Rosemary - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

About Rosemary

• Salvia rosmarinus, also called rosemary, is a Mediterranean-native shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. Prior to 2017, it went by the now-synonymous scientific name Rosmarinus officinalis. An aromatic evergreen plant, rosemary, has leaves that resemble hemlock needles. Although it is native to the Mediterranean and Asia, it can survive in cool climes rather well.
• Rosemary belongs to the Lamiaceae sage family, which also comprises numerous other culinary and medicinal plants. The term "rosemary,"  which means "dew of the sea," originates from the Latin word ‘ros marinus’.
• While teas and liquid extracts are manufactured from fresh or dried leaves, rosemary is often prepared as a complete dried herb or a dried powdered extract.

Fresh vs. Dried Rosemary

Even when it's fresh, rosemary has a low moisture level, which helps it keep its flavor after drying. Prior to adding dried rosemary to recipes, the leaves may need to be crushed or diced due to their increased toughness.

Rosemary’s taste:

The flavor of rosemary has been usually described as woodsy, piney, resinous, astringent, peppery, and lemony. It has citrus, evergreen, lavender, sage, and mint undertones.

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory 

Cooking with Rosemary:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs should be rinsed under cold running water and dried afterward. Whole leaves, which are easily separated from the woody stems, are typically called for in recipes. Stews and meat recipes can benefit from the use of whole rosemary sprigs.
• The most popular use for rosemary is to season meat, particularly lamb, and chicken. Bread or biscuit dough can be flavoured by adding chopped rosemary, which will permeate the entire product while cooking. Rosemary goes nicely with potatoes, beans, and lentils as well. Since rosemary has a strong flavor, it is often used in small amounts.

Health benefits of Rosemary:

Apart from tasting good in recipes like rosemary chicken and lamb, rosemary is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6.

1. Immunity booster:

Rosemary is an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells and improve circulation. Studies have shown that rosemary can also help to reduce inflammation. These properties make rosemary a great choice for boosting the immune system

2. Neurological protection:

Researchers have discovered that rosemary may be advantageous for your brain. Carnosic acid, a component of rosemary, helps protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals.

 Rosemary may be helpful for those who have had a stroke, according to certain rat studies. Rosemary may aid in rehabilitation and appear to be protective against brain injury.

3. Cognitive stimulator :

Rosemary is regarded as a cognitive stimulant and can enhance the effectiveness and quality of memories. Additionally, it is believed to increase intelligence, focus, and alertness.

4. Relieves stress and anxiety :

According to studies, the scent of rosemary essential oil alone can reduce blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Stress, worry, or any other thought or experience that puts your body in "fight-or-flight" mode might result in high cortisol levels. Cortisol can lead to weight gain, oxidative stress, high blood pressure, and heart disease when stress is continuous. Using an essential oil diffuser or even inhaling over an open bottle is a great way to reduce stress.

5. Promotes hair growth :

When massaged into the scalp, rosemary essential oil has been reported to accelerate the development of new hair by 22%. It can be used to promote new hair development in balding areas, lengthen hair, or prevent baldness because it stimulates scalp circulation. Rosemary oil is a fantastic tonic for general hair health and beauty because it also delays graying, encourages shine, and prevents and lowers dandruff.

6. Fights bad breath :

The antibacterial properties of rosemary essential oil make it a potent remedy for bad breath. Simply adding a few drops of rosemary oil to some water and swishing it around can help you combat foul breath while also preventing plaque accumulation, cavities, and gingivitis.

FAQs on Rosemary:

Q: Can you eat rosemary everyday?

A: When taken as a medicine for up to 4 weeks, rosemary leaves may be safe for the majority of people. However, it is probably dangerous to consume rosemary leaves in very big doses or undiluted rosemary oil. Large doses of rosemary may make you feel sick and make you more sensitive to the sun and your skin.

Q: Is drinking rosemary water good for you?

A: The digestive processes that maintain your gut health can be improved by drinking rosemary tea. Rosemary tea has antispasmodic qualities that lessen bloating and gas. Additionally promoting beneficial intestinal flora, this herbal tea enhances nutrient absorption.

Q: Can you eat raw rosemary?

 A: Although dried rosemary is less flavorful than fresh, both can be easily included to your diet. Just sprinkle the herb over potatoes and roast them. You may also sprinkle rosemary over grilled veggies right before serving.