Rosmarinus Officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is native to the Mediterranean region. This herb plant is now widely distributed all over the world and is popularly known for its culinary, medicinal, and commercial uses including its high demand in the fragrance and food industries. Both fresh and dried leaves of rosemary are widely employed in cooking, herbal tea. Rosemary extracts are routinely employed as natural antioxidant to improve the shelf life of perishable foods. The other major use of rosemary extracts is in the perfumery industry where the essential oils are employed as natural ingredients of fragrances.
Growing Rosemary Plant at Home
Rosemary is a perennial plant cultivated throughout the year. It has dark green, needle like fragrant leaves. Light blue flowers blossom in early summer. This herb plant grows up to a height of 1.5 m to 3 m and can be very easily grown in your kitchen garden. The plant does not require too much maintenance. All it needs is well-drained alkaline soil, and enough sunlight.
Benefits of Rosemary Tea or Rosemary Powder
Rosemary is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It contains antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb rich in vitamin A, has antioxidant properties essential for good vision. Rosemary plant extracts keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. Below are top five benefits of consuming rosemary tea or extracts.
- Improves Digestion and liver health
Rosemary aids in digestion and has the ability to heal several digestive ailments such as constipation, stomach cramps and bloating. Rosemary extracts also support the growth of good gut bacteria. This improves digestion and the body will become more efficient at breaking down fats.
- Boosts the Brain
Rosemary contains an ingredient called carnosic acid, which can fight off damage by free radicals in the brain. Regular consumption of Rosemary extracts or tea improve mental focus and mood and keep your brain sharp. Some studies have reported that Rosemary might be useful for people who have experienced a stroke. Rosemary appears to be protective against brain damage and might improve recovery.
- Hair Care
Rosemary has been used for centuries to promote hair growth. By stimulating blood circulation in the scalp, rosemary, helps thicken the hair and add shine to it. It also possess the ability to delay the graying of hair. Regular application of rosemary oil moisturizes the scalp, thereby preventing flaking and dandruff.
- Prevents infections
Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. It prevents the growth of infectious agents, both, internal and external, thereby helps prevent the occurrence of common cold.
- Aids Detoxification
It is extremely important to regularly consume liver cleansing foods and herbs to keep the body free of toxins and functioning optimally. Rosemary contains the power to eliminate harmful toxins from the liver by enhancing the production of detoxifying enzymes, which flushes out toxins from the body. Due to its this property, Rosemary enables quick recovery from any disease or dysfunction.
How to Make Rosemary Tea at home
Ingredients:
Rosemary leaves – Freshly plucked from your herbal garden or dried leaves or rosemary tea bag.
One jar or 3-4 cups of boiling water
Strainer (optional)
Brewing Rosemary Tea
Add fresh or dried Rosemary leaves or the tea bag to the pot containing boiling water. Make sure you have turned off the gas/heating. Cover the pot and allow the tea to steep for about five minutes. Then remove the tea bag or strain the leaves and pour the tea into cups. Now you can enjoy your Rosemary tea while inhaling its wonderful floral fragrance
Tip – It is important to note that one should consume this herb moderate amounts. A dose of 5 grams of chopped leaves or leaf powder is normal. Avoid applying concentrated rosemary oil in your scalp. Always mix it with a carrier oil such as almond or olive oil before using it. Rosemary should be avoided during pregnancy.