Rosemary is a great culinary herb when used in cooking; however, due to its versatility, there are many more Health Benefits of Rosemary you may not know.
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This versatile herb is native to the Mediterranean area and prolific around the coastal zone.
A member of the mint family has been called “Dew of the Sea,” deriving from the Latin word Ros – Dew and Marinus – of the sea Rosmarinus.
It has a bittersweet flavour with a piney aroma and plays a vital part in many culinary dishes.
Traditionally used with poultry, fish, chicken, lamb, and pork, it is beautiful with roast potatoes or even used to flavour herb bread and stews.
It can have a strong flavour, so used it sparingly.
One significant difference when cooking with Rosemary than other herbs is that it can withstand longer cooking times.
Rather than adding this herb towards the end processes as you would with most herbs, it is best to add it during the middle stages of cooking.
Customs and Long history
The versatility is incredible, not only as a culinary herb but also with a long history in many different rituals.
Rosemary grows in abundance on the Gallipoli Peninsula; it has a decisive significance for many Australians.
When celebrating ANZAC and Remembrance Day, rosemary sprigs are placed on their clothes and worn in remembrance of those lost in battle, for example, the many brave and dedicated soldiers during the Battle of Gallipoli.
Being a symbol of remembrance, the tradition of laying sprigs of rosemary on the coffin or tomb sites is still popular to this day.
However, history goes even further.
During the middle ages, Rosemary signified love and loyalty, and as such, the bride’s headpiece was made of Rosemary or had it added as part of the headpiece.
While the groom, along with their guests, would wear a sprig of rosemary upon them.
You will find an extract of Rosemary oil to many lotions, cosmetics, and even soaps.
As you can see, Rosemary has many purposes outside of the culinary department.
But wait, there’s more.
The Benefits and Uses of Rosemary
Rosemary is not only an excellent herb to use in various culinary dishes, but did you know that Rosemary plays a significant factor in many people’s health.
The medical properties within Rosemary are astounding.
They range from improving memory to boosting the immune and circulatory system, including helping the hair’s growth.
In both the ancient and the modern eras, Rosemary has been an essential herb that can help treat various health issues.
So let’s looks at some of these health benefits of Rosemary.
Circulation and Memory booster
This excellent herb has always been recognized as a memory booster throughout history and helps the brain function.
Rosemary helps increase circulation by increasing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the head.
Another reason why it has been used as a remedy for headaches and helps treat painful joints and stiffness over the centuries.
Rosemary helps prevent the breakdown of the chemical Acetylcholine, of which one aspect is involved with memory and learning.
A 2013 study has found that inhaling rosemary aroma can improve memory by as much as 75 per cent.
Excellent news for those suffering from memory issues such as dementia and lifts one of depression.
Perhaps this is the reason why it is considered a headache remedy.
Antioxidant
Rosemary contains a powerful antioxidant called Carnosic, which helps to protect the brain from Free radical damage.
When they become out of control, free radicals linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s also affected, stroke victims.
Conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have improved due to the Carnosic found in this herb.
More studies are needed when dealing with such conditions that affect the mind and brain. However, this is looking quite promising.
Anti-bacterial/Anti-viral
Within the body, there are good and bad bacteria.
Rosemary works great as an antibacterial and antiviral herb.
We know from above how rosemary stimulates oxygen-rich blood flow to the head and within the body.
As such, it helps to cleanse the blood, thereby controlling the growth of pathogenic bacteria without harming the beneficial bacteria (the good bacteria) in your body.
Many times taking antibiotics can also promote an opposite reaction to other issues.
Such an issue is that antibiotics can promote yeast infections not only in the gut.
There is also the issue of genital yeast infections, of which more women are susceptible; however, men can also be infected.
People with diabetes and weak immune systems can be more susceptible to yeast infections as well.
Anti-carcinogenic
Rosemary has powerful anti-carcinogenic properties.
Due to this reason, studies are finding effective ways of treating cancer soon.
Research conducted on rats was found to prevent carcinogens’ effects by 76 Percent and decreased the incidence of tumours in the mammary glands.
Any damage caused by the ultraviolet radiation found that rosemary or its properties can help decrease skin cancer.
These are potent actions by such a versatile herb.
Diet and nutrition
There are many ways that we can incorporate rosemary into our evolution to better health.
The most common way is using Rosemary with various culinary dishes, as stated at the beginning.
Rosemary Tea
Add two teaspoons of this beautiful herb to a pot of hot water and steep for 10 minutes.
Then drink it before your meals, which will also help in improving the digestive functions as well.
Herb Bread
Make your herb bread by adding the herb to the butter-like making Garlic bread.
Better still, combined both Rosemary and Garlic will boost and give more benefits to the body.
OR
If you love being in the kitchen, make your herb bread from scratch and mix it with the ingredients.
Essential Oils
In Aromatherapy, Essential oils have been uses for varying purposes, one being to help relax the central nervous systems, thereby creating a stress-free environment from within.
Steam inhaler/Vaporiser
The scent of rosemary can boost memory and help to relax and enhance the mind.
One great way is to use the essential oil with a steam inhaler or vaporizer.
Just add a few drops and inhale the vapors to help you relax and take the stress out from your busy day.
Steam inhalers are great for an individual; however, use caution due to the steam being close towards the face, especially when young children may be involved.
I prefer the vaporizer; that way, the whole room is filled with the aroma of Rosemary, and if you have a family, all can benefit at the same time.
If you have kids, this will surely help reduce the stress within the home.
There are different forms of Steam inhalers, vaporizers on the market; the two pictured above have been used for my family and me for many years.
All that is required is to add a few drops, and when using the steam inhaler, breathe naturally. With the vaporizer, ensure that windows are closed and allow the vapours to fill the room to allow for easy breathing for all concerned.
With the vaporizer, ensure that windows are closed and allow the vapours to fill the room to allow for easy breathing for all concerned.
Your thoughts
Do you use Rosemary in your foods?
How about using Rosemary as an essential oil?
Perhaps you have some other benefits others can hear and learn in the use of Rosemary.
If so, let us know so others can benefit from your great thoughts, views, and ideas.
In the meantime, blessings to you may you find success in all you do.
As Always
It is good to see that someone has pointed out the benefits of Rosemary. I use it for a variety of purposes.
Jerry
Thank you Jerry and yes many may not realize just how much Rosemary can benefit in other areas rather than just as a herb.