Health Benefits of Rosemary

Rosemary or 'Rosmarinus officinalis' has its origin in the Mediterranean region and eventually its fame spread to other parts of the world. The word 'Rosemary' is a derivative from the Latin word 'Rosamarinus' which means 'Dew of the sea'. The Romans used Rosemary in many religious ceremonies. The mention of Rosemary is also found in the ancient Egyptian civilization, wherein the Rosemary extracts were used in incense preparations.  

Rosemary is an evergreen perennial herb. It has a pine-like fragrance and a pungent flavor. Rosemary grows as shrub and it belongs to the Mint family. It is a woody plant with rigid branches.  The leaves are deep green in color and are flat like that of the pine tree with silvery undersides. The Rosemary flowers are pale blue in colour. It grows well in dry soil and requires good amount of sunlight. Rosemary is known for its culinary use for a very long time. It is often used as a seasoning for stews, soups etc., Other than flavoring food its used in cosmetics and extracts of Rosemary are used for medicinal purposes. The flavor and health benefits make it indispensable in every kitchen. Rosemary is commercially available as whole springs both fresh and dried. Rosemary oil extracts and powders are also available. The flavor of the fresh Rosemary is far superior to dried ones. A mixture of rosemary oil and water helps remove bad odour. 

A good source of minerals and iron, Rosemary is as well a dietary fiber. Rosemary oil when externally applied on the skin rejuvenates the skin and strengthens the capillaries. Many cosmetics have Rosemary extracts as the main component.

Rosemary is used to treat many ailments like headaches, digestion problems, liver diseases, throat congestion, regulation of menstrual cycle and many more.  Rosemary oil is a popular essential oil which is used in Aroma therapy.  It stimulates hair growth and boosts mental activity.

Rosemary has the ability to prevent cancer, helps enhancing the functioning of the liver and improves the functioning of the kidney. Two natural acids present in Rosemary the 'Caffic acid' and 'Rosemarinic acid'.  These acids are both potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents.

The antioxidants contained prevents the damage of cells by free radicals thus a good defense for cancer.  Rosemary has the ability to block the hormone oestrogen, the imbalance of which causes breast cancer.  Although drugs are available for treating breast cancer they have many unpleasant side effects. Rosemary thus offers a natural remedy. Rosemary tones down the effect of harmful toxins and flushes them from your body. Rosemary extracts possess the ability to inactivate toxins and then eliminate them from the liver, before they can cause any serious damage.  Rosemary helps combat the effects of water retention. Rosemary also has therapeutic properties as a mild diuretic in reducing swollen ankles.

Rosemary oil and teas are used extensively for hair care.  Regular usage of the oil stimulates hair growth and prevents premature graying of hair.  The scalp related problems like dandruff, flaky scalp are treated with a combination of tea tree oil and rosemary oil. Rosemary is also used to evade bad breath.  Regular massage of Rosemary oil prevents skin dryness. It has a good aroma and can be used as a room freshener. The anti microbial property helps treat skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, and athletes��s foot etc., Rosemary oil may, at times, have allergic reactions and hence it should be used only with prescription.