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Rosemary tea is used to treat a variety of ailments, but it can cause side effects.

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Rosemary is an aromatic herb common in the Mediterranean region. With narrow, pointed leaves and woody stem, it has blue flowers and a shrub shape (which can reach two meters in height), rosemary is considered a plant of the Lamiaceae family, like mint, lavender and oregano. Rosemary tea is the most common method of consuming the herb. In addition to the aroma, the taste also pleases many people.

Rosemary tea contains properties that generate numerous benefits for the body. It serves to improve digestion and cognitive function, prevent cancer, treat skin conditions, reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with it, decrease anxiety, and improve liver function and hair health. However, there are some side effects of its overuse, such as vomiting, nausea and spasms, as well as uterine contractions, making it dangerous to use during pregnancy.

• Rosemary: benefits and what it is for

Properties of rosemary tea

Rosemary tea is well known for its properties. It is antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, decongestant and muscle relaxant. The main benefits of rosemary tea are associated with the presence of active compounds in the plant, such as:

• Borneol;
• Camphor;
• Pinene;
• Cineol;
• Myrcene.

What is rosemary for

Skin care

The compounds found in rosemary tea serve to improve the skin's appearance thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and stimulant properties. Studies looking at the effects of rosemary tea on eczema concluded that the increased blood flow and anti-inflammatory effects of rosemary tea consumption reduced or eliminated the symptoms of this common skin condition.

Blood circulation

Rosemary tea is known to be a stimulant substance for the circulatory system, as it has anticoagulant properties - similar to aspirin - that can improve blood flow. This can provide an energy boost and improve the body's ability to self-maintain and oxygenate the extremities of the body.

cognitive function

Certain antioxidant compounds found in rosemary, such as carnosic acid, stimulate memory and protect neural pathways from harmful substances, which contribute to cognitive function.

Digestion

Rosemary tea's antispasmodic and carminative properties make it ideal for people suffering from indigestion, constipation, bloating and cramps. It serves to improve digestive problems and nutrient absorption, relieving inflammation in the intestine.

prevents cancer

Because it is rich in antioxidants, rosemary tea neutralizes free radicals - the natural by-products of cell metabolism that can cause cell mutation and cancer. Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and carnosol present in rosemary have been associated with reduced cancer growth rates, especially breast cancer.

Anti-inflammatory

The carnosic acid in rosemary reduces levels of nitric acid - an inflammation triggering agent - in the body. In combination with other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, this component can help people suffering from arthritis, headaches, muscle pain, hemorrhoids and hypersensitivity to allergens.

Analgesic

Rosemary tea has substances capable of relieving pain. Salicylate - a compound very similar to aspirin - is one such substance. If you are recovering from an illness, surgery, injury or have chronic pain, rosemary tea can help.

hair care

Many people use rosemary tea to improve hair health. To do this, just apply and rub rosemary tea on the scalp and hair. Rosemary's antibacterial properties will reduce dandruff and hair loss.

Liver

Research has shown that rosemary can improve liver health and function - and also detoxify the body by stimulating urination. This helps the body to eliminate toxins more quickly and relieve tension in various organs.

Relaxing

Rosemary tea is also a great relaxant. Rosemary contains substances that help to lower levels of stress hormones, which also act on the analgesic properties of salicylate.

How to prepare rosemary tea?

It is very easy to prepare rosemary tea. To do this, mix a tablespoon of rosemary sprigs (leaves and stems) in a cup of boiling water and leave for ten minutes. Then filter (if desired) and the tea is ready to drink. If you do not have the rosemary branches, use powdered sachets. Rosemary essential oil is also a great way to get its benefits as it concentrates the active ingredients of rosemary.

• Learn more about essential oils in the article "What are essential oils?"

Rosemary Tea Side Effects

The consumption of rosemary tea can cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, uterine contractions, skin redness, bleeding disorders and even seizures, especially if consumed in large quantities. However, side effects should not occur if rosemary tea intake is limited to one or two cups a day.

• Pregnancy - Some of the compounds found in rosemary tea can stimulate menstruation, which is dangerous during pregnancy, particularly in the first two trimesters, and can result in miscarriages, uterine bleeding or premature birth. In addition, breastfeeding women should avoid this tea, as some volatile substances present in rosemary can be passed on to the child through breast milk.
• Seizures - Some active ingredients in rosemary tea can exacerbate seizures in people who are predisposed to having them. If you have a seizure disorder talk to your doctor before drinking rosemary tea.
• Stomach Problems - Some of the most common side effects from rosemary tea consumption are nausea, vomiting, bowel inflammation and hemorrhoids. However, these conditions usually only occur when large amounts of rosemary tea are ingested.
• Aspirin Allergy - One of the chemicals found in rosemary tea, salicylate, is very similar to aspirin, and if you are allergic to aspirin, your body may respond in a similar way. So try to talk to your doctor about this issue before consuming rosemary tea.
• Bleeding - If you suffer from a bleeding disorder, the anticoagulant nature of rosemary tea can make your condition worse. Therefore, visit your doctor before consuming rosemary tea.