10 Benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary is a native Mediterranean herb that is praised for its several health benefits, including its ability to boost memory, improve mood, protect the immune system and reduce inflammation and pain. It is a common condiment used in home cooking to make dishes more fragrant in combination with other herbs such as oregano and basil. The herb tastes and smells delicious and is typically used in its dried form because its oils are more concentrated.
Rosemary was traditionally used to alleviate muscle pain, improve memory and concentration as well as digestion. It is not recommended to consume very high doses. Lab studies suggest that rosemary contains a high amount of antioxidants, which play an important role in its beneficial properties.
Rosemary Benefit #1: Helps Protect Against Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration is the most common eye disease in the United States. It is also the leading cause of blindness. Studies have found that rosemary can trigger antioxidant enzyme production in the cells, thus lowering the levels of reactive oxygen, which causes cell damage in photoreceptors. The photoreceptor works to convert light into electrical signals to enable vision.
Research studies have reported that carbonic acid, a component found in rosemary, promotes healthy eyes. The study found that the component helped to protect the retinas of rats from degenerating and from toxicity. The study found that carbonic acid may help the retina, especially for those with macular degeneration.
Rosemary Benefit #2: Aids in Digestion
Rosemary is well-known for its quality and powerful ability to aid in digestion. It has been used as an herbal remedy for upset stomachs and digestive tract issues. There is significant evidence that rosemary can aid gastrointestinal issues. This includes its use for gas and bloating. It calms the stomach and reduces overactivity.
There are three main methods to use rosemary as an herbal remedy for digestion. It can be used in the form of a tea by boiling it in hot water for 10 minutes. It can also be used topically in the form of oil and massaged into the abdomen. Rosemary can also be taken by inhaling its vapor when it is used in a diffuser.
Rosemary Benefit #3: Improves Memory
Research suggests that rosemary has positive effects on memory. One study examined adults and found that a low dose of rosemary significantly improved memory speed. The smell can also have a positive effect on cognition. Participants in one study found that the aroma of rosemary helped improve the speed and accuracy at which they completed tasks. Positive mood was also an added benefit.
Another study examined teenage students and their response to the essential oil. When rosemary was sprayed in the room, the study found that the students actually had an improved response and memory to images and numbers.
Rosemary Benefit #4: Improved Cognition
The oil from rosemary is extracted from the flowering part of the herb and then the steam is distilled. It is then added to humidifiers and used as aromatherapy to stimulate cognitive function.
Studies suggest that rosemary can be beneficial in protecting against brain damage. One study exposed adults to different levels of rosemary oil and then examined their blood samples to see how much 1,8-cineole each person absorbed. The participants then took speed and accuracy tests to see if the oil had any effect. The study found that the more 1,8-cineole in the bloodstream, the better the speed and accuracy test scores were. The study demonstrated how the rosemary aroma has a significant impact on providing cognitive benefits.
Rosemary Benefit #5: Helps Depression
In one study, the effects of drinking rosemary tea by mice was examined. The study showed that the rigorous consumption of rosemary tea positively affected anxiety, fear and depression-like behavior. The results of the study revealed potential antidepressant effects of rosemary tea on mice and the inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE). ChE inhibition is the same effect that antidepressants have to improve mood.
Another study examined the benefits of rosemary oil on depression. A group of adults showed increased measurements of blood pressure and breathing rates after being massaged with rosemary oil. They showed to be more attentive, alert and cheerful as well.
Rosemary Benefit #6: Used as an Antiseptic
Rosemary oil also has antiseptic properties, which can be useful if used consistently. Rosemary can be used as a gargle or mouthwash to promote oral hygiene. To be used externally, prepare a cup of rosemary tea and apply it to a clean, soft cloth to be compressed on wounds. Rosemary tea can be applied topically to minor cuts, rashes, and scrapes.
In one study, it was examined for its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The most significant antimicrobial effects were examined on Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella.
Rosemary Benefit #7: Helps Slow Cancer Progression
Rosemary extract has been shown to help slow the spread of leukemia and breast cancer cells. The two key ingredients in rosemary are caffeine acid and rosmarinic acid. These are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that help protect the body’s cells from free radicals. Rosemary has been found to detoxify substances that can initiate the breast cancer process.
One study found that the carbonic acid found in rosemary displayed significant inhibitory activity against estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer cells. The research also found that rosemary works stronger when paired synergistically with cur cumin, which is found in turmeric.
Rosemary Benefit #8: Stimulates Hair Growth
Rosemary oil encourages hair growth by strengthening circulation. It prevents hair follicles from starving of blood supply and dying off, which leads to hair loss. Rosemary can also help with premature graying, dandruff and itchy scalp.
The carbonic acid found in rosemary helps heal tissue and nerve damage, which aids in its ability to heal nerve endings in the scalp as well. This allows for restoring hair growth. One study showed that rosemary directly helps protect against hair loss as much as Rogaine. During the study, the rosemary helped with itchy scalp more than Rogaine as well.
Rosemary Benefit #9: Helps Detoxify Liver
The liver primarily works to produce bile and remove toxins from the body. Rosemary oil has shown to help regulate bile flow. Bile helps neutralize the acidic food from the stomach. It also cleans out dangerous toxins that accumulate in the body and flushes them out of the liver.
One of the main volatile oils in rosemary is D-limonene. This helps clean our bodies by reducing fatty buildups in the liver. Rosemary can help increase the anti-inflammatory effects as well as the absorption of herbs, such as turmeric, which are also great in aiding with liver detoxification.
Rosemary Benefit #10: Helps Congestion
Rosemary has been shown to be able to alleviate coughing and colds as well. It can even be effective in resisting bacteria that causes chronic congestion. It is recommended to soak a clean, hot towel in rosemary tea and place it over your face to help clear the sinuses.
Many studies suggest that rosemary strengthens the immune system and helps cleanse the lymphatic system, which is beneficial for preventative health. Its antiseptic properties help promote congestion relief and detoxification in the body. Consider using it as an essential oil in a diffuser to breathe it in and help relieve congestion.
