You may already be familiar with rosemary plants. In addition to having a distinctive aroma, this herbal plant also has various health benefits that are not to be missed.
Rosemary which has a Latin name Rosmarinus officinalis is an herbal plant originating from the Mediterranean mainland. However, this herbal plant has now been widely cultivated in Indonesia.
In everyday life, rosemary is often used as a cooking spice. However, beyond its culinary benefits, rosemary can also be used as aromatherapy, herbal teas, and supplements. This is because rosemary has several nutritional content, such as:
- Fiber.
- Proteins.
- Minerals, including calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
- Vitamins, including vitamin A, folate, B vitamins, and vitamin C.
In addition to the nutrients above, the rosemary plant also contains chemicals that are known to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral effects, and can reduce inflammation in the body.
Various Benefits of Rosemary for Health
The following are some of the health benefits of rosemary:
1. Maintain brain health
The content of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances in rosemary appears to reduce the risk of memory loss and impaired concentration.
Not only that, various health studies also show that rosemary extract seems to help improve blood flow to the brain and maintain healthy brain cells to prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
2. Nourish hair growth
For those of you who are experiencing baldness, the compounds contained in rosemary oil can help stimulate hair growth.
Several studies have shown that the use of rosemary oil by applying it to the scalp twice a day for six months appears to thicken and stimulate hair growth. The effectiveness of rosemary oil is even said to be almost similar to the hair growth drug minoxidil.
3. Lowering blood sugar levels
Rosemary contains carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid which have effects that resemble the hormone insulin. Therefore, this herbal plant is considered good for consumption for those of you who want to keep blood sugar levels stable.
However, the effectiveness of rosemary when used as an alternative medicine to lower blood sugar in diabetics still needs to be studied further.
If you have diabetes or are taking anti-diabetic drugs, it is best if you consult a doctor first using rosemary herbal medicines or supplements.
4. Maintain eye health
A study showed that rosemary extract was shown to maintain eye health and reduce the risk of developing eye diseases caused by aging, such as macular degeneration.
In addition, the antioxidant content of rosmarinic acid in rosemary is also thought to be able to prevent cataract disease and inhibit its development so that it does not develop into severe cataracts.
5. Improve mood
There are several studies that state that rosemary appears to have a relaxing effect, improve mood, improve sleep quality, and relieve stress and anxiety. These benefits can be obtained from the use of rosemary as an herbal tea or as aromatherapy.
6. Relieve pain
Rosemary essential oil is known to contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain. This anti-inflammatory substance appears to help relieve pain from muscle aches, joint pain, and cramps or pain during menstruation.
Rosemary Side Effects
Although it has health benefits, it turns out that rosemary also has side effects.
Rosemary herbal tea or supplements should not be taken if you are allergic to aspirin. This is because rosemary contains the chemical salicylate, which has a chemical structure and effects similar to aspirin.
If you have a rosemary allergy, then the use of rosemary can cause various allergy symptoms, such as:
- Itching of the skin.
- Runny nose.
- Indigestion.
- Red eye.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
- Cough and shortness of breath.
In addition, rosemary should not be consumed by people who have blood clotting disorders and a history of seizures.
If consumed as a cooking spice, rosemary is generally quite safe to use and rarely causes side effects. However, remember to always consult a doctor regarding the use of rosemary if you want to use this plant as an herbal remedy.