Hidden Benefits of Rosemary: Health Secrets You Haven’t Been Told

Now before you do anything rash, hear me out. I know it’s a bit scary coming across articles that thoroughly highlight your need to go all natural. This is probably because they remind you of how the human body is prone to disease and most importantly, wrinkles. So instead of reading such articles, you forward them to your elderly father or grandmother who started complaining about her joints, or you simply ignore such articles entirely. News flash! You ain’t getting any younger (in Seinabo Sey’s voice). I have good news for you though, since your body was made of the earth, it needs earth’s gifts in their raw form to thrive.

Case in point Rosemary. Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb with needle-like leaves and the ability to revive, restore, rejuvenate, and replenish (and all the other r words synonymous to the ones listed above) the body. But before we get into the deep end, have you heard the song ‘Love Grows (where my Rosemary goes)?’ Well…In this song, the writers Tony and Barry thought it beautiful to use Rosemary as a pet name in reference to that special lady who is a bit weird, but her weirdness doesn’t demean her lovers love for her. Love grows instead. Imagine calling that uniquely-weird-special someone Rosemary…..sigh.

A 2015 article published in the Elsevier Journal on Photochemistry, revealed that one of the key components in Rosemary is Carnosic acid. According to AG Scientific, Carnosic acid has potent antioxidants, implying that it has the strong ability to neutralise and even eradicate free radicals from the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells, contributing significantly to the formation of cancerous cells and clogged pores, which can lead to bad skin. The NCI explains that free radicals stem from sources outside the body, like air pollutants (your most trusted Jaj guy’s Boda) or are created by the body in response to factors like UV-rays and diet (think KFC).

Now, imagine Rosemary boosting your body enough to look and feel younger than its years! Do take note that it is not anti-ageing, but instead, reduces the rate at which you age. Additionally, it can protect you from chronic illnesses like heart failure and cancer. By eliminating free radicals from the body, blood circulation will be greatly improved, thus better-looking skin. Poor blood circulation can lead to the formation of Varicose veins. About a year ago, my mom’s skin started showing dark-coloured veins on both her hands and legs. At about the same time, she started taking Rosemary—not because she knew of its vast benefits, but because she was tired of taking over-the-counter medication. Recently, she shared how she feels so much lighter, her skin is indeed brighter, and the veins that had begun to show are now non-existent. So, daily intake of Rosemary can completely eradicate Varicose veins.

Another advantage of the Carnosic acid, is its potent neuroprotective activity, this refers to the strong ability it has in improving brain function. AG Scientific highlights that diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia have no foothold in the door of your future because of the presence of this acid. Thus, Rosemary makes the mind sharper and nimble.

A study conducted by Northumbria University indicates that even a whiff of Rosemary can boost cognitive function, thanks to a compound called 1,8-cineole. Once sniffed, this compound is immediately detected in your bloodstream, actively stimulating your neurotransmitters.

Carnosic acid is also beneficial for hair growth due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Dermatologist Shipi Khetarpal affirms that these compounds help rejuvenate dead nerves, tissues, and cells, making Rosemary not only a healer but also a powerful stimulant for hair growth. However, when it comes to hair growth, it is important NOT to be overzealous and expect cosmic results in three days (as those sensationalised TikTok videos suggest). Have realistic expectations and give it time to show its full effect.

AG Scientific states, alongside Carnosic acid, two other compounds in Rosemary—Camosol and Rosmarinic acid—have anti-cancer properties. If given the choice, I’d much rather tolerate the slightly bitter taste of Rosemary than face the pain, endless medication, and surgeries that come with cancer.

When taken as tea, Rosemary helps to improve your mood, relax the body and support digestion. A 2017 study had students take 500mg of Rosemary supplement daily for a month. The results showed improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety and fewer feelings of depression. As for digestion, Rosemary’s anti-inflammatory properties ease bloating and help soothe stomach discomfort.

In the case of ulcers, Rosemary does a splendid job at providing relief and promoting healing. Once again, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and prevent wounds from worsening.

Rosemary is also known for its antibacterial properties due to its high levels of phenolic acid. As a result, it helps reduce bacteria levels in the body, acting as a natural disinfectant.

It’s a herb commonly used in cooking, from beef to fish, potatoes, and stews. However, I’d advise against using it in beans or peas (you’ll thank me later).

Other benefits Rosemary offers include;

• Mosquito and pest repellent
• Immune booster
• Sleep inducer

Rosemary is a herb of variety that can be taken into the body in so many ways, mixed in a drink, cooked with food, applied as an oil to the skin, and aromatherapy, among many others. If you have used Rosemary before and have experienced its healing power, leave a comment. If you haven’t, start today! And if you’re hesitant, let us know why.