Spices Health Facts: Rosemary

Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that is commonly used to spice up soups, meats and sauces. It is a versatile spice in the kitchen and is well-loved for its sweet fragrant.

Throughout history, rosemary has been widely used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and properties that are beneficial to the body. These include:

• Rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, both of which are potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents
• Minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium and copper
• Vitamins A, B Complex, C, E
• Carnosic acid which has neuroprotective properties
• Dietary fiber

Health Benefits of Rosemary

• Aging – Rosemary is one of the popular ingredients in making anti-aging skin creams. Its extract is effective in preventing age-related skin problems such as wrinkles. Regularly applying rosemary extract can help skin regenerate, improve overall skin tone, and increase firmness.
• Bacterial Problems – Another beneficial property present in rosemary is its antibacterial properties which protect the body against Staph infections and H. pylori, the bacteria known to cause stomach ulcers.
• Bad breath – Steep rosemary in a bowl of hot water, strain and let cool. Use this as mouthwash for a fresher breath.
• Bloating – Rosemary is known to be a mild diuretic; it means that it can help people get rid of bloating.
• Body Pain – When applied topically, rosemary oil can help relieve body pain, sore muscles, arthritis and  other muscle and joint pains.
• Cancer – Studies found out that rosemary contains carnosol which has a potential benefit in preventing certain types of cancer such as colon cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and leukemia.
• Digestive Problems – If you are suffering from digestive problems such as constipation, upset stomach and indigestion, drinking rosemary tea can treat your condition.
• Immunity – Rosemary is rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. Including it in your daily diet can help boost your immune system and your overall health.
• Inflammation – Rosemary contains carnosic acid and carnosol which are both potent anti-inflammatory agents.
• Kidney problem – Regular consumption of rosemary can help normalize the urine flow and help improve the function of the kidneys.
• Liver Problems – For many centuries now, rosemary has been used to treat liver problems. Studies have shown that drinking rosemary extract reduces the case of cirrhosis in rats which are given thioacetamide, a substance that is very toxic to the liver.
• Memory Problems – According to studies, rosemary has some memory enhancing properties. It contains carnosic acid that is rich in neuroprotective properties and can help improve memory problems and protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
• Migraine – For many centuries now, rosemary has been a popular home remedy for migraine. By inhaling the steam of boiled rosemary for about 10 minutes, you can find relief from migraine.
• Respiratory Problems – Rosemary oil is known to be a good remedy for respiratory problems. Merely breathing the scent of the oil can help alleviate congestion due to flu, allergies, cold or respiratory infection. The same effect is true when you breathe the steam of boiled rosemary for several minutes.

Generally, rosemary is a safe home remedy for many health problems. But it should be noted that people with high blood pressure as well as pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption of rosemary because it can cause uterine contraction, miscarriage and raises blood pressure.