Rosemary : benefits & side effects

Rosemary is an evergreen herb that may live for more than two years. It is native to the Mediterranean area. It is used as a food ingredient and in the production of various perfumes, as well as for its numerous health advantages when combined with other herbs such as thyme and basil.

This plant is a member of the mint family and is an excellent source of several minerals and vitamins, including iron, calcium, and vitamin B6, and it is used in a variety of forms, including dried, extracted as an oil, liquid, or tea. It is also used to treat a variety of health issues, such as relieving muscular pain and others. However, high dosages might cause vomiting and unconsciousness.

Benefits of Rosemary

rosemary has many health benefits. It was used in ancient times because of its medicinal properties, and its potential health benefits are as follows:

• Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory: rosemary contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help support the immune system and improve blood circulation, and some studies have shown that this herb contains compounds that help the body reduce the effect of harmful molecules called free radicals.
• Reducing stress: Many people suffer from stress due to many factors, so inhaling rosemary may help relieve anxiety; This is due to its role in reducing cortisol levels, which cause insomnia, mood swings, and many other problems.
• Improving memory: One study of 28 elderly people found that consuming a low amount of rosemary helped improve their memory, and inhaling it also increased speed and accuracy in performing tasks, and may improve their cognitive performance.
• Contribute to relieving pain: Rosemary was used in the past to relieve pain, and a study was conducted on people who had suffered a stroke and were suffering from pain in the shoulder. They were given rosemary oil with medicine through needles for twenty minutes, and it was found that their pain decreased. compared to those who did not receive these needles.
• Hair loss treatment: Some recent studies have shown that using rosemary oil on hair directly contributes to protecting against hair loss. This is because it contains Carnosic acid, which treats damaged tissues and nerves, which may lead to the activation of the nerves in the scalp, thus increasing hair growth.
• Antimicrobial: Rosemary oil contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, but there are not many studies that prove its role in the treatment and prevention of many microbes, such as lice in humans.
• Treating many diseases: Rosemary is considered a herbal supplement that helps treat bronchial asthma, peptic ulcers, prostate disorders, liver toxicity, ischemic heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, and eye problems. such as cataracts and other health problems.

Read also: The powerful benefits of black lemon 

Side effects of using Rosemary

Excessive use of rosemary and in high doses can cause some possible side effects, including the following:

1. Stomach and intestinal irritation.
2.  kidney damage.
3. coma.
4. Cause menstrual bleeding.
5. Inducing a miscarriage.
6. Intoxication and vomiting.
7. epileptic seizures.

Ways to use Rosemary

Rosemary is used in many ways, including; Inhalation. It can be inhaled by opening the bottle, breathing in it, or by placing some drops of it on a tissue, or a cloth, and placing it near the face. It can also be used topically on the place to be treated. As the skin absorbs rosemary oils quickly Therefore, it is recommended to dilute the oil before placing it on the skin, and this helps prevent skin irritation and redness, and it can be used on the bottom of the feet, or any other part of the body.

Read also : The amazing ginger: history, benefits, uses and side effects

Is thyme the same as rosemary?

The primary distinction between thyme and rosemary is that rosemary has a more powerful and pungent flavor than thyme.

Thyme and rosemary are two popular culinary and medicinal herbs. These two herbs share some flavor characteristics and are both members of the mint family. Additionally, they are frequently combined in recipes. But there are some distinctions between rosemary and thyme as well:

• Thyme is a low-growing aromatic mint family plant, whereas rosemary is a small evergreen mint family plant with culinary and medicinal uses.
• Thyme leaves are small and rounded, with soft feelings, whereas rosemary leaves are stiff and needlelike.

• Furthermore, thyme has a strong herbal flavor, whereas rosemary is a strong herb that is pungent and slightly bitter.

Can you eat rosemary Raw?

Rosemary is LIKELY SAFE when consumed at appropriate levels. Rosemary is considered safe for most individuals when using 6 grams of it daily. But taking undiluted rosemary oil or huge amounts of rosemary leaves is likely unsafe.

Which rosemary variety is best?

There are a number of rosemary plant types to choose from. Many chefs favorite Tuscan Blue, because of its strong aroma and taste. while “Blue Spires” and “Miss Jessup’s Upright” are also good. “Arp” is also one of the best rosemary varieties and one of the most fragrant. It can be used to make a hedge, border, or herb garden out of it.

How do i care for a rosemary plant?

It is simple to care for rosemary planted in pots. Proper watering is essential for growing rosemary plants. The easiest method to tell if the plant needs water is to put your finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry, then it is time to water it. Never leave the pot submerged in water. Overwatering is the most common reason rosemary plants fail to thrive in pots.

Rosemary in pots typically does not require fertilizer, but if the plant seems pale green or growth is limited, apply a dry fertilizer or a weak solution of a water-soluble liquid fertilizer.

Does rosemary herb help you sleep?

A 2017 study found that consuming 1,000 mg of rosemary daily for one month helped lower anxiety and depression symptoms and enhanced sleep quality in university students when compared to a placebo therapy.