Rosemary is an evergreen plant that originated from the Mediterranean region and is now prevalent in most parts of the world.
The most favorable conditions for its propagation are warm, sunny climates.
Scientifically known as Rosmarinus Officinalis, the plant has slender, pointy needles having silver color at the bottom that shifts to a green tint on the top. On the market, it is available as fresh herb, dried and powdered whole herb as well as capsules and rosemary oil.
Owing to its health benefits, the herb has a long history of human consumption and is usually a part of a number of recipes. Here are some of the health benefits that will encourage you to use this plant.
1. Cancer Prevention
According to a research published in Oncology Reports journal, “crude ethanolic rosemary extract (RO)” can help slow down the propagation of breast cancer cells and can also help reduce the development of Leukemia.
According to another research published in the journal Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, rosemary is very useful as an anti-tumor as well as an anti-inflammatory medicine.
Yet another report that was a part of the Journal of Food Science found that adding rosemary extract while cooking beef can help reduce the formation of carcinogens that might form during the cooking process.
2. Hair Loss
Rosemary has been a cultural remedy for hair health in a number of communities. Some studies, according to WebMD, establish that using a mix of rosemary oil, cedarwood oil, thyme, and lavender oil can help reduce hair falls to a significant level.
Another study found that patients suffering from alopecia areata – a disease in which patches of head hair fall off – had significant hair regrowth upon the massage of a mix of rosemary and other oils as compared to the group who didn’t use them.
However, there’s a debate on the credibility of this research as it was not ‘scientifically’ proved that rosemary oil was responsible for the regrowth.
3. Improved Digestion
Rosemary is commonly used in European countries to cure indigestion. Germany’s Commission E has even officially approved rosemary products to treat indigestion. However, it must be noted that there’s currently no proper scientific backing to prove these properties of rosemary.
4. Muscle Pain Relief
According to WebMD, using rosemary along with hops and oleanolic acid can help reduce arthritis-related pain.
Rosemary oil has been officially approved by the German Commission E to help cure muscle pain and improve blood circulation in the body.
5. Stress Reduction
According to a research carried out at Meikai University, School of Dentistry in Japan, just five minutes of lavender and rosemary aromatherapy was found to have incredibly positive effects on the salivary cortisol levels (commonly known as the stress hormone) of more than 20 healthy subjects.
The study concluded that lavender and rosemary can help enhance free radical scavenging activity and can reduce cortisol levels, eventually helping the body fight chronic illnesses caused by oxidative stress.
6. Healthy Skin
Rosemary is one of the most popular anti-aging agents. Although the rosemary oil is itself associated with skin benefits, new research shows that its leaves can also be helpful for improving skin health.
Rosemary leaves can help reduce blemishes and can reinstate the healthy, hydrated and shiny look of your skin.
7. Better Eye Health
According to a research led by Dr. Stuart A. Lipton, Ph.D. at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, it was found that carnosic acid, one of the major components of rosemary products, can help noticeably in improving eye health.
The study, published in journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, suggested that rosemary can be clinically prescribed for diseases affecting outer retina such as macular degeneration – the leading eye disease in the United States.