I love using herbs to spice up dishes and improve health, and rosemary is one of my favorites. This versatile herb not only promotes healthy hair but also has some anti-cancer properties.
Rosemary, whose Latin name means “dew of the sea,” often grows naturally along sea cliffs. Nowadays, it thrives in many climates since it’s a hardy plant. Part of the mint family, rosemary is an aromatic herb that grows on an evergreen bush. It’s most commonly used in cooking, but its woodsy aroma makes it great for air fresheners and aromatherapy.
The health benefits of rosemary are largely due to its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These include carnosic acid, ursolic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid. One interesting benefit of its strong aroma is that it can enhance cognitive function. Studies have shown that when people took cognitive tests while inhaling rosemary essential oils, they were more alert compared to those in control or lavender groups. Moreover, both the rosemary and lavender groups felt happier than the control group.
Traditionally, rosemary has been used to slow cognitive decline with age, and some studies support this. For example, culinary doses of rosemary have been shown to significantly reduce cognitive decline, although a high dose can do the opposite.
Remarkably, rosemary also has anti-cancer properties. Research published in Phytomedicine found that rosemary extract can inhibit the spread of ovarian cancer cells. Another study in Cancer Letters suggested rosemary could potentially treat various cancers and noted that it seems to target only cancerous cells, sparking hope for its future use.
With stress being such a health threat, stress management is crucial. A 2007 study discovered that inhaling a mix of rosemary and lavender oils can lower cortisol levels in saliva and boost free radical scavenging activity.
Rosemary has been used for centuries for its beauty benefits, especially for hair and skin. Research indicates that rosemary essential oil can help with skin issues and encourage hair growth, as effectively as some conventional treatments.
It also shows promise in reducing menstrual pain and appears safe to use alongside medication. Inhaling rosemary essential oils also has positive effects on the brain, influencing activities and responses related to mood and the autonomic nervous system.
Despite limited studies on its digestive benefits, rosemary has long been used for stomach and liver health. A review article from 1999 suggests it helps liver health by boosting bile production and protecting against liver damage, which can improve digestion.
Around the house, rosemary is incredibly versatile. I grow it easily and use it in various ways beyond cooking since it’s low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Generally safe for most people in culinary amounts, rosemary has few side effects. However, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor if you’re considering using it medicinally.
Rosemary is an herb with numerous uses beyond seasoning food—traditional communities have relied on it for centuries, and now science is starting to support its many traditional uses. Have you ever used rosemary for something other than cooking? I’d love to hear your experiences!
