Rosemary (روزمیری), known as “Akleel Kohistani” in Urdu, is an aromatic herb used in a variety of dishes and cuisines to enhance flavor. It has a lot of potential health benefits as well.
A versatile herb that is available in many forms such as fresh, dried, powder, or oil, rosemary is known for its incredible medicinal properties.
To know more about the health benefits and uses of this fragrant herb, keep reading the article!
Table of Contents
Key takeaways
- Rosemary is a shrub native to the Mediterranean.
- Potential benefits of rosemary include boosting mood and improving mental, heart, skin, and digestive health.
- Rosemary in Urdu is known as “Akleel Kohistani.”
- It is used to add flavor and aroma to food
- Rosemary is available in multiple forms: fresh rosemary, dried rosemary, rosemary oil, and rosemary leaves.
- Rosemary oil can be used to massage painful areas of the body to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Rosemary tea is a popular drink that can help improve digestion and boost immunity.
What is rosemary?
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a small, evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean. It comes from the mint family Lamiaceae.
Rosemary holds a prominent place in history for its powerful culinary and medicinal properties. Its leaves and oil are commonly used in food to enhance flavor and in medicine for their therapeutic benefits, which we will discuss in detail below.
Rosemary in Urdu
Rosemary in Urdu is known as “روزمیری” and is written as “Akleel Kohistani” in Roman. It is an aromatic herb known for its pleasant aroma and numerous health benefits.
روزمیری کو اردو میں “عقیل کوہستانی” کے نام سے جانا جاتا ہے۔ یہ ایک خوشبودار جڑی بوٹی ہے جو اپنی خوشگوار خوشبو اور متعدد صحت کے فوائد کے لیے مشہور ہے۔
Rosemary benefits
Here are some of the research-backed health benefits of rosemary:
1. Memory booster
A study conducted on 68 students showed that regular consumption of 500mg of oral rosemary for a month improved memory performance and led to improvement in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality compared to the placebo.
2. Enhances mood and mental health
Rosemary may also benefit mood and overall mental health as well. Research on the effects of rosemary has garnered positive results when it comes to mental health and cognitive function.
In a study conducted on Japanese men with high TMD (Total Mood Disturbance) scores, it was noted that continuous consumption of rosemary extract may improve mental energy and sleep quality.
3. Promotes skin health
In a research study, it was noted that rosemary may also have potential in the treatment of various skin diseases. However, further controlled trials are necessary to solidify these claims.
The potential rosemary benefits for skin include its ability to keep the skin hydrated, fight acne-related inflammation, improving skin elasticity, and minimizing blemishes according to skincare expert Kate Somerville.
We recommend consulting a dermatologist or skin specialist before using rosemary on your skin to prevent side effects or allergic reactions.
4. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties
Rosemary boasts a sea of antioxidant compounds like rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and caffeic acid. Such antioxidants can help fight off harmful free radicals and improve overall health.
Apart from its antioxidant properties, rosemary is known for its antibacterial properties as well. According to research on the antibacterial properties of rosemary, it was noted that rosemary has potential to treat H. pylori, staph, and other bacterial infections. Some people also drink rosemary tea to help fight off infections due to its antimicrobial effects.
5. Reduces pain
As a mild analgesic, rosemary has been traditionally used to reduce pain and inflammation. Rosemary oil is also famous for its benefits in alleviating muscle and joint pain associated with arthritis, as well as enhancing circulation.
6. May reduce the risk of cancer
There also exists limited but encouraging research on the anticancer activity of rosemary. Thanks to its compounds carnosic acid, and carnosol which can potentially reduce oxidative damage, defend against free radicals, and stop tumor growth through miraculous anti-tumor effects.
7. May improve digestive health
It is believed that rosemary improves digestion, counters gut inflammation, and eases gas problems. Rosemary tea can have a soothing effect on the stomach and help improve digestion naturally.
One study found that rosemary had a positive impact on gut health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the GI tract.
8. May enhance heart health
Rosemary has shown positive effects for cardiovascular health as well. In an animal study conducted on rats it was found that rosemary supplementation can improve heart health by improving energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress.
9. For nervous system disorders
Research on the therapeutic benefits of rosemary has uncovered a huge potential for its benefits in alleviating the symptoms of nervous system disorders. One study displayed the antidepressant properties of the leaves and stems of rosemary in a behavioral study conducted on mice.
The results showed that rosemary has potential to reduce behavioral symptoms such as anhedonia and hyperactivity similar to fluoxetine (an antidepressant). However more research is needed on this subject to identify the specific compounds responsible for this effect.
10. Supports immunity
Rosemary consumption has been linked to improved immunity as it contains antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid that strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms to help fight off and prevent infections.
How to use rosemary
Rosemary can be used in multiple ways:
- It is most commonly used as a flavor enhancer in savory dishes providing a unique taste and aroma.
- Fresh or dried rosemary can be brewed into a comforting tea, perfect for the winters.
- Rosemary oil can be used to massage painful regions of the body to reduce pain and inflammation.
How to make rosemary tea
Here’s a quick recipe to make rosemary tea at home!
Ingredients
To make rosemary tea you will only need two ingredients:
- Rosemary
- Water
Instructions
- Begin by adding 1 sprig of rosemary to a pot with 2 cups water.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Once it’s boiling, cook the tea at a lower temperature, letting it simmer for 5 minutes or less, depending on how strong you like it.
- Turn off the heat and remove the rosemary sprig (and any broken leaves) from the water.
- Strain the liquid and serve the tea hot!
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the side effects of rosemary?
Rosemary is safe to consume for most individuals when taken in moderation. However, it may lead to allergies, vomiting, spasms, coma, and pulmonary edema in some people.
2. Is it safe to take rosemary in pregnancy?
It is not recommended to take rosemary if you are pregnant, as higher doses can increase the risk of miscarriage, according to some claims.
References
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of rosemary. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7491497/
- Neuroprotective properties of rosemary extracts. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7699484/
- Effects of rosemary and its compounds on health. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29389474/
- Top 5 rosemary benefits for hydrated skin. Retrieved from https://www.katesomerville.com/blogs/news/top-5-rosemary-benefits-for-hydrated-skin
- Antibacterial properties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338655920_Antibacterial_Properties_of_Rosemary_Rosmarinus_Officinalis
- Rosemary herb profile. Retrieved from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/rosemary
- Carnosic acid and carnosol from rosemary: Bioactivities and applications. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17827696/
- Therapeutic potential of rosemary extracts in neurodegenerative diseases. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8513767/
- Rosemary extract as a natural preservative. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5426768/
