Rosemary Leaf is an aromatic herb in the mint family that grows on an evergreen bush. It is mainly used in cooking but has a magnificent woodsy smell that is immense in air fresheners and aromatherapy mixes. It is a trendy herb generally used in cooking to add flavor to food. While its culinary potential knows no bounds, what’s not so usually known is that rosemary also has a lot of health benefits. Some of the most attractive and sole health benefits of rosemary include its ability to boost memory, improve mood, reduce irritation, mitigate pain, protect the immune system, stimulate circulation, detoxify the body, protect the body from bacterial infections, avert premature aging, and heal skin conditions.
Health Benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary has wide-ranging health benefits that are the issue of much modern research.
Memory Booster: One of the initial reported or documented uses of rosemary for health reasons was as a cognitive tonic. It was said to develop memory and help to enhance intelligence and focus. While many of those claims are still being researched and studied, its possessions on the brain do specify an increase in memory preservation, which is never a bad thing; keeping your mind quick will help to keep it young.
Immune System Strength: The vigorous apparatus in rosemary are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic in nature. This represents a three-pronged attack against many dissimilar diseases and pathogens that could intimidate the immune system or harm the reliability of the body.
Cancer: In addition to the benefits rosemary has on your mental state of mind, it can also struggle stern physical problems. According to one study done on mice reported in the journal Cancer Research, rosemary could perhaps be used in skin cancer treatments to help decrease the widen of cancer cells. The study found that function of rosemary extract helped block skin tumor cells.
Rosemary extracts have also been found to inhibit the growth of some cancer cells, such as the cells in lung carcinoma. Another study published in the journal Biofactors revealed that rosemary works as an antioxidant by protecting healthy cells.
Stomach Soother: Rosemary has by tradition been used by dozens of cultures as a natural medication for upset stomachs, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and everything in between. Its anti-inflammatory and tonic possessions are largely the cause of these effects, so adding rosemary to your weekly diet can quickly help you control your bowel movements and your gastrointestinal organism.
Breath Freshener: As a natural antibacterial agent, rosemary works as a wonderful breath freshener that also develops your oral health. Steep rosemary leaves in a glass of hot water and then gargle or swish the water in your mouth to abolish bacteria and give you obviously fresh and clean breath.
Stimulate Blood Flow: Rosemary acts as a stimulant for the body and boosts the production of red blood cells and blood flow. This helps to oxygenate vital organ systems and areas of the body, ensuring that the metabolic activities in those areas are running smoothly, in addition to stimulating the movement of nutrients to cells that require repair.
Alopecia: Alopecia is a disease that causes hair loss, and it can be painful for many people. However, rosemary has been shown in some instances to help treat the disease. In one study, published in the Archives of Dermatology, 43 people with alopecia massaged their scalps with essential oils of rosemary, thyme, lavender, and cedarwood daily for seven months. Almost half of them saw hair growth. Researchers concluded that these essential oils are a safe and effective treatment for alopecia.
Skin Health: The anti-aging properties of rosemary are quite well known. Although more commonly thought of in the essential oil form, the leaves of rosemary can also effect the skin internally or topically, and has been shown to improve the youthful quality of the skin, while also healing blemishes and increasing the natural shine and hydrated appearance of your body’s largest organ.
Uses of Rosemary
- Rosemary can be infused into an oil and used outwardly for skin irritations like eczema and joint problems like arthritis
- Internally, it is best added to foods as a cooking spice, though a mild tea of Rosemary Leaf can help fight illness when sipped
- Rosemary infused oil is a rigorous treatment for bad dandruff of hair loss and can be rubbed on hair, left for at least an hour and washed out- this truly develops scalp provision.
- It has also been reported to speed healing of wounds and bruises when used externally
- Rosemary Oil can be used externally in times of illness to speed improvement by rubbing on the feet or any areas that are sore
- Used externally, Rosemary Oil can help sooth the stomach and relieve pain from indigestion, menstrual cramps or other difficulties
- Pregnant women should not use Rosemary in huge amounts (cooking is fine) and should evade the essential oils.
Rosemary Oil Uses and Benefits
Considered sacred by ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Hebrews rosemary is much more than an aromatic herb that tastes good on potatoes and roasted lamb. It’s also one of the most prevailing herbs and essential oils on the planet.
When applied over the scalp rosemary essential oil helps stimulate hair growth. Many people also claim that it can stop baldness, slows graying, and can be used to care for dandruff and dry scalp.
Side effects of rosemary
While rosemary can be helpful to your health, it’s not for everyone to use. The herb should only be taken in small doses. Avoid rosemary if you’re pregnant or nursing, as it can be an abortifacient, a product that could stimulate an abortion. Patients with high blood pressure should also avoid taking rosemary as a supplement.
Though culinary use of rosemary is safe, you should always consult with your doctor before trying any new supplements or treatments. Check to see if rosemary oils will interfere with your diabetes or blood thinner medication. If your doctor gives you the all clear to use rosemary, you know it can definitely contribute to your health.
How to Harvest & Prepare Rosemary
Harvest your rosemary plant at any time – a daily or weekly pruning will actually contribute to a full and healthy plant. Simply snip the top two or three inches off each sprig and use as you desire. If you’re looking for an even bigger bounty, wait until the plant has begun to bloom and then remove the top few inches from each spring, being careful not to cut the plant too close.
Preserve your rosemary by bundling the clippings and hanging them upside down to dry in a warm area for approximately 10 to 14 days, Once dry, strip the stems (adding to the compost pile) and store the leaves in an air-tight jar.
In Summary
- Rosemary leaves are frequently used as a seasoning for food, particularly in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. The aromatic and sweet leaves can add flavor to meats and soups.
- Rosemary also has many health benefits and is used in aromatherapy, hair loss treatment, and even in fighting cancer and dementia.
- While rosemary can be beneficial to your health, it’s not suitable for everyone. The herb should only be taken in little doses.
