Index
This infusion serves to stimulate memory and take care of heart health
Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis is a perennial herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family . It originates from the Mediterranean Sea region, but specifically from the European part and is mentioned in the medical literature of the region since the 17th century. The main characteristics of the plant are its bittersweet taste and aroma .
For this reason, it is widely used in cooking to complement the flavor of red meat dishes. Rosemary leaves are small, opposite and aromatic. The flowers are usually shades of lilac or white and it tends to develop best in warm climates and drained soils.
A curiosity is that rosmarinus , the herb’s scientific name, means “the dew that comes from the sea” was given because it often grows on the rocky coast of the Mediterranean. See below why use this herb in your daily life, in the form of an infusion and absorb all its benefits .
What is it for and the benefits of rosemary tea
Since ancient times, rosemary has been used for medicinal purposes. The main use of the infusion made from the leaves of the herb was as a stimulant for memory , the compounds present in it were believed to increase blood flow.
This meant that it was also used as a symbol of loyalty and friendship. In addition, in both traditional European and Indian medicine, rosemary is used as a stimulating tonic for the digestive tract and liver.
This is due to their digestive and antispasmodic abilities , which serve to relieve stomach discomfort.
In addition, another use of it was as a healing for skin lesions, especially in newborns, where the tea was applied directly to the umbilical cord after birth.
Now, see the main benefits of rosemary scientifically proven . These effects will cause you to start consuming this herb daily. Check-out:
- Rich in antioxidant substances
- A powerful natural anti-inflammatory
- It’s antimicrobial
- natural analgesic
- Keeps skin fresh and hydrated
- it’s diuretic
- It has anti-diabetic properties
- Improves circulation and heart health
- stimulates the brain
- Decreases the risk of developing cancer.
Rich in antioxidant substances
Rosemary is considered one of the medicinal herbs with the highest amount of antioxidants. But these substances are best found in the essential oil extracted from the herb’s leaves.
Among the main compounds of the genus, it is possible to mention tannins, phenolic compounds, saponins and flavonoids. All of them act protecting cells from the harmful action of free radicals and external aggressions.
With this, it is possible to avoid the appearance of different types of diseases, premature aging and keep the body more active and healthy.
In addition, antioxidant substances also increase the shelf life of food. That’s why rosemary has always been used to season foods, both sweet and savory. (1, 2)
A powerful natural anti-inflammatory
In addition to being rich in antioxidants, rosemary tea is considered a powerful anti-inflammatory. When ingested, it acts in the body by inhibiting the progression of inflammatory processes , due to the action of flavonoids.
On top of that, these substances also inhibit the production of histamine. This, in turn, is a substance released during allergic processes, therefore a type of inflammation, and causes most of the symptoms of this condition.
This makes rosemary a natural option for steroid-based medications, which damage the gastric mucosa and, with continued use, can cause serious problems to the gastrointestinal tract. (1, 2)
It’s antimicrobial
Rosemary tea also has antimicrobial properties . That is, it prevents the proliferation of colonies of these microorganisms, which can cause serious health problems when they come into contact with the organism.
The following bacterial colonies had their proliferation inhibited thanks to the properties found in rosemary: staphylococcus aureus , which can cause generalized infections; B acillus cereus and poona Salmonella , Which cause food poisoning; and even some types that are resistant to common drugs. (3)
Natural pain reliever
The infusion prepared with rosemary leaves is also an excellent solution to relieve mild pain . That’s because the herb contains substances that work as an analgesic, relieving peripheral pain and with fewer side effects than traditional medicines. (two)
Keeps skin fresh and hydrated
Another benefit found in rosemary is that it keeps the skin fresh and hydrated for longer. This is because there are components in the herb’s essential oil that penetrate the skin’s layers and prevent excessive water loss .
This way, the skin is not dry throughout the day. In addition, the oil helps maintain firmness and elasticity in the organ, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of age.
Finally, the herb’s antioxidant factor also appears at this point. Especially because these substances prevent the breakdown of cells, making the body not suffer from the signs of premature aging. (5)
it’s diuretic
Rosemary tea has diuretic effects . That is, they are substances that act directly on the kidneys and increase the volume of urine. In practice, medications and diuretic drinks help to eliminate minerals such as potassium and sodium.
For this reason, they are widely used for the treatment of hypertension . In addition to helping to eliminate various substances harmful to the body through urine.
In this way, the swelling caused by fluid retention is reduced and blood pressure is controlled. (6)
It has anti-diabetic properties
A study done by Turkish researchers in 2008 showed that rosemary has anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic effects. That is, it lowers blood glucose levels , which causes diabetes and can bring about several complications.
Research found that the herb has substances that act on the pancreas. Thus, they stimulate the production of insulin, the hormone responsible for reducing glycemic indexes.
It may be in the future, when there are more conclusive studies, a healthier option in relation to the medications for diabetics that are available today. (7)
Improves circulation and heart health
Some phytochemical compounds present in rosemary essential oil stimulate blood circulation. This acts directly in the elimination of toxic substances from the body , reducing swelling, improving the quality of the skin and blood pressure.
In addition, it ensures heart health by stimulating the movement of blood throughout the body while keeping the heart rate at normal levels. When applied to the hair root, the infusion stimulates hair growth. (8)
stimulates the brain
The essential oil that is extracted from rosemary leaves also stimulates the brain. In fact, this is one of the oldest uses for the herb, from which teas or powders were made to be consumed by students before important tests.
Part of this effect is related to the improvement in blood circulation that the herb promotes. This increases brain irrigation, ensuring improved organ health and memory.
In this way, drinking rosemary tea can make you more attentive, with a better memory and response time. (8)
Decreases the risk of developing cancer
Finally, there is evidence that rosemary contains substances that reduce the risk of the human body developing some types of cancer, such as breast and skin cancer.
This is primarily due to the antioxidant action, which prevents healthy cells from getting sick. Second, the herb’s essential oil also stimulates the body’s defense cells, preventing the proliferation of cancer cells. (3, 8)
Rosemary tea helps you lose weight?
This tea is an ally in the slimming process , but it should never be treated as a miracle product. Especially because its effects must act in conjunction with a balanced diet and physical exercise.
The infusion prepared with the herb helps with weight loss due to its diuretic, anti-inflammatory and circulation-enhancing effects.
In practice, these effects act together, stimulating the disposal of substances that are harmful to the body. Thus, it reduces swelling and provides a feeling of weight loss .
In addition, the inflammatory process is quite common when you are overweight and hinder weight loss.
When used in food, rosemary provides a feeling of satiety and reduces the use of super caloric artificial flavorings, rich in sodium, fats and sugars. (1, 2, 6, 8)
How to prepare the infusion?
Rosemary tea is very easy to prepare. You will only need rosemary and hot water . It should be noted that the herb cannot be left boiling in water, as this destroys the medicinal properties of rosemary. Check out how to prepare the infusion:
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh rosemary
- 1 cup of filtered water
preparation mode
First, it is necessary to bring the water to the fire until it boils. When this happens, turn off the heat, add the rosemary leaves and leave the infusion covered for about 5 minutes.
After this time, strain the tea and wait until it is warm to drink. If desired, you can sweeten it with brown sugar or honey.
Rosemary tea with lemon
Another way to prepare tea is using lemon juice in addition to rosemary leaves . The fruit, which contains several benefits, enhances the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of rosemary.
Also, as lemon is rich in vitamin C, it can be effective against respiratory problems. See how to prepare this infusion:
Ingredients
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary or 1 tablespoon of dried herb
- 1 lemon juice
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of honey to sweeten
Method of preparation
Boil the water and turn off the heat. Then add the rosemary and let the infusion rest and extract the essential oils for about 5 minutes.
Soon after, strain the rosemary leaves, add lemon juice and honey. There, the tea is ready to be drunk.
How often to take?
Rosemary tea can be used frequently, but never in excess. For this reason, it is recommended to consume at most two cups of the infusion a day , especially after meals.
On these occasions, all the herb’s benefits can be absorbed by the body and the infusion also reduces the chances of forming gas and other problems that generate stomach discomfort.
It should also be noted that the tea must be consumed on the same day of preparation . When the infusion is kept too long, it loses most of its medicinal properties.
Therefore, if you undergo any treatment, it is important to prepare the drink every day and always close to the time to drink it. Finally, it is always important to have a period of rest for the body.
Thus, every 30 days drinking rosemary tea, it is necessary to spend another 30 days without using the drink. This serves to rid the body of some substances that, in excess, can be harmful.
Herb care and contraindications
Like any medicinal herb, rosemary also has some contraindications and precautions for excessive consumption.
Therefore, pregnant women, nursing women or young children should not consume rosemary tea. That’s because the herb has abortive and spasmodic effect. The latter can increase colic in children.
In addition, people who have a history of prostate problems or diarrhea should also not consume the infusion.
In high amounts, rosemary tea can cause gastric irritation, drowsiness, muscle spasms , allergies and nervous irritation. If excessive consumption is maintained, there is still a risk of developing serious kidney problems, which can lead to kidney failure. (1, 9)