taste and more herbal
benefits, choose fresh rosemary instead of the dried variety.
