Resembling a minute needle from some evergreen tree, the rosemary with its assertive pine-like fragrance is an all-season tree. Its pungent aroma and minty taste make it a recipe for most culinary dishes such as lamb, salmon, chicken, and several soups. Well, do you know that rosemary tea has benefits for health? It is an herbal remedy that has historically been used to treat several ailments such as rheumatism, cancer, and more.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) belongs to the Lamiaceae species and is native to the Mediterranean region though it is now distributed across the world owing to its medicinal, culinary, and commercial uses. The Spaniards consider the plant to be one of the bushes utilized by the biblical Virgin Mary in her flight from Egypt and thus refer to it as Romero.
Rosemary tea is a tea infusion from the rosemary plant.
Composition of Rosemary Tea.
The tea has some substances which provide it with medicinal properties. Notably, the following elements are present:
- Salicylic acid – The acid is a precursor of aspirin and is usually present in the tea. Having non-steroid anti-inflammatory effects, it makes the tea useful in reducing rheumatic and arthritic pain.
- Antimicrobial agents – antimicrobial and antibacterial agents are present in the tea and are very helpful in the treatment of various skin disorders.
- Bornyl acetate – special colorless camphor with a warm taste.
- Milk – can be added to make the tea more tasty and energetic.
- Sweeteners – lemon spices and mint can be added as sweeteners to the tea to make it taste.
What Are The Benefits of Rosemary Tea?
1. Cancer Prevention.
A research study undertaken by Pacific College of Oriental Medicine determined that rosemary contains ursolic acid, carnosic acid, and rosmarinic acid, which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents and can protect the body cells from damage induced by free radicals. They have an ability to scavenge free radicals capable of damaging the DNA and causing cancer. Moreover, rosemary contains carnosol which helps in the detoxification of substances that initiate the process of cancer development.
The same research illustrates that rosemary is an excellent stimulant for the liver enzymes to regulate hormonal production when there is some hormonal imbalance among women, one of the leading causes of breast cancer. Additionally, studies have also pointed out that rosemary nips tumor growth by preventing the replication of cancerous cells. A similar study also showed that rosmarinic acid in rosemary helps to inhibit cancer development.
2. Eczema and Skin Infection Treatment.
Scholarly sources indicate that rosemary can treat eczema. Eczema is a painful skin disease that may cause the skin to become red, dry and flaky or moist, crusty and inflamed. Rosemary tea can, therefore, be used as a skin wash agent capable of treating eczema. It does this by stimulating blood flow to the skin and inhibits and secondary infections.
Studies show that carnosol and Carnosic acid inhibit the growth of the pathogens responsible for the development of acne. In particular, the studies show that carnosic acid plays a vital role in forcefully suppressing various skin inflammatory responses that lead to skin diseases.
In addition, Chamomile tea is also beneficial for the skin.
3. Muscle and Joint Pain.
Research findings from animal models indicate that rosemary tea has the potential of exerting antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in mice. Though no clinical studies have been carried out, topical application of the rosemary oil has been used over the ages as a treatment for muscle pain. Borrowing from the studies on mice and its exhibited efficacy, it logically follows that rosemary tea can help in mitigating body pain.
4. Alopecia.
Rosemary oil has historically been used in the treatment of alopecia. Alopecia is hormone-dependent hair loss. A randomized study on the efficacy of rosemary oil in treating androgenetic alopecia established that it has a significant effect on increasing hair count. Moreover, historically, it has been used in the treatment of hair loss with superior efficacy. Consequently, taking rosemary tea will help in reducing androgen-dependent hair loss.
5. Destroys Food-Borne Pathogens.
In a study carried out to ascertain the inhibitory effect of rosemary leaf powder on Listeria monocytogenes and other foodborne pathogens, it was found that rosemary inhibits microbial activity. Rosemary helps to increase the microbial quality of foods by neutralizing food borne-borne pathogens. Taking rosemary tea will, therefore, help neutralize a wide range of pathogens in the body and protect it from pathogenic diseases.
6. Improve Concentration or Memory.
Rosemary oil was studied and validated as an agent in aromatherapy capable of promoting mental clarity. In a certain 2003 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, inhalation of rosemary oil was proven to enhance the participant’s overall cognitive performance and the quality of memory.
In a more recent study, that used participants having a median age of 75 years who were subjected to rosemary leaf powder doses, it was established that there was an accompanied improvement in their cognitive performance.
In another study, a rosemary compound titled “8-cineole” was determined to be the agent responsible for mood and cognitive performance. Conclusively, it is clear that taking rosemary tea increases cognitive function and boosts memory.
7. Respiratory Health.
For people suffering from respiratory complications, rosemary tea is a necessity. Its aroma can help eliminate the aromas arising from congestion caused by respiratory infections. A study showed that rosemary tea can contribute to addressing the head pains associated with respiratory diseases. Similarly, the 1, 8-cineole compound present in rosemary helps to cure respiratory conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis. Additionally, it is beneficial for the treatment of a sore throat.
8. Helps in relaxation.
The anxiolytic properties of rosemary tea are well acknowledged, and research has been done to ascertain the fact. The aroma from Rosemary can relax the mind and remove any anxiety. Its main ingredients can act as a powerful anxiolytic agent.
What are the side effects of rosemary tea?
One of the greatest rosemary tea benefits is that it is caffeine free. This means you will not have any of the side effects of high caffeine green teas such as Matcha. However, there are some other potential side effects:
1. Allergies.
Research has shown that rosemary causes allergy, and in particular dermatitis. Although the contact dermatitis is not common in this case, it could be more frequent with respect to the supposed occurrence.
2. Anaemia.
Available research has established that too much use of rosemary tea may result in the reduction of nonheme-iron absorption and therefore implies that those with iron deficiency must discontinue using the tea. This also implies to phenolic-rich extracts.
3. Diminished Reproductive Functioning.
Research carried out on mice proved that rosemary reduces fertility in male rats. The study showed that testes, seminal vesicles, and preputial glands decreased in weight. Moreover, there was also a decline in sperm motility and density.
Nonetheless, this study was carried on rats, and till now no conclusive study has been carried on humans to extrapolate the findings.
4. Diuretic Effects.
Rosemary tea has diuretic effects and this, though useful in weightless, may be catastrophic for those using certain drugs. Notably, if a patient is using diuretic drugs, having a cup of rosemary tea may cause to toxic levels of the drug to rise and pose several dangers. In this regard, any patient on diuretic drugs must desist from taking rosemary tea.
5. Blood Sugar Levels
For diabetics and nondiabetics, research has proved that rosemary can lower blood sugar levels and this is useful for diabetic patients. However, it also has the potential to exceedingly reduce the blood sugar level to abnormal levels. Hence, it is advisable that diabetic patients have their serum levels checked by a medical practitioner before using rosemary tea.
6. Seizures
Research reveals that seizures can be plant induced. For instance, rosemary containing camphor, a very reactive monoterpene ketene, can be a very potent convulsant that may cause seizures. It is, therefore, advisable to consume limited amounts of rosemary to limit on any epileptogenic properties inherent in rosemary.
Precautions.
If rosemary is taken in small doses, it may not pose any problems. However, if it is taken in large doses, the following side effects may be triggered:
- Coma.
- Spasms.
- Vomiting.
- Pulmonary edema.
Moreover, among pregnant women, high doses must entirely be avoided. In fact, pregnant women must never take rosemary because it has been associated with miscarriages.
Essential Considerations.
It is imperative to obtain medical advice before taking rosemary tea. The doctor is in a qualified position of understanding your health situation and advising you on the appropriateness of the tea within the medical context of the time and your health status. As already alluded, if taken moderately, rosemary tea is a very healthy beverage. However, considering that it interacts differently with other medications, then it is important always to consult your health caregiver. Nonetheless, people suffering from ailments such as high blood pressure, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcers must completely avoid taking rosemary tea.
Conclusively, rosemary tea has immense benefits for the users. The side effects discussed can only affect if one fails to adhere to professional advice on how the tea should be taken. So, with this knowledge, you can decide and consider if you will enjoy this tea. Enjoy!
