Remarkable Natural Healing Properties of Rosemary Leaf

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with slender, needle-like leaves hailing from the dry, rocky shores of the Mediterranean Sea.  It’s drought tolerant and can usually be found in temperate climates, although it’s hardy in some cooler climates as well.

Rosemary leaf was used as a natural healer in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Ayurvedic medicine. Modern research shows rosemary leaves have bioactive properties such as antifungal, antioxidant and antibacterial. [10]

In Ancient Greece and Rome, scholars wore a garland of rosemary on their heads to aid memory during examinations [1]. For this reason,  rosemary came to symbolize remembrance, which is why you will find sprigs of rosemary in war commemorations and funerals throughout Europe. 

And indeed, modern science has shown that rosemary actually does improve memory and brain health.  But that’s only the beginning of it’s many benefits.

Let's look at the healing properties of this evergreen herb and why its leaves, whether fresh or dried, should be included in your di

The Top 5 Healing Benefits of the Rosemary Herb

The medicinal uses of rosemary leaf has been praised for centuries. Modern science has confirmed that rosemary contains a wide variety of nutrients and benefits essential for healthy living.

Here are five of the most common benefits of the rosemary herb.

1. High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants, which may help the body tackle oxidative stress leading to improved physical and mental wellbeing. Oxidative stress, as a result of free radicals, can break down cell tissue and cause DNA damage, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer [2].

The phenolic compounds in rosemary extracts react with free radicals in the body, possibly neutralizing their negative effects. Due to this capability, rosmarinic acid ( a rosemary leaf extract)  is often used as a natural preservative.

The compounds in rosemary also exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, providing many benefits such as reducing symptoms of arthritis and inflammatory bowel syndrome. High levels of inflammation in the body can also contribute to chronic health issues like diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's [2].

2. Improves mood, memory, and brain health

Consuming rosemary may help boost your mood and improve your memory. Taking rosemary daily can significantly lower stress and anxiety levels and improve sleep quality and memory. Inhaling rosemary oil has also been shown to stimulate brain activity and boost mood [3].

Carnosic acid in rosemary fights against free radicals in the brain, endowing the herb with neuroprotective properties and making it especially useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It also reduces inflammation in the hippocampus, the part of your brain associated with learning and memories. Some studies suggest that rosemary may even support recovery from conditions that can lead to brain damage like injuries and strokes [4].

3. Supports the immune system 

Carnosic and rosmarinic acids in rosemary have potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. For these reasons, consuming rosemary regularly can help lower the risk of infection. 

Rosemary leaf also contains high concentrations of vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium, which are nutrients that help keep your immune system functioning at optimum levels [5].

Since rosemary also helps lower stress levels, it can help improve the function of the immune system by decreasing the negative effects of the stress hormone cortisol.

4. Protects vision and eye health

Compounds found in rosemary leaf extracts can protect the eyes against age-related macular degeneration. Carnosic acid helps fight free radicals that damage membranes and other cell processes in the brain that compromise eye health and vision. It protects the retinas from degeneration, helping prevent age-related vision problems [6].

Rosemary may also delay the onset of cataracts and reduce the severity of cataracts. However, it's important to keep in mind that most studies on rosemary and eye health utilized highly concentrated extracts. 

5. Promotes hair growth and healthy skin

One of rosemary’s oldest uses is for healthy hair and skin. The plant, in its essential oil form, has anti-inflammatory properties and strengthens circulation in the scalp. Rosemary extract increases the blood supply to hair follicles which helps to  prevent premature hair loss while promoting increased hair growth in people with alopecia [7].

In addition to stimulating hair growth, other uses of rosemary essential oil include possible prevention of dry scalp and dandruff plus it may even slow down graying of hair. [9] 

The antioxidant properties of rosemary leaf may reinforce blood capillaries, improving circulation in the skin and may reduce signs of aging. Using rosemary on your skin may also help alleviate acne, sebum imbalance, and possibly support skin conditions such as rosacea. [8] 

Using Rosemary to Enhance General Health and Wellbeing

Many people enjoy rosemary for its flavor, aroma, and impressive potential health benefits. 

Some people start their day with a cup of rosemary tea to invigorate the body and promote the release of endorphins. Others choose to get rosemary leaf and all its benefits through supplementation.

At Lean Factor, we use the best quality and most effective form of the rosemary herb in our wellness formulas, including our popular brain supplement, Limitless Mind.  

Limitless Mind is a natural brain-boosting nootropic supplement designed to help you think more clearly, improve your memory, increase your focus, reduce brain fog, and promote brain health, especially as you grow older.  It's made from all-natural ingredients to provide lasting cognitive benefits. For more information about Limitless Mind, go here.

References

1. Blumenthal, Mark, Alicia Goldberg, and Josef Brinckmann. Herbal medicine. Expanded commission E monographs. Integrative Medicine Communications, 2000.
2. Moreno, Silvia, et al. "Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of rosemary extracts linked to their polyphenol composition." Free radical research 40.2 (2006): 223-231.
3. Moss, Mark, et al. "Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults." International Journal of Neuroscience 111 (2003): 15-38.
4. De Oliveira, Jonatas Rafael, Samira Esteves Afonso Camargo, and Luciane Dias De Oliveira. "Rosmarinus officinalis L.(rosemary) as therapeutic and prophylactic agent." Journal of biomedical science 26.1 (2019): 1-22.
5. Ahmed, Hiwa M., and Muhammed Babakir-Mina. "Investigation of rosemary herbal extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) and their potential effects on immunity." Phytotherapy Research 34.8 (2020): 1829-1837.
6. Organisciak, Daniel T., et al. "Prevention of retinal light damage by zinc oxide combined with rosemary extract." Molecular Vision 19 (2013): 1433.
7. González-Minero, Francisco José, Luis Bravo-Díaz, and Antonio Ayala-Gómez. "Rosmarinus officinalis L.(Rosemary): An ancient plant with uses in personal healthcare and cosmetics." Cosmetics 4 (2020): 77.
8. What Are the Best Essential Oils for Acne?: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/essentials-oils-for-acne
9. Should I Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth?: https://www.healthline.com/health/rosemary-oil-for-hair 
10. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.) : A Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165352/