Rosemary Tea

A native to the Mediterranean region, the rosemary herb is a member of the mint family. Scientifically known as Rosmarinus officinalis L., this herb bears fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves and flowers with varying colors such as white, pink, purple or blue. Throughout the centuries, rosemary has found its applications in various types of culinary, medical and decorative uses. It generally grows in the form of a dense shrub, attaining a height of 2-4 feet and even, at times, up to 7 feet. The leaves of the rosemary herb have a linear make and are 1-2 inches in length.

Health Benefits of Rosemary Tea

The rosemary tea is believed to improve memory and concentration. This fact is vouched by several studies based on the administration of the tea on a daily basis. The studies showed that, people taking this herbal tea regularly seemed to remember things more vividly than those who did not. This is the reason why some people believe in the practice of placing springs of the herb in the hair of students whose exams were up and running. If you had ever read 'Hamlet', one of Shakespeare's greatest works in literature, you must have come across the line "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance."

An imbalance of estrogen hormones in the body is known to be a major contributing factor in breast cancer. After some extensive studies on the properties of the rosemary plant, it was inferred that this herb can actually keep this imbalance from getting intense or severe. This does not advocate the fact that drinking rosemary tea would actually prevent breast cancer. However, it is for certain that drinking the tea daily may cut down the risk of contracting the disease.

The content of the rosemary herb possess the ability to trigger stimulation of the hair follicles and make it grow stronger and longer too. Not only this, the rosemary oil also serves as a natural anti dandruff lotion. Due to all these properties, you may find many shampoo products having rosemary, as one of the key ingredients. One simple recipe for a healthy massage to the hair is a mix of one part of rosemary oil and two parts olive oil.

Rosemary tea is also antioxidant by nature and this fact takes us to the benefits, it has for skin. Whether you are drinking the tea or applying the oil topically, rosemary benefits you in all ways. The blood capillaries which lie below the surface of the skin undergo rejuvenation when treated with the herb, thus, giving a healthy glow to the skin and prevent premature aging.

Tea made from the rosemary herb also aids to digestion, fights body odors, increases blood circulation, reduces fevers, relieves headaches, increases menstrual flow, reduces the severity of asthma attacks and reduces swelling. It also speeds up the healing from minor cuts and eases the pain due to scabies when dabbed with a cotton ball to the injured area and helps in preventing illness like scurvy.

How to Make Rosemary Tea

The recipe is as simple as one for any other ordinary brew. Get 1 teaspoon of the herb and boiling water (8 ounces). Add the herb to the water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. The more the solution is let to steep, the stronger it will become. Strain the tea into a drink pitcher and add honey and lemon to taste.

Speaking of side effects, there aren't any, until the tea or any of its products are taken in recommended doses. There have been cases where large quantities of the rosemary leaves have known to cause vomiting, spasms, coma and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). This is due to the volatile oil content of the leaves. The herb also tends to interact with certain drugs and is not considered suitable for people suffering from high blood pressure, ulcers, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. But, in general, it is little known to cause any harm.