Overview

Rosemary is an herb. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown worldwide. The leaf and its oil are used to make medicine.

Rosemary is used for improving memory, indigestion (dyspepsia), arthritis-related joint pain, hair loss, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

In foods, rosemary is used as a spice. The leaf and oil are used in foods, and the oil is used in beverages.

In manufacturing, rosemary oil is used as a fragrant component in soaps and perfumes.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Herb

Primary Functions:

Improving memory, indigestion

Also Known As:

Alecrim, Compass Plant, Compass Weed, Encensier, Herbe Aux Couronnes, Old Man, Polar Plant

How Does It Work?

Although it's not clear how rosemary works for hair loss, applying it to the scalp irritates the skin and increases blood circulation.

Uses

• Taking rosemary by mouth may mildly improve memory in young adults. Using rosemary aromatherapy seems to improve some measures of memory. Rosemary aromatherapy also seems to increase alertness.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For memory: 500 milligrams of rosemary extract twice daily for one month has been used.

INHALED AS AROMATHERAPY:

• For memory: Four drops of pure rosemary essential oil (Tisserand Aromatherapy) has been applied to an aromatherapy diffuser pad 5 minutes before testing.

Rosemary Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rosemary do to the body?

Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Laboratory studies have shown rosemary to be rich in antioxidants, which play an important role in neutralizing harmful particles called free radicals.

What are the side effects of rosemary?

Side effects of rosemary include:

• ingestion of large amounts can result in stomach and intestinal irritation and kidney damage.
• excess fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
• encourages menstrual bleeding.
• may cause miscarriage.

How much rosemary is safe?

Total daily intake should not exceed 4 to 6 grams of the dried herb. DO NOT take rosemary oil orally.

Is Rosemary harmful to humans?

But taking undiluted rosemary oil or very large amounts of rosemary leaf is LIKELY UNSAFE. Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, uterine bleeding, kidney irritation, increased sun sensitivity, skin redness, and allergic reactions.

Is Rosemary an antiviral?

Oleanolic acid has displayed antiviral activity against herpes viruses, HIV, influenza, and hepatitis in animal and test-tube studies ( 27 ). Plus, rosemary extract has demonstrated antiviral effects against herpes viruses and hepatitis A, which affects the liver.

Does rosemary help you sleep?

Rosemary. Rosemary may seem like an interesting herb to include in a sleep pillow, but it actually is a lovely addition. Unlike the previous herbs, rosemary actually helps you have vivid dreams

What happens if you eat too much rosemary?

Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, uterine bleeding, kidney irritation, increased sun sensitivity, skin redness, and allergic reactions.

Can you drink rosemary tea everyday?

Rosemary tea offers some impressive potential health benefits. Drinking the tea — or even simply inhaling its aroma — may benefit your mood and brain and eye health. It may also help prevent oxidative damage that can lead to numerous chronic diseases.

Can rosemary tea help you lose weight?

Rosemary is full of antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants prevent the free radical damage and lower your blood sugar levels. When combined, all the properties make rosemary a perfect herb for aiding weight loss. It can also help in protecting you against several metabolic disorders.

Does rosemary raise blood pressure?

Early research shows that taking rosemary oil three times per day increases the top number in a blood pressure reading (systolic blood pressure) and the bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) in people with low blood pressure.

Can I boil rosemary and drink it?

To make rosemary tea: Bring 10 ounces (295 ml) of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of loose rosemary leaves to the hot water. Alternatively, place the leaves in a tea infuser and steep them for 5–10 minutes, depending on how flavorful you like your tea.

What are the most common uses for rosemary?

The herb contains substances that are useful for improving digestion and increasing circulation. In cooking, rosemary is used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes, such as soups, casseroles, salads, and stews. Use rosemary with chicken and other poultry, game, lamb, pork, steaks, and fish, especially oily fish.

What is Rosemary good for Rosemary health benefits?

The herb 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 was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth.

Is Rosemary a natural antibiotic?

Rosemary is a known antimicrobial agent. The powdered leaves are used as an effective natural flea and tick repellent. Rosemary oil possesses marked antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Rosemary also is used in aromatherapy for chronic pain treatment.

Where does rosemary grow best?

Unlike most herbs that live for only one season, rosemary is an evergreen shrub in zone 8 and farther south. For that reason, you should choose a location where it can continue to grow for years to come. It thrives in a sunny, well-drained location where it will reach up to 3 feet tall and wide.

Does rosemary help with anxiety?

Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary can be a stimulating and energizing scent, so it may not be a good choice if what you really want is to relax. However, some research suggests that it may improve cognitive function and decrease levels of stress hormones, which may help reduce anxiety in some situations.

Does smelling rosemary improve memory?

The study was carried out by Northumbria University and concluded that exposure to rosemary can boost memory. The researchers found that students working in a room that contained the aroma of rosemary - in the form of an essential oil - achieved between five and seven per cent better results in memory tests.

What are the benefits of drinking Rosemary water?

6 Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Tea

• High in antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• May help lower your blood sugar.
• May improve your mood and memory.
• May support brain health.
• May protect vision and eye health.
• Other potential benefitsand uses.

Does Rosemary keep mosquitoes away?

Another great mosquito repellant is rosemary. Both the New York Botanical Garden and PlantShed recommended this plant. Rosemary is an herb that many of us are very familiar with and their woody scent is exactly what keeps mosquitoes as well as cabbage moths and carrot flies away.

Is it safe to drink rosemary water?

New research shows drinking No 1 Rosemary Water improves memory by up to 15 percent. New research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, has shown that drinking a concentrated rosemary extract drink, No 1 Rosemary Water, can boost cognitive and memory performance by up to 15%.

Can you drink too much rosemary tea?

Consult a doctor before you consume a lot of rosemary. Very large amounts of rosemary can cause miscarriage or may interfere with medications you are taking, especially blood thinners or drugs to control high blood pressure or diabetes.

Clinical Studies