Rosemary, scientifically referred to as Rosmarinus officinalis, is a woody herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Its fragrant, evergreen leaves are used either fresh or dried in many dishes all over the world, mainly for stuffing and roasting vegetables and meats. It also provides plenty of health benefits due to its high nutritional value – simply adding rosemary leaves to your dishes everyday can supply you with your daily nutritional needs.
Rosemary Essential Oil
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History of Rosemary
Throughout history, rosemary was used to symbolize numerous things and beliefs all over the world. This herb was associated with good memory in ancient Greece since scholars used to wear rosemary wreaths during examinations to help them recall lessons better. It was also worn during weddings and was added to the couple’s wine to help them remember their vows to each other. We now know that this is because of the relaxing scent from the rosemary essential oils that relaxes the mind and provides a calm feeling.
During the plague in the 1600s, the people sniffed rosemary sprigs to prevent them from being contaminated, which they carried with them in pouches, folded in between handkerchiefs, or placed inside hats. The people also burned rosemary in sick chambers to cleanse and purify the air, since it has a fragrant scent and antiseptic properties.
Today, rosemary is used in cooking delicious dishes as much as it is used in medicine. The essential oils that are extracted from the flowers and leaves are used in perfumes, air fresheners, and hygiene products. It is also used in making salves and ointments to treat numerous illnesses.
Rosemary Nutrition Facts
For every 100 grams (2/3 cup) of dried rosemary leaves, you will get the following nutrients:
- 331 Calories (17% Daily Value)
- 192 From Carbohydrate
- 127 From Fat
- 11.9 From Protein
- 1 grams Total Carbohydrate (21% Daily Value)
- 42.6 grams Dietary Fiber (170% Daily Value)
- 2 grams Total Fat (23% Daily Value)
- 7.4 grams Saturated Fat (37% Daily Value)
- 3.0 grams Monounsaturated Fat
- 2.3 grams Polyunsaturated Fat
- 1076 milligrams Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- 1160 milligrams Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- 9 grams Protein (10% Daily Value)
- 3128 IU Vitamin A (63% Daily Value)
- 2 milligrams Vitamin C (28% Daily Value)
- 5 milligrams Thiamin (34% Daily Value)
- 4 milligrams Riboflavin (25% Daily Value)
- 0 milligrams Niacin (5% Daily Value)
- 7 milligrams Vitamin B6 (87% Daily Value)
- 307 micrograms Folate (77% Daily Value)
- 1280 milligrams Calcium (128% Daily Value)
- 2 milligrams Iron (162% Daily Value)
- 220 milligrams Magnesium (55% Daily Value)
- 0 milligrams Phosphorous (7% Daily Value)
- 955 milligrams Potassium (27% Daily Value)
- 0 milligrams Sodium (2% Daily Value)
- 2 milligrams Zinc (22% Daily Value)
- 5 milligrams Copper (27% Daily Value)
- 9 milligrams Manganese (93% Daily Value)
- 6 micrograms Selenium (7% Daily Value)
- 0 milligrams Phytosterols
- 3 grams Water
- 5 grams Ash
Top 10 Benefits of Rosemary
Treats fungal infections
The flower of this herb is rich in rosmarinic acid and antioxidants that effectively kill fungal infections and prevent them from growing back. If left untreated, fungal infections can spread to the internal organs and become deadly. Treating fungal infections with rosemary oil while it is still benign can prevent it from becoming worse.
Relieves headaches and pain
Rosemary contains analgesic properties that relieve headaches and pain caused by migraine. To do this, you may either inhale or diffuse its aroma, apply the oils on your temples, or take rosemary orally. The relaxing scent will also induce better sleep, which will hasten the healing and reduce stress.
Promotes proper digestion
This herb promotes proper digestion and nutrient absorption of the gastrointestinal tract through its abundance in dietary fiber and minerals. It also soothes constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and gas through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Strengthens the immune system
Vitamin C, which is found in rosemary, is responsible for fighting infections and maintaining the health of organs, bones, blood vessels, and skin. Adding rosemary to your food or taking rosemary supplements will provide you with your daily dose of vitamin C that is needed to strengthen the immune system and improve its disease-fighting abilities.
Prevents anemia
Iron deficiency can cause plenty of health complications, including anemia. Rosemary is an excellent source of iron which helps produce more hemoglobin and promotes proper oxygenation of the body’s organs.
Develops fetal health
Rosemary is good for pregnant women when consumed in small amounts that are normally used for cooking. It contains folate, a nutrient that is important in the proper development of the fetus’s nervous system. It also has the essential B-vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin which are also needed for normal nervous system function.
Improves the eyesight
This herb contains a fair amount of vitamin A that improves the eyesight, helps maintain a healthy skin and mucosa, and protects the body from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Expels harmful free radicals
Free radicals are one of the main culprits of deadly diseases, but you can prevent the build-up of these harmful toxins in your body by adding rosemary leaves into your dishes regularly. The vitamin C and antioxidants in this herb are known to expel the free radicals that can cause cancer.
Freshens the breath
Unlike some commercial mouthwashes that simply get rid of the bad odor because of the fragrance, the antibacterial properties of rosemary kill the bacteria that cause the icky breath in the first place. Steeping rosemary leaves and gargling them every night will definitely freshen your breath.
Detoxifies the liver
Since it is rich in antioxidants, rosemary also helps in detoxifying the liver and stimulating bile flow in the digestive tract.This helps in the proper metabolism of fat and the prevention of diseases such as diabetes.
Potential Side Effects of Rosemary
Rosemary is safe when consumed in amounts that are normally used in food. It is also safe when taken orally as a medicine, applied topically on the skin, or inhaled as an aromatherapy.
- Undiluted rosemary oil is unsafe when taken orally, and taking large amounts can cause bleeding, vomiting, kidney irritation, sun sensitivity, and allergic reactions.
- For pregnant women, consuming rosemary in amounts that are normally used in cooking is safe. However, taking large amounts of it orally as a medication is strongly discouraged since it can stimulate menstruation and cause miscarriage.
- For people who are allergic to aspirin, taking rosemary can cause the same allergic reaction due to the same chemical component, salicylate.
- Rosemary can worsen bleeding and seizures. Consult your physician before attempting to take rosemary in medicinal amounts.
Rosemary Fun Facts
- According to Greek mythology, the goddess of love Aphrodite was draped in rosemary when she rose from the sea.
- In Christianity, it was said that when the Virgin Mary lied down on a bed of rosemary, her blue cloak touched the flowers which made them turn blue. It became known as ‘The Rose of Mary’.
- Rosemary was thought to be a love charm during the Middle Ages. During wedding ceremonies, the bride would wear a rosemary headpiece, while the groom wore a rosemary sprig on his clothes.
- Europeans and Australians would throw rosemary into the graves of the deceased as a symbol of
- Elisabeth of Poland, the Queen of Hungary during the 1300s, would bathe in water mixed with fresh rosemary and wine to revitalize her body.
Organic Rosemary & Essential Oil
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