2015-08-04
Joybynature.com Team
Aug
04

One of the oldest known herbs to man, rosemary has been a part of many European cultures since time immemorial. An important part of several Greek and Roman rituals, this aromatic herb is known for imparting its wonderful flavour to food while also holding several useful medicinal properties.

Organic Rosemary is used either as a fresh herb or in powdered or dried form; both have their own specific uses. In both forms, the nutritional benefits arising from its constituents are amazing. The chief constituent of rosemary is caffeic acid which displays anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. To further discuss its qualities as a medicinal herb, we take a deeper look into the numerous health benefits of rosemary:-

  1. Is a rich source of vitamins

Rosemary has one of the best vitamin profiles seen in a plant with several essential vitamins being embedded in it.

It is filled with a healthy dose of vitamin C which is essential for maintaining the body’s immunity. It also helps in improving the quality of the body’s connective tissue by increasing the synthesis of collagen, thereby helping the skin become clearer and more elastic.

Rosemary also has good reserves of several B vitamins such as folic acid and pyridoxine. These are crucial for the synthesis of DNA and are even more useful for expecting mothers to avoid birth defects in babies.

The highlight of rosemary’s vitamin profile is its vitamin A content. Just a little bit of rosemary is enough to satisfy your daily vitamin A requirement to keep your eyes, skin and mucous membranes healthy.

  1. Is a potent anti-carcinogenic

Rosemary also displays strong anti-carcinogenic properties. Several acids found in rosemary including rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid and carnosic acid have exhibited the ability to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumours in the liver, colon, breasts and stomach. The acid content in rosemary is also capable of actively supressing skin cancer and leukaemia.

  1. It improves blood circulation

The anti-inflammatory effects of rosemary have a significant impact on the blood flow in the body. The rosmarinic acid found in rosemary boosts the production of the organic compound prostaglandin (it is responsible for regulating the contraction and expansion of muscles, including that of blood vessels). By increasing the amount of prostaglandin, blood vessels are able to contract and dilate properly, leading to a drop in the stress on the cardiovascular system, improved blood circulation and lower blood pressure.

  1. Boosts cognitive abilities

Rosemary has shown to be effective in improving cognitive abilities, including boosting memory and recalling power. It also has a hand in lifting the mood and alertness, which further enhances cognitive abilities.

  1. Has anti-microbial properties

Rosemary has the ability to fight off many infections due to its anti-microbial properties. It is particularly powerful against several types of bacteria that are transmitted through food (E. coli, Listeria, Pseudomonas) and also has the capability to fight-off fungal infections.

  1. Improves the digestive system

Rosemary has an amazing effect on the health of the digestive system. Rosmarinic acid soothes and relaxes the muscles in the intestines, improving the peristaltic movement (contraction and relaxation of muscles to facilitate the passage of food through the alimentary canal). Food is better absorbed and metabolized with optimal peristaltic movement.

Moreover, rosemary also promotes the production of bile and can also play a part in inhibiting the growth of peptic ulcers.

  1. Is good for the respiratory system

Rosemary is also a boon for the respiratory system. Rosmarinic acid found in rosemary is useful for relaxing the muscles of the trachea (windpipe) and can help in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Rosemary is an unassuming herb that carries inside it a world of good. But there is such a thing as too much of rosemary as it is not advised to take beyond 4-6 g of rosemary in a day. Also, expecting and nursing mothers should steer clear of rosemary.

To get more details about rosemary, click here.

Comments

Leave a comment

All blog comments are checked prior to publishing