Not only does rosemary add taste and flavour to your food, it also has innumerable health benefits. Gargi Bansod tells you why you should include it in your cooking
Deriving its name from the Latin words meaning ‘dew’ and ‘of the sea’, rosemary is found in abundance near seashores. This aromatic herb has a lovely flavour which gives food a delicious taste. But, you may not know that rosemary has many health benefits as well.
Anti-bacterial
Rosemary has antibacterial properties because it cleanses the blood and helps control the growth of many pathogenic bacteria without killing the good microflora (beneficial bacteria and yeast). Most antibacterial drugs kill the good bacteria along with the bad, throwing off the balance of your inner ecosystem.
Respiratory problems
Rosemary oil gives relief from respiratory allergies, colds, throat congestion, sore throat and flu. Since rosemary oil is an antiseptic it is effective for respiratory infections as well. Rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory properties that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks.
Memory booster
Rosemary improves your mental capacity by increasing the blood flow to your brain. It stimulates mental activity and is a good remedy for depression and mental fatigue. It can relieve some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s as well.
Iron & vitamins
Rosemary is an excellent source of iron. Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood. It is also rich in many B-complex group of vitamins such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine and riboflavin. Rosemary contains high levels of vitamins A and C, thus making it a great antioxidant.
Prevents breast cancer
An imbalance of oestrogen hormones can lead to breast cancer. Research has shown that rosemary helps stop this imbalance from becoming intensive. It won’t completely strike out your chances of contracting cancer, but it can help lower your risk.
Healthy skin
Many cosmetics and soaps contain rosemary because of its anti-ageing properties. Rosemary rejuvenates your skin by strengthening the blood capillaries just below the surface of your skin. Rosemary essential oil gives your skin a healthy glow.
More benefits
A cup of rosemary tea can improve kidney function significantly. It is a stimulating drink which has pain relieving properties. It has been used for centuries to ease the symptoms of headaches and rheumatism. When cooled, it can be used as a mouthwash to combat oral bacteria. Rosemary is also known to cure menstrual cramps, peptic ulcer, urine flow, prostrate, gall bladder, intestine, cataract, heart and sperm mobility.
Sprinkle some rosemary on
- Omelets
- Salads
- Roasted meat or vegetables
- Sandwiches
- Rice preparations
- Steep two teaspoons in hot water for 10 minutes and drink before meals for better digestion and liver support.