Rosemary Benefits and Uses

Throughout history, rosemary has been used for a variety of health benefits. The therapeutic potential of rosemary oil can impact both your mental and your physical health in a variety of ways. While you can digest ground rosemary, you should not use rosemary oil orally.

Note: While we do our best to provide accurate information about the effects of rosemary extracts and other essential oils, we are bloggers at heart, not doctors. You should always listen to professional medicinal advice when deciding how to treat any ailments that you have. Some people should not use rosemary essential oil for medicinal purposes.

When shopping for a new rosemary plant, it is important to remember that different plants have slightly different compounds and may aid in different things. Read about each product and what the potential benefits may be to ensure you are getting what you need from it. You should also follow the proper instructions when storing each product.

It is recommended that you do not intake more than 4 to 6 grams of dried rosemary per day and you should never take the essential oil orally. Those who have allergies to the plant should most likely avoid other products associated with it.

The following are common ways that people use rosemary in their day-to-day lives:

• Aromatherapy

  Rosemary is often used in aromatherapy through diffusing or apply essential oils. When trying this out for yourself, it is important to use high-quality oil that has been tested. Many sites will publish batch reports to ensure quality. Reputable brands include Simply Earth, Eden’s Garden, and Plant Therapy. When using rosemary essential oil (or any other essential oils), it is a good idea to consult a certified expert for professional medical advice beforehand so that you used them correctly.

• Tea

  Rosemary tea can be purchased in individual packets, but you can also use clean sprigs from the plants. Pour hot water over them and allow the tea to steep for 15-20 minutes.

• Pills/Supplements

  If you don’t like the taste of rosemary but still need to take it internally (check with your physician to ensure it doesn’t negatively interact with any other medications you’re on), you can take rosemary pills or supplements. You should also note that rosemary pills and supplements aren’t always checked by the FDA, so ensure that you purchase from a reputable seller.

• Plants

  Rosemary can easily be grown both indoors and outdoors. With it readily available, you can gather the long stems and flowers to your heart’s content.

• Culinary

  Fresh rosemary is often used in culinary recipes around the world. From flavoring chicken to creating delectable aromatic bread, you can’t go wrong with this culinary herb.

Rosemary oil (and other essential oils) are often used topically or through aromatherapy to help relieve stress and improve the mind. Several of the active rosemary constituents will help improve your mental health in a variety of ways. Here are a few:

1. Enhances Memory

   Several studies have indicated that rosemary is effective in improving memory function. One study found that rosemary improved short-term memory in older adults who had mild cognitive impairment.

   In fact, the International Journal of Neuroscience tested the effects of applying rosemary oil on 28 patients who had Alzheimer’s and dementia and found that it benefited the Alzheimer’s patients by slowing down the negative effects.

   There isn’t much information about how rosemary affects people suffering from dementia, but there have been several studies about how rosemary can help your mental alertness and memory. In fact, the same study mentioned above tested the effects of both lavender and rosemary essential oil on a test group of 144 people and found that they were benefits from a few drops.

2. Relieves Anxiety and Depression

   Research suggests that rosemary may help relieve stress and anxiety and depression. This effect was found when people were given an infusion of rosemary leaves before taking tests. They performed better than those who did not receive the infusion. 

   In addition to being helpful for anxiety, rosemary may also improve mood. Scientists believe that rosemary works by increasing serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin plays a role in regulating emotions so increased amounts of serotonin may lead to feelings of happiness and calmness. It may also increase your dopamine levels which could keep you happy and elevate your mental energy.

3. Concentration and Performance

   Taking rosemary oil is also said to help improve your overall concentration. While this may just be a reduction of test-taking anxiety, many people who have used the essential oil have found that they have better speed, performance, and accuracy all with an improved mood that seems to relieve stress.

4. brain Health

   The carnosic acid in each rosemary leaf is supposed to be very good for your brain and can fight off free radicals. Early research suggests that it could benefit individuals who have suffered a stroke by improving overall recovery. It may also be able to protect against brain damage.

5. Increases Energy Level

   People often use rosemary tea to boost energy. Tea made from rosemary leaves contains caffeine and other stimulants. Because of this, you may not want to drink too much tea at once. Instead, sip slowly over time. You can also add fresh rosemary sprigs to water and enjoy them throughout the day. 

Throughout the centuries, many cultures have benefited from rosemary’s medicinal and health benefits. There are many uses of rosemary oil and several people take it for indigestions or for its antioxidant properties. Before you start using the essential oil, it is important to speak to a doctor or expert who can provide medical advice for your personal data.

Please remember not to use this blog post for advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek out a professional to ask for trustworthy health information. While we do our best to remain accurate, we are primarily journalists and not all of our information may be completely accurate.

1. Improves Digestion

   While there is no scientific evidence to support the effects of rosemary on your digestive tract, many Europeans use it to fight indigestion. It has also been approved as a proper treatment by Germany’s Commission E. 

   Rosemary oil can also treat indigestion in other ways, including heartburn, gas, gallbladder issues, liver issues, and loss of appetite to name a few of the health benefits of the gut.

2. May Help Fight Cancer

   Although there aren’t many studies on rosemary and cancer, some evidence exists suggesting that rosemary compounds may fight some cancer cells. More research needs to be conducted to determine if how this is done and the effectiveness of rosemary oil in this way. While some people claim that essential oils can be the final cure for many cancers, it is important to listen to professional medical advice from specialists.

   A study published in the Cancer Research Journal showed that rosemary extract could prevent skin cancer cells from spreading. Researchers believe that rosemary contains compounds that are responsible for these anti-cancer properties. 

   Other cancers that the chemical composition of rosemary oil may help include leukemia and breast cancer (specifically in the breast carcinoma cells). This may be due to anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory agents within the rosemary essential oils.

3. Promotes Weight Loss

   One of the potential health benefits of rosemary oil is the ability to help you lose weight. Many people feel less hungry when taking rosemary supplements, meaning they consume fewer calories on any given day.

   The antioxidants in these essential oils can lower your blood sugar levels and prevent free radical damage which can help aid in weight loss. Some scientific evidence has also pointed to the carnosic acid in the plant to fight against obesity by fighting off the formation of fat cells.

4. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

   Studies show that rosemary lowers total cholesterol and triglycerides in animal models. However, more human clinical trials must be done to confirm whether rosemary truly reduces cholesterol levels in humans. Another study mixed rosemary essential oil with ginger and found potential cholesterol-lowering properties. 

5. Boosts Immune System

   Research suggests that rosemary supports immune system function. While there have been many animal studies, there need to be human studies in order to support this theory. 

   Rosemary essential oil is rich in antioxidant properties and is anti-inflammatory which will improve your blood circulation and boost your immunity. This means that rosemary will strengthen your natural defenses against illness. 

6. Reduces Menstrual Flow

   One of the benefits of rosemary that many people don’t know about is that it can reduce your menstrual flow and the dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) women get once per month. It is often used as a substitute for mefenamic acid.

7. May Support Heart Health

   Another study shows that rosemary helps reduce the potential for heart failure after a heart attack. The test was done on animals and hasn’t been proven for humans yet. 

8. Fights Bacterial Infections

   Rosemary has antibacterial properties. So if you have any type of bacterial infection, applying rosemary on affected areas is one sure-fire way to get rid of them fast. It is also effective against staph infections.

What Vitamins Does Rosemary Have?

In addition to the above health benefits, the rosemary plant offers essential vitamins and compounds, making it one of the valuable plant foods. Rosemary is a good source of vitamins A, B-6, C, as well as iron.

Rosemary oil (and other essential oils) has often been used throughout time to improve skin and hair conditions. Not only does it prevent hair loss and male pattern baldness, but it can also be used to smooth the skin and fight cellulite. Here are a few of the benefits you may receive:

1. Promotes Healthy Hair Growth

   Rosemary promotes healthy hair growth when applied topically. When mixed with a carrier oil, rosemary stimulates blood circulation which encourages new cell formation. As a result, rosemary will stimulate hair growth, improves hair health, and enhances its appearance. It can also fight hair loss and male pattern baldness.

2. Dandruff and Dry Scalp

   Rosemary oil can also be used to help remove the effects of dandruff and dry scalp. Again you will need to mix the essential oil with a carrier oil to dilute before applying it to your head. It is a good idea to test it on a small part of your scalp first before applying it all over.

3. Protection From Sun

   Some of the nutrients from the rosemary plant can help protect the cells of your skin from sun damage or other free radicals.

4. Improved Skin Health

   Rosemary has been used since ancient times to treat various types of skin conditions including acne, eczema, dermatitis, oily skin, pimples, scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, sun damage, warts, and even insect bites. 

5. Helps Prevent Cellulite

   A recent study suggests that rosemary extract could prevent cellulite development. According to the study, rosemary extracts reduced fat deposits while promoting muscle mass. These two factors combined helped keep women leaner than usual. This may also be due to the properties that fight against weight gain.

There are several ways you can use rosemary oil and other parts of the plant to benefit your home. Here are a few:

1. Dryer Sheets

   A unique way you can use rosemary is by adding a few sprigs to homemade dryer sheet pouches. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of rosemary oil to a square of flannel and throwing it in the dryer to scent your clothes with the rosemary aroma.

2. Tastes Great!

   Rosemary tastes great added to foods like soups, stews, salads, pasta dishes, meatloaf, fish, chicken, eggs, vegetables, loaves of bread, desserts, beverages, sauces, marinades, dressings, etc. The best part about using rosemary? No matter what recipe you choose to make, adding rosemary makes everything taste better. 

3. Pest Control

   Many people claim that rosemary can help repel mosquitoes and mice. Whether you use the actual plant or rosemary oil, you may be able to find good results from the process.

4. Air Freshener

   Whether you mix it with other herbs to create potpourri or you add some rosemary extract to a bottle of water to create a spray, you can make an air freshener that will keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

Although rosemary oil has many potential health benefits, there are a few side effects and cautions you should know about. Pay attention to the following:

1. Allergic Reactions

   Unfortunately, some people will have allergic reactions to the culinary spice. If you have seen that you have had issues with other herbs (such as lemon balm, oregano, or common thyme herbs), take care with dietary administration.

2. High Blood Pressure

   If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid taking rosemary. While there are some studies that say that it is good for hypertension (and the German Commission E approves the herb as a treatment for high blood pressure), other studies are concerned with how it affects your body.

3. Side effects of Large Doses

   When taking large doses of rosemary essential oil (or eating rosemary leaves), you may encounter some negative side effects. These spasms, pulmonary edema, vomiting, or even coma. Make sure to take no more than the recommended amount of rosemary per day.

4. Miscarriage

   If you are pregnant, limit your rosemary intake as too much can cause you to miscarry your child. A small amount of dried rosemary as a seasoning or a few drops of rosemary essential oil that has been diluted will probably be fine. It is a good idea to talk to your midwife about any concerns.

5. Medications

   There are some medications that can negatively react to rosemary. If you are on one of the following, you may need to limit your rosemary aromatherapy and intake: ACE inhibitors, diuretics, lithium, and anticoagulant drugs.