Originally from the Mediterranean region, rosemary is an evergreen herb that grows happily in warm climates—or, in colder regions, inside with other houseplants. This warming herb (a member of the mint family!) has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, and modern research has indicated what our ancestors have known all along: rosemary can be consumed and used topically to promote wellness.
Fortunately for us, it tastes good and it smells good, making it easy to incorporate into your food as well as your skin care products. Usage dates back all the way to 500 B.C., when the ancient Greeks and Romans used it as a culinary and medicinal herb. In addition to smelling amazing, rosemary is also renowned for the many health benefits it possesses.
Benefits of Rosemary
Herbs are typically antioxidant powerhouses, and rosemary is no exception. Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and is rich in iron and vitamins A, C, B-6, and beneficial acids like camphor, ursolic and betulinic. When taken internally, studies show that it:
- Improves digestion
- Enhances concentration and memory
- Protects the brain
- Lowers blood sugar
- Promotes hair growth
- Protects vision
- Boosts mood
How to Use Rosemary
You'll find it in a lot of dishes: rosemary is delicious on chicken, steak, fish, mushrooms, potatoes, and more. It's also easy to make Rosemary Tea! Simply steep a teaspoon of rosemary in eight ounces of hot water for five minutes or until the tea has reached your preferred potency. If you'd like to play with flavor combinations, brew it with lavender, mint, or thyme.
For a quick rosemary topping for meat, bread, or vegetables, try Rosemary Garlic Butter. Combine half a cup of butter with two minced garlic cloves, two tablespoons minced fresh rosemary, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and a little salt and pepper.
Rosemary also blends well into skin and hair care products, and we love it at Green Goo. It lends its unique fragrance and powerful constituents to our Hand Goo, Rosemary + Mint Shampoo and Conditioner, and more.