As noted on Healthiest Alternative, an herb known as rosemary is considered to be among the oldest healing herbs known to man and it has a long list of uses ranging from culinary to medicinal ones. Both its leaves and flowers have been regularly included in DIY remedies for more than thousands of years for different purposes, including its memory-boosting capacity.
Rosemary will offer you the possibility to guard the brain from aging-related damage and even slow down the aging process. It is believed to do this by enhancing the blood flow to the brain, which feeds the brain with additional nutrients and oxygen.
The Amazing Properties of Rosemary
According to Healthiest Alternative, rosemary is known to possess carnosic acid that fights against free radical damage in the brain and its natural acids will keep the cells in the body and DNA safe from free radicals.
Also, its compounds can avert the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical which activates the communication between the brain cells that are in charge of memory and reasoning.
A strong connection between the scent of rosemary and better cognitive functioning was discovered in a study. The participants had better scores on several recall and visualization tasks after smelling rosemary. Another study has found that this herb can be of great aid for Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers.
Best Benefits of Rosemary
- Alleviates colds and the flu
The anti-inflammatory characteristics of rosemary are great in speeding up the healing process of colds and the flu and also in decreasing the chances of catching a cold or the flu. It can help you lower throat ache too.
- Useful against hair loss
Hair thinning, also known as alopecia areata, can be improved with an herb such as rosemary. Namely, in a study, the participants who massaged their scalps with rosemary oil and other essential oils such as thyme and cedarwood for a period of seven months experienced higher hair growth than the group who did not use it.
- Prevents food-borne diseases
Did you know that some studies point out that rosemary herb is beneficial in preventing food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes? Therefore, in addition to adhering to adequate cooking methods and food handling, make sure you consume rosemary too.
- Lowers the risk of cancer
This fragrant and delicious herb is considered to decrease the chance of colon and breast cancer and stop the tumors from spreading further in the body. Its power is additionally increased when taken in combination with curcumin (from turmeric and ginger) or in its extract form.
- Betters the digestion
If you experience digestive-related issues like gases, cramps, or IBS, opt for rosemary essential oil therapy to alleviate the symptoms.
- Reduces stress
Did you know that rosemary has the power to minimize the cortisol levels in the body? Cortisol is the hormone associated with stress and rosemary will help you feel calmer. Interestingly, a study showed that when smelling some rosemary, nurses working under busy and stressful situations experienced less stress during tests than the nurses who did not smell the herb.
How to Use It?
- You can apply rosemary essential oil onto the skin and scalp to reduce pain, encourage hair growth, and treat wounds
- Add it as a spice to different meals
- The leaves and oil can be added to a variety of foods
- Diffuse rosemary essential oil in a diffuser
- Inhale a bunch of rosemary several times throughout the day (especially if you are under stress)
Sources: