6 Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Tea (2024)

Rosemary contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It may have health benefits, including lowering blood sugar and supporting brain health, among others.

Rosemary has a long history of culinary and aromatic uses, in addition to applications in traditional herbal and Ayurvedic medicine (1).

The rosemary bush (Rosmarinus officinalis) is native to South America and the Mediterranean region. It’s part of the Lamiaceae family of plants, along with mint, oregano, lemon balm, and basil (2).

Many people enjoy rosemary tea for its flavor, aroma, and health benefits.

Here are 6 potential health benefits and uses of rosemary tea, as well as possible drug interactions and a recipe to make it.

6 Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Tea (1)Share on Pinterest

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your body from oxidative damage and inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes (3).

They can be found in a variety of plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs like rosemary. Rosemary tea also contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of rosemary is largely attributed to its polyphenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid (4, 5).

Due to its antioxidant capability, rosmarinic acid is often used as a natural preservative to increase the shelf life of perishable foods (6, 7).

The compounds in rosemary tea may also have antimicrobial properties, which may help fight infections. Rosemary leaves are employed in traditional medicine for their antibacterial and wound healing effects (6, 8, 9).

Studies have also investigated the effects of rosmarinic and carnosic acid on cancer. They have found that the two acids may have antitumor properties and even slow the growth of leukemia, breast, and prostate cancer cells (10, 11, 12).

SUMMARY

Rosemary tea contains compounds shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. The two most studied compounds in rosemary are rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid.

When left untreated, high blood sugar can damage your eyes, heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Therefore, it’s critical that people who have diabetes properly manage their blood sugar levels (13).

Studies have shown that compounds in rosemary tea may lower blood sugar, suggesting that rosemary could have potential applications for managing high blood sugar among people with diabetes.

Though studies on rosemary tea specifically are lacking, test-tube and animal studies on rosemary itself indicate that carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid have insulin-like effects on blood sugar.

Some studies show that these compounds can increase the absorption of glucose into muscle cells, lowering blood sugar (14, 15, 16, 17).

SUMMARY

Rosemary tea contains compounds that may help lower high blood sugar levels by exerting insulin-like effects and boosting the absorption of glucose into muscle cells.

Experiencing stress and anxiety from time to time is common.

Though studies on rosemary tea specifically are lacking, evidence shows that drinking and inhaling compounds in rosemary tea may help boost your mood and improve your memory.

One study found that taking 500 mg of oral rosemary twice daily for 1 month significantly lowered anxiety levels and improved memory and sleep quality among college students, compared with a placebo (18).

Another 2-month study in 66 industrial employees noted that those who drank 2 teaspoons (4 grams) of rosemary in 2/3 cup (150 ml) of water daily reported feeling significantly less burnt out at their jobs, compared with those who drank nothing (19).

In fact, simply smelling rosemary appears to be beneficial. One study in 20 healthy young adults observed that inhaling rosemary aroma for 4–10 minutes before a mental test improved concentration, performance, and mood (20).

What’s more, a study in 20 healthy adults found that inhaling rosemary oil stimulated brain activity and improved mood. Participants’ activity level, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate increased after inhaling the oil (21).

Rosemary extract may improve mood by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the hippocampus, the part of your brain associated with emotions, learning, and memories (22).

SUMMARY

Consuming and inhaling compounds in rosemary have been shown to reduce anxiety, boost mood, and improve concentration and memory. Both smelling and drinking rosemary tea may offer these benefits, but more research is needed.

Some test-tube and animal studies have found that compounds in rosemary tea may protect the health of your brain by preventing the death of brain cells (23).

Animal research suggests that rosemary may even support recovery from conditions that can lead to brain damage, such as a stroke (24).

Other studies suggest that rosemary may prevent the negative effects of brain aging, even suggesting a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s (23, 25).

SUMMARY

Compounds in rosemary tea may protect the health of your brain — both from injury and impairment from aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

While studies on rosemary tea and eye health are lacking, evidence suggests that certain compounds in the tea may benefit your eyes.

Animal studies have found that adding rosemary extract to other oral treatments can slow the progression of age-related eye diseases (AREDs) (26, 27).

One study examined the addition of rosemary extract to common treatments like zinc oxide and other AREDs antioxidant combinations, finding that it helped slow age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common condition that affects vision (28).

Other animal and experimental studies indicate that the rosmarinic acid in rosemary delays the onset of cataracts — the gradual opaqueness of the eye that leads to blindness — and reduces the severity of cataracts (29).

Keep in mind that most studies on rosemary and eye health have used concentrated extracts, making it difficult to determine what effect rosemary tea may have, as well as how much you would need to drink to reap these benefits.

SUMMARY

Rosemary tea may contain compounds that can help protect your vision as you age by slowing the progression and severity of diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Rosemary has been studied for many other uses.

Other potential benefits of the compounds in rosemary tea include:

  • May benefit heart health. One animal study found that rosemary extract reduced the risk of heart failure following a heart attack (30).
  • May promote digestion. Rosemary extract is sometimes used to treat indigestion, but research on this use is lacking. Still, rosemary is thought to support digestion by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reducing inflammation (31, 32).
  • May boost weight loss. One animal study noted that rosemary prevented weight gain among rats, even those fed a high fat diet (33).
  • May promote hair growth. Some people claim that using homemade rosemary tea as a hair rinse promotes hair growth, but research is lacking. Some studies suggest that rosemary oil or extract can reduce hair loss but has to be applied to the scalp (34, 35).

While these benefits seem promising, more research is needed, particularly to determine what benefits drinking rosemary tea may offer.

SUMMARY

While evidence is limited, rosemary tea may contain compounds that benefit your heart and digestive health, support weight loss, and even help treat hair loss. That said, more research is needed.

As with many other herbs, some people may need to exercise caution when consuming rosemary tea due to its potential drug interactions.

Some of the medications with the highest risk of interacting negatively with rosemary tea include (36):

  • anticoagulants, which are used to prevent blood clots by thinning your blood
  • ACE inhibitors, which are used to treat high blood pressure
  • diuretics, which help your body get rid of extra fluid by increasing urination
  • lithium, which is used to treat manic depression and other mental health disorders

Rosemary can have effects similar to those of these medications, such as increasing urination, impairing blood clotting ability, and lowering blood pressure. If you take lithium, the diuretic effects of rosemary can lead to toxic levels of lithium accumulating in your body.

If you’re taking any of these drugs — or other medications for similar purposes — it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider before adding rosemary tea to your diet.

SUMMARY

Rosemary may exert effects similar to those of certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure, increase urination, and improve circulation. If you’re on medication, consult your healthcare provider before adding rosemary tea to your diet.

Rosemary tea is very easy to make at home and only requires two ingredients — water and rosemary.

To make rosemary tea:

  1. Bring 10 ounces (295 ml) of water to a boil.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of loose rosemary leaves to the hot water. Alternatively, place the leaves in a tea infuser and steep them for 5–10 minutes, depending on how flavorful you like your tea.
  3. Strain the rosemary leaves from the hot water using a mesh strainer with small holes, or remove them from the tea infuser. You can discard the used rosemary leaves.
  4. Pour your rosemary tea into a mug and enjoy. You can add a sweetener, such as sugar, honey, or agave syrup if you like.
SUMMARY

Making rosemary tea at home is an easy way to control its strength and content. You can brew a cup using only two ingredients and a stovetop or microwave.

Rosemary tea offers some impressive potential health benefits.

Drinking the tea — or even simply inhaling its aroma — may benefit your mood and brain and eye health. It may also help prevent oxidative damage that can lead to numerous chronic diseases.

However, it’s important to be aware of its potential interactions with certain medications.

Rosemary tea can easily be made at home using only two ingredients and fits well into an overall healthy and balanced diet.

Note that many of the studies discussed above used rosemary extract and essential oils, so it’s hard to know whether rosemary tea will offer the same health benefits.

6 Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Tea (2024)

FAQs

6 Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Tea? ›

Rosemary tea is rich in flavonoids, terpenes and phenolic acid, all which contain antioxidant properties. It can provide health benefits like promoting hair growth, improving digestive health, and relieving headaches and fatigue.

Can I drink rosemary tea at night? ›

Don't underestimate the power of a warm, calming cup of rosemary tea before bed. The relaxing scent and potential stress-reducing benefits can help you unwind your mind and body, setting the stage for a peaceful night's sleep. Think of it as a natural sleep aid without the drowsiness!

What are the healing properties of rosemary? ›

Rosemary has significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, it shows important clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep.

What are 5 benefits of rosemary herbs for skin? ›

Here are some of the most notable:
  • Use it to smooth out fine lines. ...
  • Rosemary oil can help to combat acne. ...
  • Tightens up your skin tone. ...
  • Can reduce under-eye bags. ...
  • Apply to the skin to reduce inflammation. ...
  • It may be able to remove cellulite. ...
  • Use it as a natural deodorant.

What is the best time to drink rosemary tea? ›

2. Improvement of digestion. Rosemary tea can be taken right after lunch or dinner, as it help with digestion by reducing acid and excess gas. It can help to decrease abdominal bloating and loss of appetite.

What is boiled rosemary good for? ›

The herb has been hailed since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Traditional uses of rosemary include helping alleviate muscle pain, improving memory, boosting the immune and circulatory system, and promoting hair growth.

Does rosemary tea burn belly fat? ›

The polyphenols in rosemary tea can help to boost metabolism and promote fat burning. This Herb can also help to suppress appetite, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet. A cup of rosemary tea before meals may help you eat less and control your portions better throughout the day!

What is the best way to drink rosemary tea? ›

Instructions:
  1. Bring water to a rapid boil using a pan on the stove or a temperature-controlled kettle. If using a kettle, set the temperature to 200-212 F.
  2. Add rosemary leaves to a tea strainer and place in a tea cup. Add boiling water.
  3. Steep the rosemary tea for 5 to 6 minutes. ...
  4. Add sweetener if desired and enjoy!

Is rosemary ok for kidneys? ›

Rosemary inhibits the action of the enzyme urease, which helps to form uric acid crystals. Thus, making it a good herbal remedy for preventing and treating kidney stones. Stimulate general circulation with rosemary which helps to improve your blood flow and balance body fluid.

What are the side effects of rosemary tea? ›

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Rosemary?
  • ingestion of large amounts can result in stomach and intestinal irritation and kidney damage.
  • seizures.
  • toxicity.
  • coma.
  • vomiting.
  • excess fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
  • encourages menstrual bleeding.
  • may cause miscarriage.

Who should not take rosemary? ›

Because higher doses of rosemary may cause miscarriage, pregnant and nursing women should not take rosemary as a supplement. But it is safe to eat as a spice in food. People with high blood pressure, ulcers, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis should not take rosemary.

What does rosemary do to your skin? ›

Rosemary Oil acts as a refreshing astringent that balances and tones the skin. Topical application of Rosemary Oil helps decongest acne and oily skin types while maintaining balance within the skin. Rosemary Oil's antimicrobial benefits give oily and acneic skin an advantage in preventing future breakouts.

Can I spray rosemary water on my face? ›

A: Yes, It is pure hydrosol and you may use it on face and hair both. For face it can be used as face mist, it helps to control over production of sebum.

Does rosemary help tighten skin? ›

While most people know that rosemary oil works efficiently to improve the quality of your hair, it also has a number of benefits for your skin, including skin tightening and toning.

What will happen if I drink rosemary water every day? ›

Rosemary leaf is possibly safe for most people when taken as a medicine for up to 8 weeks. But taking undiluted rosemary oil or very large amounts of rosemary leaf is likely unsafe. Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness.

Is rosemary tea good for kidneys? ›

- Rosemary has a diuretic effect. It promotes the kidney function and helps reduce the formation of kidney stones and gout, thus preventing rheumatism. - Rosemary is high in antioxidants. Its high content in flavonoids help fight the action of free radicals and protect our cells from oxidative damage.

What are the benefits of rosemary tea for the brain? ›

Among these, the most notable potential benefits of rosemary for brain health are its neuroprotective, mitoprotective, and antioxidant properties. Preclinical studies have attributed these benefits to the various types of diterpenes present in rosemary.

How to make rosemary tea health benefits? ›

Grab some fresh or dried rosemary (wash it if fresh), and for one cup, use about a teaspoon. Put the leaves in a teapot or strainer, pour boiling water over them, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes (longer for stronger tea). Strain out the leaves, add honey if you like, and enjoy!

What are the benefits of rosemary tea blood pressure? ›

Rosemary tea may help improve heart health by boosting blood circulation. This can help to decrease high blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, researchers found that rosmarinic acid in rosemary tea may inhibit the production of lipids and lower blood pressure (7).

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