15 Health Benefits and Uses of Rosemary in Jamaica

by Deon Clarke | Associate Writer

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Official) is a small, spiny, evergreen shrub that has needle-like leaves and generally has a dark green colour. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), along with many other herbs, including thyme, oregano, lavender and basil.

The leaves of the rosemary have a spicy aroma, which makes it a popular herb in the kitchen. Outside of its culinary uses, the rosemary plant is also highly used for its many medicinal properties as well as a decorative garden plant.

Jamaica’s warm tropical climate is ideal for the rosemary as it allows it to be in an almost constant bloom, with its white, blue or pink flowers. Rosemary is a very popular herb, not only here in Jamaica, but all over the world.

Now that you know what rosemary is, I’m sure you can’t wait to know more about this awesome herb, so let’s have a look at some of its uses and benefits.

Benefits of Rosemary

1. Rosemary is used as a herb for seasoning just about anything that can range from poultry and fish to fresh garden salads. When being used as a culinary herb, the leaves of the rosemary are normally crushed or chopped very finely.
   
   
2. Dried rosemary is used to make herbal tea.
   
   
3. Oil can be extracted from the rosemary and this oil is also widely used as a hair and skin treatment along as a treatment for many ailments. You can extract the oil at home by first allowing the mature leaves to be properly sun-dried. Then, place the leaves in a container and along with oils of your choice. Allow it to sit in a warm place for a few weeks. After a few weeks, the oil will contain valuable nutrients from the leaves.
   
   It's important to note that you must not orally consume the oil.
   
   
4. Rosemary contains a wide range of health benefits due mainly to its anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important as they help to cleanse the body by attacking free radicals which can react with other compounds, resulting in cancers, heart diseases and memory problems.
   
   
5. According to research done by the University of Maryland Medical Center, rosemary is useful in the treatment of indigestion, and muscle and joint pain. It is considered to be a cognitive stimulant that boosts concentration and memory, alertness, and intelligence.
   
   
6. The university’s research also revealed that rosemary oil can be used to stimulate hair growth in persons who suffer from alopecia by massaging the scalp with the oil for approximately seven months.
   
   
7. The rosemary oil is known to prevent baldness, slow the greying of hair, and as a treatment for dandruff and dry scalp.
   
   
8. The rosemary herb is a natural diuretic and is also used as an antiseptic.
   
   
9. The rosemary may also help to stimulate blood circulation and also for treating headaches, nervous exhaustion, and depression.
   
   
10. Rosemary is considered to be a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
    
    
11. The aroma of rosemary has been linked to relieving stress in persons who suffer from chronic anxiety or stress hormone imbalances, improving mood and clearing the mind.
    
    
12. Rosemary is frequently used for treating digestion problems, such as heartburn, liver and gallbladder complaints, intestinal gas, and the loss of appetite.
    
    
13. Rosemary is specifically known to fight against bacterial infections. It is known to prevent staph infections.
    
    
14. The nutrients in the rosemary plant help to protect skin cells from sun damage and free radicals.
    
    
15. Rosemary has a very high manganese content, which is essential for metabolic health. Manganese also helps the body to form blood clots, which help injuries heal faster.
    

It is important to note that rosemary is not recommended for use by pregnant women, persons with high blood pressure, ulcers, and those suffering from Crohn’s disease.

Wow, this wonder herb is grown right here in Jamaica and is easily accessible! Who knew that this herb had so many health benefits!
This one will definitely have to be another addition to the backyard garden. I’m pretty sure I can find a few uses for this versatile herb. What about you?

I also recommend you read Jamaican Thyme Its Uses & Health Benefits.

Regards,
DC

References:

• “The Health Benefits of Rosemary”, https://www.flushinghospital.org/newsletter/the-health-benefits-of-rosemary/
  
• “Everything you need to know about rosemary”, Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266370#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
  
• “Health Benefits of Rosemary”, Nourish by WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-rosemary#1
  

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