The health benefits of rosemary are plentiful, here are a few you need to know about.
Rosemary is one of those herbs you can find in just about everything. Rosemary goes great with sweet foods (try Rosemary Panacotta, it’s to die for!), savory foods (like these wicked Rosemary Potato Straws), or even in your water (yes, Rosemary-infused Water is as wonderful as it sounds). The truth is that rosemary is one of the most versatile herbs around.
But it’s also one of the best for your health! Here are a few of the health benefits of rosemary:
- Fight cancer — Studies have discovered that the carnosol in rosemary is a potent anti-carcinogen that can aid in the fight against various forms of cancer–prostate, colon, skin, and breast cancer, among others. In animal studies, rosemary helped to reduce carcinogen binding by 76% in just two weeks!
- Treat migraines — While there are no known cures for migraines, a bit of rosemary can help to ease the headache. Simply boil the herb in water and inhale the steam for a few minutes. Rosemary will help to reduce the pounding in your head and even boost your mood!
- Improve memory –– The herb has been used for hundreds of years as a remedy to deal with memory problems. It’s thanks to the carnosic acid in the herb, which can help to protect your brain against degradation and age-related degeneration. Even the smell of rosemary may be enough to help boost your memory, or so one study discovered!
- Relieve pain –– Essential rosemary oil makes a wonderful balm for aching and swollen joints. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, you can reduce the pain in your joints and feel a whole lot better!
- Boost your mood –– In the same study that discovered rosemary to be an effective memory-enhancer, researchers found that those inhaling the scent of rosemary experienced a significant mood boost compared to the control group.
- Fight inflammation –– The carnosol and carnosic acid in rosemary makes it a powerful anti-inflammatory, as it inhibits the enzyme that is responsible for inflammation and pain in your body. It even stops your body from producing nitric oxide, another chemical that causes pain and swelling.
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- Fight bacteria –– Rosemary contains powerful antibacterial properties, particularly against the bacteria that is responsible for stomach ulcers and Staph infections.
- Boost immunity –– Want to get your immune system firing on all cylinders? Try a bit of rosemary! The herb contains powerful antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that will do wonders to help your body fight off invaders!
- Improve digestion — Struggling with IBS or an upset stomach? A bit of rosemary tea can help to soothe your digestive system and aid in the fight against diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. It can even reduce your risk of contracting a food-borne illness.
- Improve circulation –– If you have poor circulation, apply a bit of rosemary essential oil to your skin. While scientific evidence is lacking to prove its effectiveness, it’s an ancient remedy that has been used for centuries to improve circulation.
- Clean your mouth — Use rosemary as a mouthwash and get rid of that bad breath. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the herb will leave your mouth fresh and clean.
- Decongest your lungs –– Suffering from congestion or some other problem with breathing? Inhale the scent of rosemary essential oil, and you’ll find the congestion can clear right up! The oil of rosemary is great for all sorts of respiratory problems, and it can help you to breathe a whole lot easier.
