Rosemary

Charming rosemary herb is the perfect potherb to have in your kitchen garden. The plant is one of the recognized herbs for its note-worthy health benefiting phyto-nutrients, anti-oxidants, and essential acids. Rosemary belongs within the family of lamiaceae,of the genus, rosmarinus. Its botanical name is rosmarinus officinalis. It is thought to be originated in the mediterranean region as a wild, strewing evergreen perennial shrub. Today, it is grown in nearly all parts of the mediterranean region and asia minor as an important culinary herb.

Rosemary flourishes in well-drained, alkaline soil. It prefers sunny condition and needs protection shelter from gusty winds. The plant reaches about 1.5-3 meters in height. Its bushy stems and downy young shoots are covered with about 1 inch long, narrow, needle-like aromatic leaves; dark green above and grayish underneath. The plant bears short racemes of small sea blue flowers appearing in early summer.

The plant parts; flowers and leaves have an odor that is pungently aromatic and somewhat camphoraceous (camphor-like). Apart from culinary and medicinal purpose rosemary shoots, flowers and leaves are used in ceremonies such as weddings and festivals for decorating banquet halls as incense to ward off bad influences.

A powerful herbal healer which is often passed over and used only as a culinary plant. Rosemary was a favoured herb in early apothecary gardens. Applied to the skin, rosemary essential oil helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating effect. For this reason, rosemary is a common ingredient used in many cosmetics, including skin toners, creams, soaps and hair products. However, beyond being a flavouring-enhancer for certain foods and its use in cosmetics, you may not be aware that rosemary extract has a long history of medicinal uses too. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including stomach upsets, digestive disorders and headaches.

Recent research is now revealing even more benefits attached to this remarkable herb, including its ability to help prevent cancer and age-related skin damage, boost the functioning of the liver and act as a mild diuretic to help reduce swelling.

Two of the most important ingredients in rosemary, which are thought to be largely responsible for many of these therapeutic actions, are caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid - both are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Oil of rosemary has potent anti-fungal, anti-herpetic, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activities.

Rosemary leaves contain certain phyto-chemical (plant derived) compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.

The herb parts, especially flower tops contain phenolic anti-oxidant rosmarinic acid as well as numerous health benefiting volatile essential oils such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, i plus-minus -pinene, etc. These compounds are known to have rubefacient (counterirritant), anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties.

Stops gene mutations that could lead to cancer and may help prevent damage to the blood vessels that raise heart attack risk.

If youave had this rosemary, it was likely on a lamb dish, but its uses are much more varied. It has a high concentration of the antioxidant carnosol and research shows it may have benefits in cancer treatment and healthy digestion and use of cholesterol. It has a pine/lemony scent and i use it most often in soap making due to its smell and ability to fight aging by rejuvenating the small blood vessels under the skin. If you arenat ready to jump into soap-making just yeta try it on meat dishes, in soups or with vegetables. Water boiled with rosemary can be used as an antiseptic.

The wonderful smell of rosemary is often associated with good food and great times. But it could just as easily be associated with good health.

Rosemary is high in iron, calcium, and vitamin b6, vitamin a, vitamin c and vitamin e. Rosemary contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion.

Rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks. In addition, rosemary has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration. So, the next time you enhance the flavor of some special dish with rosemary, congratulate yourself for a wise as well as delicious choice.

Fresh rosemary leaves are a good source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin-c containing about 22 mg per 100 g, about 37% of rda. The vitamin is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin c helps the body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and help scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.

Rosemary is used in many culinary dishes and is commonly used to flavor soups, sauces, and meats. In addition to being used in cooking, it has also been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments over the centuries.

Studies have found that our ancestors weren't wrong in using it medicinally. Rosemary can be infused into an oil and used externally for skin irritations like eczema and joint problems like arthritis. Rosemary has also been reported to speed healing of wounds and bruises when used externally. Rosemary oil can be used externally in times of illness to speed recovery by rubbing on the feet or any areas that are sore.

Rosemary has long been believed to have memory-enhancing properties.

In 1529, an herbal book recommended taking rosemary for "weakness of the brain" today, research has found that rosemary contains a diterpine called carnosic acid that has neuroprotective properties that researchers believe may protect against alzheimer's disease as well as the normal memory loss that happens with aging.

Rosemary probably became known as the herb of remembrance because of its stimulating effects on the mind.

It's a warming, stimulating herb that increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your head, which may be one reason why it's such a good memory booster, but that's not all.

The compounds in rosemary herb are said to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a chemical that induces the brain cells that are responsible for memory and reasoning to communicate with one another.

Remarkably, even the smell of rosemary has been found to improve memory.

Test subjects in cubicles were given essential oil of rosemary to smell and they had better quality of memory and better overall memory than the control group, though their speed of memory was slower compared to the control group.

Rosemary essential oil is an excellent brain and nerve tonic.

It is often used by students during exam times because it increases concentration and helps in studying efficiently.

It stimulates mental activity and is a good remedy for depression, mental fatigue and forgetfulness.

Inhaling rosemary oil seems lift your spirits immediately.

Whenever your brain is tired, try inhaling a little rosemary oil to remove boredom and renew your mental energy.

The same study that found that smelling rosemary improved test subjects' quality of memory also found that their mood was significantly improved compared to the control group.

In a 2003 study, found that of 144 test participants who inhaled rosemary oil during an exam displayed significantly higher cognitive function.

This is why some researchers are beginning to explore the options for using rosemary oil as an alternative treatment for slowing down the onset of alzheimeras disease in certain patients because of this apparent connection between boosted neural activity and the essential oil.

Rosemary has been a popular natural migraine remedy for centuries.

Boil some rosemary in a large pot of water and pour it into a bowl.

Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot to inhale the steam for about 10 minutes.

Because smelling rosemary has been found to improve memory and mood, this method may also help with memory function and put you in a better state of mind.

It not only helps relieve the pain of migraines, but essential oil of rosemary can also be applied topically as a natural treatment for arthritis, sore muscles, and other joint and muscle pains.

The ability of rosemary essential oil to relieve pain has resulted in its extensive use in treating headaches, muscle pains, rheumatism and even arthritis.

Massaging the affected area that is in pain with rosemary essential oil can give quickly relieve the pain.

Vapor baths with rosemary oil are also found to be effective in the treatment of rheumatism.

It has certain anti-inflammatory qualities as well, which makes it very good for relieving the pain from sprains and joint aches.

Furthermore, it is known to stimulate blood circulation, which can relieve pain and also aid in coagulation of wounds for faster healing.

Rosemary contains two potent anti-inflammatories, carnosic acid and carnosol.

One study found that these two compounds inhibited cox-2, an enzyme that causes pain and inflammation in the body. They also inhibited the production of excess nitric oxide, which also plays a role in the inflammatory process.

Rosemary oil is often used for indigestion, relieving flatulence, stomach cramps, constipation, and bloating.

Rosemary essential oil is also thought to relieve symptoms of dyspepsia and it is an appetite stimulant. Furthermore, research has shown the essential oil to be detoxifying for the liver, and it also helps to regulate the creation and release of bile, which is a key part of the digestive process.

It also stimulates blood flow and improves circulation, which can benefit the absorption of nutrients from food.

Rosemary leaves are often added to meat dishes because it is particularly helpful in digesting meat, particularly lamb, beef and pork.

Rosemary essential oil is a disinfectant and is often used as a mouth wash.

It also helps in removing bad breath.

By removing oral bacteria, rosemary essential oil can prevent gingivitis, cavities, plaque build up, and other damaging oral conditions.

Rosemary essential oil is not used in skin care as extensively as it is used in hair care, but it does have anti-microbial and antiseptic qualities that make it beneficial in efforts to eliminate eczema, dermatitis, oily skin, and acne.

Topical application of the essential oil, or regular massage with the oil helps in toning your skin and removing dryness.

It can also give your skin a healthy, even glow when regularly applied, or when it is a main component of your moisturizers and other creams.

Rosemary boosts the immune system thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties.

Because it is healing in so many ways, it boosts the overall health of the body.

Antioxidants are some of the most valuable defensive weapons we have in our body for fighting off infection and disease, so any food or essential oil that either adds to or stimulates the activity of antioxidants is a huge benefit to overall health.

The same study which found that cortisol levels decreased after simultaneous massage and inhalation of rosemary essential oil also found that the scavenging free radical activity in the test subjectsa bodies also increased significantly.

This means that regular use or inhalation of rosemary essential oil in aromatherapy sessions or in other ways can increase the strength of the immune system and help combat all of the diseases associated with free radicals, including cancer and heart disease.

Studies have found that rosemary has powerful antibacterial properties against h.pylori (the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers) and staph infections.

Rosemary is often used to help treat digestive problems such as upset stomach, constipation, indigestion, and almost any other digestive related problem.

It also helps to prevent foodborne illnesses when ingested with foods such as meat or eggs.

Rosemary oil and rosemary teas are widely used for hair care in shampoos and lotions.

Regular use of rosemary oil helps to stimulate follicles, making hair grow longer and stronger.

It is also believed that rosemary oil slows down premature hair loss and graying of the hair.

Therefore, it is an excellent tonic for bald people or those who are beginning to show signs on male pattern baldness.

Rosemary essential oil is also beneficial for dry and flaky scalps.

Regular massaging of the scalp with rosemary oil nourishes the scalp and removes dandruff.

Furthermore, it is often mixed with tea tree oil and basil oil to alternately treat scalp problems.

For many years, rosemary has been combined with olive oil as a way to darken and strengthen hair by using hot oil treatments.

There is a possibility that rosemary may stimulate hair growth.

One study found that people with alopecia, a disorder that causes the hair to fall out, had significant hair regrowth after rubbing rosemary, lavender, thyme, and cedarwood into their scalps for seven months.

However, it is not clear whether it was the rosemary or the other herbs that caused the regrowth.

Essential oil of rosemary is often applied topically as a natural remedy for poor circulation, though there have been no studies to prove this effect.

Rosemary can be used as a natural mouthwash and is said to work very well.

To make the mouthwash, steep fresh rosemary in a pint of heated water.

Strain it and use it as a mouth rinse as often as you like.

It will keep in the fridge if covered.

Rosemary is a mild diuretic, which means that it can help get rid of bloating and water retention in the body.

When rosemary is used regularly, it may help in the increase of urine flow and help the kidneys function at optimal levels to help get rid of excess water in the body.

Aside from the relaxing nature of aromatherapy and general inhalation of rosemary essential oil, it has been proven to actually decrease the level of cortisol in the saliva.

Cortisol is one of the main stress hormones that are released during the aflight or fighta response of the body to stress.

Excess cortisol in the blood that may occur due to chronic stress can wreak havoc on the body, including its hormonal balance and the efficiency of the metabolism.

A study released in 2007 said that inhaling rosemary oil and lavender oil for five minutes significantly reduced the levels of cortisol in the test subjectas saliva, which could seriously decrease the dangers inherent from chronic stress.

Rosemary is a great natural remedy for respiratory problems.

Breathing in the scent of the essential oil may help with congestion due to colds, allergies, respiratory infections, and the flu.

You may also boil fresh rosemary in a pot of water, place it in a bowl, and breathe in the steam to help clear the lungs and throat.

This will also help with any sinus or head pain associated with respiratory conditions.

The benefits of rosemary essential oil in treating respiratory problems are well-researched and supported.

The scent of the oil has been shown to give relief from throat congestion, and it is also used in the treatment of respiratory allergies, colds, sore throats and the flu.

Since rosemary oil also has antiseptic qualities, it is also effective for respiratory infections.

The oil is antispasmodic and is therefore used in some treatment programs for bronchial asthma.

Rosemary has been used to treat liver problems for hundreds of years.

Hippocrates prescribed it for this purpose.

One study found that rosemary extract reduces cirrhosis in rats given thioacetamide, a toxic compound that is toxic to the liver.

It also prevented liver damage from tetrachloride in rats and mice.

Rosemary is a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin creams because it helps reduce puffiness, stimulates cell regeneration, increases firmness, and improves overall skin tone.

It is a natural anti-inflammatory and increases blood flow to the skin.

Rosemary has a mesmerizing aroma, which makes rosemary essential oil an excellent inhalant.

The oil is used in room fresheners, cosmetics, beauty aids, food, bath oil, candles and perfumes because of its unique and intoxicating aroma.

When the oil is inhaled, it can boost mental energy and is also known to clear the respiratory tract.

Many people spray a mixture of rosemary essential oil and water to remove bad odors from room and objects.

Recent research suggests that the use of rosemary essential oilas anti-microbial qualities can help reduce the effects and recurring inflammation of the herpes virus.

The herpes virus can quickly develop immunity to normal antiviral medication, so alternative methods are always being explored.

A number of studies have now shown the essential oil of rosemary to be an effective option for reducing the symptoms of the herpes virus in test subjects, and even affects the level of contagiousness of the virus.

There are various other claims regarding possible health benefits of rosemary oil, including its usage for disorders in menstrual cycle, menstrual cramps, peptic ulcer, urine flow, prostate, gall bladder, intestine, liver, cataract, heart, sperm mobility, leukemia, kidney stones and associated pain.

Research is currently being performed to study its potential in treating various types of cancers including those of the colon, stomach, breasts, and lungs.

Because it is a well-established antioxidant, you will definitely want to include this wonderful herb in your arsenal against disease! it's been shown to prevent mutations in your dna (particularly in the liver and the bronchial cells) that are caused by disease causing chemicals and toxins1 which can lead to cancerous growths.

What's more, in spite of the increased awareness and media attention that skin cancer has been getting in the last decade or more, few of us know that the rosemary herb helps protect your skin.

Rosemary extract has been shown to improve the shelf life and heat stability of omega 3-rich oils and we all know the importance of omega 3 in our diet!

Rosemary extract treat bites and stings externally

Rosemary extract stimulates an increased blood supply when used externally during a massage (oil distilled from rosemary leaves can be mixed with vegetable oil)

Rosemary extract is used in aromatherapy as an inhalant/decongestant and to enhance memory

Rosemary extract benefitshas been shown to possess an ability to inactivate toxins and then eliminate them from your liver, before they can inflict any serious damage

Rosemary extract stimulates your liver to work more efficiently, which helps you feel more healthy and energetic.

Rosemary tea is a warming and stimulating drink which has pain relieving properties; it has been used for centuries to ease the symptoms of headaches and rheumatism and improves circulation.

Rosemary aids in focus and concentration

Rosemary tea stimulates the digestive system

Rosemary when cooled can be used as a mouthwash to combat oral bacteria

Rosemary can be used to rinse hair to ease scalp problems such as dandruff and to also ease the pain associated with scabies.

*for the most part, rosemary is considered safe with no side effects. However, pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts of rosemary because it may lead to uterine contractions and miscarriage. People with high blood pressure should not take rosemary because it may raise blood pressure.

Culinary uses:

*for a delicious chicken rub, combine 2 teaspoons rosemary leaves with 2 teaspoons seasoning salt and 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves.

*rosemary leaves provide just 131 calories per 100 g and contain no cholesterol. Apart from nutrients, this humble herb contains many noteworthy non-nutrient components such as dietary fiber (37% of rda).

*the herb is exceptionally rich in many b-complex groups of vitamin, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin. It is one of the herbs contain high levels of folates; providing about 109 ag per 100 g (about 27% of rda). Folates are important in dna synthesis and when given during the peri-conception period can help prevent neural tube defects in the newborn babies.

*rosemary herb contains very good amounts of vitamin a, 2924 iu per 100 g; about 97% of rda. A few leaves a day in the diet, would contribute enough of this vitamin. Vitamin a is known to have antioxidant properties and is essential for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin a is known to help the body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

*fresh rosemary leaves are a good source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin-c containing about 22 mg per 100 g, about 37% of rda. The vitamin is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin c helps the body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and help scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.

*rosemary herb parts, whether fresh or dried, are rich source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

*this herb is an excellent source of iron, contains 6.65 mg/100 g of fresh leaves (about 83% of rda). Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.