Rosemary

Just a Rosemary sprig can transform any food's aroma, enhancing appetite. However, this flavourful herb also has incredible medicinal properties. In fact, many aromatic herbs have medicinal properties. Rosemary can be consumed raw, finely chopped, or cooked; one can even use its essential oil for health benefits.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Labiatae)) has a long history of use in folk medicine. It has been known for ages to be good for pain relief, reducing pains and spasms, helping with mental fatigue, and more.¹

Although Rosemary has been used in culinary practices and traditional medicine for a long time, it is regretful that modern medicine has paid so little attention to this wonderful herb. Following are some unique health benefits of Rosemary.

Health Benefits of Rosemary

Good For Brain, Emotional & Mental Health

This is perhaps the most common reason to use Rosemary. Moreover, brain disorders like dementia and emotional issues like anxiety and depression are on the rise globally – Rosemary can help in all these conditions. Of course, it might not cure these health issues, but it is undoubtedly helpful in the treatment of these issues.¹

Rosemary helps reduce oxidative stress, improves mood, and is suitable for enhancing memory. Due to its anti-inflammatory action, it may have a role in reducing the risk of dementia.¹Similarly, studies show that Rosemary is good for improving mood. It is frequently used as a part of aroma therapy. It may modulate neurotransmitters like GABAA, reduce cortisol levels, and modulate HPA-axis activity. Therefore, it is good for managing anxiety and depression and reducing pain sensation.¹

Promote Wound Healing

There are many ways in which it may help. It may be applied topically and consumed. Rosmarinic acid, one of the herb's active compounds, is known to kill infections, even antibiotic-resistant infections. It is also suitable for reducing inflammation and thus promoting wound healing.²
Improving Sleep

Of course, Rosemary is not a sedative, and that is beneficial. The use of Rosemary would not cause extreme sleepiness and is safe to use when driving or operating machinery. It helps improve sleep quality more naturally by reducing anxiety, calming down nerves, and improving mood. Rosemary also influences certain brain chemicals and thus improves sleep quality.³
Managing Headaches

Rosemary can help reduce pain sensation and inflammation and is also good for mood. Thus, it may be helpful for mild to moderate headaches of various origins. Its is also commonly used in the treatment of migraine headaches. In migraine, it is more likely to help when used along with other treatments.¹
Potent Antioxidant

One of the secrets of the Mediterranean diet is that it is rich in herbs. People living in Mediterranean regions have traditionally consumed many herbs, including Rosemary. However, now science realises these herbs are not merely for enhancing flavour but can also help prevent or manage diseases. Rosemary contains many polyphenols, like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, that are potent antioxidants. This means that Rosemary may help reduce the risk of various chronic ailments and exert anti-aging effects.⁴
Reduces Cancer Risk

It is well known that certain cancer types are less common among specific groups. This is due to different lifestyle choices, especially different dietary habits. Researchers believe that higher consumption of Rosemary by specific population groups may reduce inflammation and risk of certain cancer types like colon cancer. Interestingly, studies show that Rosemary may even have a role in managing cancers, as it can suppress cancer growth.⁵
Stress Management

One does not have to be living with some health issues to enjoy the health benefits of Rosemary. It is good for improving focus and uplifting mood. Studies show that even the smell of Rosemary is enough to reduce tension and anxiety. It may also reduce fatigue. Rosemary can enhance attention. One can use it in different ways, like whole herb, Rosemary oil, or consume it’s extract.⁶
Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control

Rosemary is good for metabolic health, too. One of the studies found that regular intake of Rosemary tea not only promoted weight loss and reduced insulin resistance, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.⁷

Side Effects of Rosemary

What makes Rosemary unique is its excellent safety profile. That is why people can consume this herb daily. There are some studies showing that Rosemary may be toxic at very high dosages. However, one is unlikely to consume it in those mega dosages. Its extract or supplements are considered GRAS (generally accepted as safe).¹

Properties

Anti-Aging⁴
Anti-Inflammatory¹, ⁵
Antioxidant⁴
Antispasmodic¹
Anti-Stress⁶
Anxiety¹
Brain Function / Neuroprotective¹
Cancer Prevention⁵
Dementia Prevention¹
Depression¹
Diabetes / Blood Sugar⁷
Fatigue¹^,⁶
Headaches¹
High in / Good Levels of Polyphenols⁴
Insomnia & Sleep Support³
Memory Retention¹
Mood Stabilising³^,⁶
Oxidation Reduction¹
Pain Relief¹
Weight Loss / Management⁷
Wound Healing²

References