Eat Me: 9 reasons you should love Rosemary

Rosemary is a robust and versatile herb with a flavour that complements a wide variety of dishes and ingredients.

The warm, spicy scent of rosemary complements many types of dishes, including drinks and desserts.

Small amounts like those used to flavour food aren’t typically considered large enough to have a major effect on the body.

But regularly adding the leaves to your food will allow your body derive accumulated benefits from the organic compounds and unique phytochemicals present in the leaves.

Memory booster

One of the earliest reported or documented uses of rosemary for health reasons was as a cognitive stimulant.

It improves memory and helps to increase intelligence and focus.

Mood and stress

The aroma of rosemary has been linked to improving mood, clearing the mind, and relieving stress in those with chronic anxiety or stress hormone imbalances.

When the plant is consumed or applied externally, it can have similar effects.

Immune system strength

The active components in rosemary are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic in nature.

This represents a three-pronged attack against many diseases and pathogens that could threaten the immune system or damage the integrity of the body.

Antibacterial potential

While the general immune boosting qualities of rosemary are impressive enough, it is specifically powerful against bacterial infections, particularly those in the stomach.

Stomach soother

Rosemary has been traditionally used by dozens of cultures as a natural remedy for stomach upset, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and everything in between.

Its anti-inflammatory and stimulant effects are largely the remedy of these effects, so adding rosemary to your weekly diet can quickly help you regulate your bowel movements and your gastrointestinal system.

Breath freshener

As a natural antibacterial agent, rosemary works as a wonderful breath freshener that also improves your oral health.

Stimulate blood flow

Rosemary acts as a stimulant for the body and boosts the production of red blood cells and blood flow.

This helps to oxygenate vital organ systems and areas of the body, ensuring that the metabolic activities in those areas are running smoothly, in addition to stimulating the movement of nutrients to cells that require repair.

Pain relief

As an analgesic substance, rosemary has been topically applied in a paste or salve for hundreds of years to the affected area of the pain.

When consumed orally, rosemary acts as a pain reliever for harder to reach spots, such as headaches and pain from a condition.

Anti-inflammatory qualities

Perhaps the most important function of rosemary is – its anti-inflammatory activities in the body.

Carnosol and carnosic acids are two powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in rosemary that have been linked to reducing inflammation of muscles, blood vessels, and joints.