Ten Health Benefits Of Rosemary Plants

Rosemary, scientifically known as Rosemarinus Officinalis, is available fresh all year-round, making it an easy addition to cooking. Rosemary belongs to the mint family, among whom are lavender, oregano, thyme and basil.

Rosemary is originally from the Mediterranean, where it is used as a herb in food is very common, however, rosemary leaf and its oil are now used all over the world both in food and in cosmetics because of the health benefits. This is because rosemary contains iron, calcium and vitamin B6.

Rosemary is available as fresh and dried leaves, dried powder form, and oil. Its fragrance is used in cosmetic products,

Ten Health Benefits Of Rosemary Plants

1. Supports Brain Function

Science support that Rosemary can support brain health, particularly memory and mood. Adding the leaves to food does increase memory while using the oil in aromatherapy improves the mood.

''There's rosemary, that's for remembrance'' Shakespeare in Hamlet

Its neuro properties also slow down brain ageing and help protect against Alzheimer.

2. Helps In Erectile Dysfunction

The use of the rosemary plant as tea does help men with poor erection. A sample of twenty married men aged 40–65 years with erectile dysfunction was treated with inhalation of rosemary oil. Brain activities improved, as well as blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate. This makes them relaxed and fresher.

Another study confirmed a positive result with daily consumption of rosemary tea, with their wives attesting to the effectiveness of the rosemary tea. Erectile dysfunction affects about 40% of adult male worldwide.

3. Androgenic Alopecia (Male pattern baldness)

Research shows that applying rosemary oil to the scalp is effective in increasing the hair count in men. It helps hair growth generally in both men and women because it stimulates the nerves in the scalp to increase circulation making the hair follicles function properly.

You can also add rosemary to your diet will have the same effect.

4. Supports People With Low Blood Pressure

People with low blood pressure can bring them up to normal by taking a teaspoon of rosemary oil, three times per day. Research indicates that blood pressure falls again if the rosemary oil treatment stops.

5. Rosemary Does Support Eye Health

Dr Stuart of The Investigative Opthalmology and Visual Science reported that carnosic acid in the rosemary plant can protect the outer layer of the cornea. This area is particularly prone to Macular Degeneration.

6. Supports Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Opioid addicts are able to effectively withdraw by taking methadone with rosemary leaves. This makes withdrawal easier to manage.

7. Antioxidants & Anti-inflammatory Properties

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in rosemary help boost the immune function by the elimination of free radicals and improve blood circulation.

8. Aids Recovery in Patients With Pulmonary Oedema Stroke

In an experiment on laboratory rats, with induced pulmonary oedema, (water in the air sacs in the lung making breathing difficult and can cause a stroke), rosemary is able to aid recovery.

9. Slows Down Cancer Cells In Laboratory Rats

The ethanolic compound in rosemary extract slows down the growth of cancer cells in both leukaemia (blood cancer) and breast cancerous growth.

10. Rosemary Does Prevent Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs) To Form In Red Meat

The Journal of Food Science reported that adding Rosemary to Cook Meat can prevent the cancer-causing agent (Heterocyclic Amines) in beef to develop.

Everyday Use Of Rosemary

Rosemary is a gift from Nature, and it is best to use it as a fresh herb, either in cooking or in tea.

Luckily, the tea can be taken daily as a refreshing drink. Allow the tea to steep for about five minutes, or you can just wash a fresh stalk and boil in a pot to allow all the aroma to come out. It is best to drink on its own add a hint of natural honey to improve the taste.

In cooking, add rosemary to virtually all meat and vegetable products. It gives a fine pungent aroma to all dishes.

Cooking meat in sauce with rosemary will improve the taste and reduce the formation of advanced glycation end products. (AGEs)

As an aromatic diffuser, rosemary oil can be used as a diffuser in the house.

Rosemary oil is widely and effectively used in aromatherapy, as well as in cosmetics.

Rosemary is also easy to grow in the house, either in a pot or in the garden. It is a perennial plant that is available all year-round. Excess harvest leaves can be kept in an air-tight container and kept in a fridge for future use.

Counter Effect Of Rosemary Plant

Rosemary plants and their derivatives are safe if taken moderately, moderately, otherwise, there could be consequences, among which are:

Rosemary is not be taken by pregnant and lactating women. It can result in miscarriage. This is because it can induce uterus bleeding. There is not enough study to know the effect on lactating women.

The compounds in rosemary work like aspirin. So it should not be taken by those who are allergic to aspirin.

Rosemary should not be taken by those with certain medication like an anticoagulant (blood-thinning medication). Those with medical comorbidities (medical issues) should consult their doctors whether it is safe before taking rosemary.

An overdose can result in a coma, heart palpitation, dizziness, vomiting, spasms and or pulmonary oedema.

For those on diuretic medication (to effectively pass urine), rosemary can affect the working of such medication.

If you are on high blood pressure medication, stay away from edible rosemary. It is not known whether the cosmetic ones can adversely affect blood pressure, like the skin oil for instance.

Rosemary is not recommended for those on manic medication. This is because rosemary can act as a diuretic, making the medication reach the toxic level in the blood.

The Takeaways

Rosemary plant and its derivatives are generally safe if taken in moderation, either in cooking, in cosmetics or in aromatherapy.

An overdose or its abuse can spell doom, especially for those with medical comorbidities.

Rosemary plant is a gift from Nature with many beneficial effects.