Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has been hailed since ancient times for its medicinal properties. It was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, treat indigestion and promote hair growth. Recent research has confirmed that this herb has a wide range of health benefits.
The leaves are often used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes, such as soups, casseroles, salads, and stews.; rosemary not only tastes good in culinary dishes, such as rosemary chicken and lamb, but it is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6.
Rosemary is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It helps boost the immune system and improve blood circulation , mainly due to its polyphenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid.
Rosemary’s Health Benefits:
- Neurological protection: Rosemary’s aroma and extracts may protect against brain damage and improve recovery in individuals who have experienced a stroke.
- Enhancing memory and concentration : Rosemary improves cognitive functions.
- Reducing anxiety and improving sleep: A 1-month study found that taking 500 mg of oral rosemary twice daily reduced anxiety levels and improved memory and sleep quality.
- Reducing burnout: Drinking 2 teaspoons of rosemary in water daily may help reduce feelings of burnout among industrial employees.
- Preventing brain aging: Some studies suggest that rosemary helps prevent brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Anti-cancer properties: Rosemary extracts may slow the spread of leukemia and breast carcinoma cells, and reduce the formation of cancer-causing agents in cooked meat.
- Protection against macular degeneration: Carnosic acid in rosemary may promote eye health and slow the progression of age-related eye diseases.
- Antimicrobial properties: Rosemary’s compounds may have antibacterial and wound-healing effects, making it useful for traditional medicine.
- Lowering blood sugar levels: Rosemary’s carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid may have insulin-like effects, increasing glucose absorption into muscle cells and lowering blood sugar.
- Potential heart health benefits: Rosemary extract may reduce the risk of heart failure following a heart attack.
- Improving digestion: Rosemary has been approved by Germany’s Commission E for treating indigestion.
While promising, more studies are required to confirm the therapeutic ability of rosemary for preventing Alzheimer’s and other conditions
Important Safety Considerations
- Pregnancy: High doses of rosemary may cause miscarriage, making it not advisable for pregnant women to take supplemental rosemary.
- Large doses: Extremely high doses of rosemary can trigger serious side effects, although this is rare.
Drug interactions
Rosemary can affect the activity of some medications, including:
- Anticoagulant drugs: These include blood-thinning medications, such as Warfarin, Aspirin, and Clopidogrel.
- ACE inhibitors: These are used for treating high blood pressure. They include lisinopril (Zestril), fosinopril (Monopril), captopril (Capoten), and enalapril (Vasotec).
- Diuretics: These increase the passing of urine and include hydrocholorothiazide and furosemide (Lasix).
- Lithium: This is used to treat the manic episodes of manic depression. Rosemary can act as a diuretic and cause lithium to reach toxic levels in the body.
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Disclaimer:
This content is strictly the opinion of its author and is meant for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice , diagnosis or treatment from a personal physician.
Readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither the author nor publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.
All readers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition or supplement or lifestyle program.
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