10 Health Benefits of Rosemary Tea & 3 Tips
Rosemary tea has historically been used for a variety of health benefits. Studies have since confirmed that rosemary tea has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. We’ll delve into more of the many benefits of this special, aromatic herbal tea in this article.
For centuries, various cultures have touted the benefits of rosemary tea. The ancient Egyptians used rosemary in their burial rituals, while the Greeks and Romans used it for both medicinal and culinary purposes.
In modern times, it’s used for a huge number of health benefits that may improve both your physical and mental well-being.
Rosemary remains a popular culinary herb worldwide. Rosemary tea, in particular, has gained popularity as a health beverage, enjoyed for its benefits, aromatic flavors, and wonderful scent.
In the 20th and 21st centuries in particular, scientific research began to investigate just what is so good about rosemary tea.
What Rosemary Tea Is: Interesting Facts
What Rosemary Tea Is: Interesting Facts
Rosemary tea has long been renowned for its many health benefits, but did you know there are other fun facts about this wonderful herb?
Rosemary wood was once used for pagan rituals, burnt as incense, or made into ointments to cleanse the hands of ‘priests.’ Legends speak of sacred rosemary plants where fairies lived and hid from prying eyes.
You can grow your own rosemary in your garden or in indoor pots. Rosemary is a hardy perennial herb that grows easily in many different climates. If you grow your own, you’ll always have a fresh and convenient supply available to make your own rosemary teas and tonics.
Rosemary is of course also frequently used in food, for example as a ‘bouquet garni’ that’s added to stews, soups, and casseroles. People like to sprinkle rosemary over fragrant Italian breads, roasted vegetables or potatoes, or add it to garlic and butter when frying up a delicious steak.
A polyphenol compound of rosemary, rosmarinic acid, is frequently used as a natural additive to perishable foods as it can increase their shelf life. As you can see, rosemary is a true miracle herb with lots of interesting history and many different uses.
Origin and Where Rosemary Tea Comes From
Origin and Where Rosemary Tea Comes From
Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean and South America. It’s part of the same plant family as oregano, mint, basil, and lemon balm, which is known as Lamiaceae. Rosemary is a fragrant herb that’s used in many culinary creations, and well-loved as a healthful tea.
What Rosemary Tea Is Made Of
What Rosemary Tea Is Made Of
Rosemary tea is incredibly easy to make and, unsurprisingly, it’s made of just two ingredients: rosemary and water.
You can use fresh sprigs of rosemary or dried rosemary and use only the leaves or the entire sprigs (making it easier to remove once steeped.)
All rosemary types are edible, though each one produces unique oils and some have higher levels or camphor than others.
What Rosemary Tea Tastes Like
What Rosemary Tea Tastes Like
This is one tea with a strong flavor. Some of you will love rosemary tea for its pine-like aroma and flavors reminiscent of mint and lemon. Others might find it a little too like bath water.
If the scent and flavors are a little too much for you, but you still want to enjoy rosemary tea for its health benefits, try it with some honey and lemon. Definitely do give it a try though, as the flavor and aroma is wonderful — just strong.
Nutritional Facts and Calories of Rosemary Tea
Nutritional Facts and Calories of Rosemary Tea
Rosemary tea is well-known for containing powerful antioxidants, which provide a myriad of health benefits. Besides these, rosemary also offers vitamin B6, vitamin C, niacin, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium potassium, zinc, phosphorus, thiamine, and pantothenic acid,.
Health Benefits of Rosemary Tea
Health Benefits of Rosemary Tea
Rosemary tea has long been known for its great variety of health benefits. It’s been used for centuries to combat a range of ailments and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Below are some of the top improvements you might expect when adding rosemary tea to your diet.
Rich in Antioxidants
Rich in Antioxidants
Rosemary is high in antioxidants, which help protect your body against damage from free radicals and oxidative stress.
These compounds can aid in preventing chronic diseases, making them an excellent addition to your diet.
Improves Digestion
Rosemary tea is known to stimulate the production of bile, which is essential for digesting fats.
This makes rosemary tea effective for relieving indigestion, bloating, and ga Try enjoying some freshly steeped rosemary tea after a heavy, filling meal.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory compounds in rosemary tea can help reduce inflammation in your body.
This potentially helps alleviate conditions such as arthritis and muscle pain. It also means rosemary tea is a great choice post work-outs.
Enhances Memory and Concentration
Rosemary has been traditionally linked with memory enhancement and improved cognitive function. Some studies suggest that it can help boost memory and focus. This makes rosemary tea a good choice when you’re studying or preparing for an exam or interview.
Boosts Immune System
Boosts Immune System
The high levels of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and other antioxidants in rosemary tea can strengthen your immune system.
Try having some rosemary tea with raw honey when you’re feeling ill or fighting off a cold. It’s been shown to help boost your immunity and even ward off viruses and bacteria.
Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Drinking rosemary tea can have a calming effect, which helps reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Rosemary tea doesn’t contain any caffeine, so this paired with its relaxing properties makes it an ideal choice for a nighttime beverage.
Supports Respiratory Health
Supports Respiratory Health
Rosemary tea may help soothe respiratory issues such as coughs and colds, and its antimicrobial properties can assist in treating infections.
As mentioned above, rosemary tea paired with some raw honey and perhaps a dash of fresh lemon juice can help you fight off a nasty cold.
Promotes Hair Health
Promotes Hair Health
Rosemary has long been known to be effective in hair care. It’s often used for its ability to stimulate hair growth and improve your overall scalp health — it even helps reduce oil buildup and dandruff.
Drinking rosemary tea may help support these benefits internally, too. This is because it may help increase blood flow to your hair follicles, which can improve growth.
Improves Circulation
The compounds found in rosemary tea can help improve your blood circulation, which is beneficial for your overall cardiovascular health. If you suffer from low blood pressure, rosemary tea may be particularly beneficial to you.
Offers Antimicrobial Effects
Rosemary has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off various bacteria and fungi, promoting overall health and preventing certain health problems. This is helpful when it comes to fighting off infections and even wound healing.
Potential Risks
Potential Risks
While rosemary tea offers numerous health benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and side effects associated with its consumption. Here are a few key points to consider if you’re thinking of adding rosemary tea to your diet.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may experience allergic reactions to rosemary. These can manifest in the form of skin rashes, difficulty breathing, or stomach problems. If you experience any of these, stop drinking rosemary tea and consult your doctor if your issues persist.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal Problems
As with anything, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying rosemary tea. High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps.
If you find you’re feeling unwell after drinking too much rosemary tea, try reducing the amount you consume.
Seizures
Individuals with a history of epilepsy or other kinds of seizure disorders may wish to proceed with caution when it comes to consuming rosemary tea.
It may potentially trigger seizures or worsen seizure disorders when consumed in very high doses, so excessive consumption must be avoided.
Toxicity
Toxicity
Extremely high doses of rosemary essential oil (so more than you would find in tea) can be toxic and should be avoided. Ingesting vast amounts of rosemary oils or extracts may cause gastrointestinal problems, kidney problems, and neurologic issues.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions
Rosemary may interact with certain medications, including the following:
- anticoagulants (rosemary tea may increase your risk of bleeding)
- ACE inhibitors (rosemary may interfere with the effectiveness of drugs used for high blood pressure and heart failure).
- diuretics (rosemary has diuretic properties)
- lithium (rosemary might interfere with your body’s ability to process lithium.)
Is Rosemary Tea in Pregnancy Good For You?
Is Rosemary Tea in Pregnancy Good For You?
This one is sadly a resounding no. Rosemary tea is said to be a uterine stimulant, meaning large amounts may increase your risk of preterm labor and even miscarriage.
Volatile oils such as eucalyptol and camphor, which are found in rosemary, may also cause adverse effects in large quantities.
Overall, there is limited safety data on rosemary tea usage in pregnancy, therefore healthcare providers generally recommend you avoid it.
We suggest you steer clear of rosemary tea in pregnancy, and stick to some safer alternatives instead. Peppermint tea, rooibos, and regular black or green teas are all fine when enjoyed in moderation. When in doubt, we always recommend you speak to your doctor or healthcare provider first.
How to Make Rosemary Tea at Home: A Simple Guide
How to Make Rosemary Tea at Home: A Simple Guide
Not many teas provide quite as many health benefits as rosemary tea. There’s just something about this wonderful brew that is excellent for your health and wellbeing.
Even the aroma of rosemary can relax you. So it’s good to know that rosemary tea is surprisingly easy to whip up at home in no time at all.
What You Need:
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh, organic rosemary
- 1-2 cups of water
Here’s how you do it:
- Always use fresh, organic (un-sprayed) rosemary that’s either fresh from a shop or your own garden. Rinse it well and place in a small pot alongside the water.
- Bring to a boil, then gently simmer your water for around 2-3 minutes. The longer you simmer the rosemary sprigs, the stronger the flavors will be.
- Use a fork or slotted spoon to remove your rosemary sprigs. At this point, you may wish to stir in some raw honey or add a little bit of freshly juiced lemon. Mix well.
- Pour your rosemary tea into 1-2 cups and enjoy right away. Take in the wonderful smell alongside the beneficial properties of this healthful herbal tea.
Tips for Drinking and Serving Rosemary Tea
Tips for Drinking and Serving Rosemary Tea
Rosemary tea is delicious on its own but, as we’ve mentioned above, it can taste a little strong to some. Here we list some options to make the most of your rosemary tea, both in beverage form and as a (perhaps) surprising beauty product.
Combine Rosemary Tea with Fresh Herbs for a Delicious Iced Tea
Combine Rosemary Tea with Fresh Herbs for a Delicious Iced Tea
If you like rosemary tea and want to explore the use of some other popular herbs, we’ve got just the thing: why not combine rosemary with mint, lavender, and some fresh, organic rose petals.
You could also replace the lavender with chamomile for a more mildly flavored drink. Experiment with different herbs and their benefits, then steep in hot water.
Remove the herbs and chill until ice cold, and serve with ice cubes made with frozen edible flowers. This makes for the perfect, relaxing summer drink.
Enjoy a Cold and Flu Tea to Boost Your Immune System
Enjoy a Cold and Flu Tea to Boost Your Immune System
When you’re next feeling under the weather, try making some fresh rosemary tea to boost your immune system.
Rosemary, as mentioned in this article, is excellent for warding off colds and flu.
Mix rosemary with peppermint to improve digestion and ease respiratory problems or chamomile to help soothe and calm. Other excellent cold and flu remedies include echinacea, elderberry, ginger, hibiscus, and nettle.
Make a DIY Rosemary Tea Hair Tonic
Make a DIY Rosemary Tea Hair Tonic
As we’ve said before, rosemary tea is excellent when it comes to boosting hair growth and cleansing your scalp. It promotes scalp health, improves circulation, and even helps against dandruff.
So how do you make your own hair tonic? Simple, boil some rosemary tea, then fill it into a clean, dry spray bottle once it’s cooled to room temperature. Spritz onto your hair and scalp after showering.
Alternatives, use freshly brewed, cooled rosemary tea in the shower as a post-wash rinse.
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