Just A Sniff of this Boosts Brain Power

Rosemary has a delightful aroma and wait 'til you hear what a simple whiff can do!

It's flavor is unmatched for use in chicken dishes, sea food, soups and sauces. But aside from its wonderful scent and flavor, rosemary offers a wealth of health benefits.

5 Reasons to Use More Rosemary 

1. Just a Sniff Boosts Brainpower and Helps Prevent Strokes

Sniffing (yes, sniffing) rosemary oil improves the activity of the nervous system. A recent study confirmed an increase in brain wave activity and brain power in subjects. The study found that they were more active and felt fresh after sniffing rosemary oil.

Research also revealed that rosemary can help prevent strokes. 

The active compound carnosic acid activates a signaling pathway that protects brain cells.

2. It Provides Some Serious Stress Relief

Rosemary is used in aromatherapy in the form of essential oils. The aromatic oils carry the active ingredients of rosemary in concentrated form. This has positive effects on mood and relieves stress.

A study on group of mice found that extracts of rosemary showed anti-depressant effect. Researchers found that the active ingredients of the herb interacted with specific nerve cells.  These cells are responsible for the secretion of ”feel-good” hormones.

3. It's Combo Punch Boosts Your Immune System 

Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant that combats free radical damage to cells.

The compounds rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, betulic acid, and carnosol help build immune health.

These 4 compounds act as a secondary line of defense and boost immunity. They also show strong anti-inflammatory effect.

This combo of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action makes it an effective immune booster.

4. Rosemary Helps You Breathe Easier

Rosemary's chief compound rosmarinic acid improves airway and lung passage.

In a study on mice, rosemary reduced the inflammatory cells and over secretion of mucus. The study findings showed that it was useful in asthma treatment.

5. Last But Not Least, Rosemary Has Anticancer Effects

Rosemary shows strong effects against cancer cells. Rosemary has 2 chief compounds, caffeic acid and its derivative rosmarinic acid.

These compounds have powerful antioxidant effect. Rosmarinic acid, induces the death of cancer cells, without affecting the normal cells.

Tips For Using Rosemary

  • Fresh herb is always better than the dried rosemary as it imparts a better flavor.
  • While buying rosemary, choose ones that are free of dark spots.
  • Fresh rosemary has a deep sage green color.
  • Choose organic when buying dried herbs. Organic herbs are free of harmful pesticides and other additives.

Storage

  • Store fresh rosemary in its original packaging inside your refrigerator. You can also store them in Ziploc bag for many weeks.
  • Store dried rosemary in an airtight container, away from sunlight and dampness.

If using rosemary as essential oil, use only a few drops. Essential oils are more powerful than whole herb. Do not take essential oils as oral drops, they can be toxic. Use them as topical application and for sniffing.

Rosemary oil is not for pregnant and nursing women and is not for use as supplement. Rosemary is still however, safe to eat as a spice in your food. 

Rosemary has a warm, astringent taste that works well in sauces and soups. I love to steam my veggies with fresh rosemary!

Although used in small quantities in everyday cooking it still benefits you.

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share this info. with your friends and I welcome your comments below. What's your favorite way to use Rosemary?