thenutritionwatchdog.com What's in your food? Discover which "healthy" foods are harming your health and which foods protect your body 
By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers: The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix
I’ve shown you in previous articles how herbs and spices most times contain a LOT more antioxidants than fruits or vegetables do… and rosemary is one of those perfect examples.
The rich savory smell of rosemary makes you think of delicious Mediterranean food baking, but the smell of rosemary should actually make you think of a powerful natural anti-aging therapy. In fact, rosemary could be one of the key foods to slow down and even reverse many aspects of aging! Not only does this herb taste great in roasts, soups, stews and other dishes, but it is also a great source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6—and some powerful anti-aging phytochemicals as well. Rosemary is part of the same family as mint, oregano, thyme, basil and lavender and has been used for years as a medicinal solution to many health issues—especially those that deal with aging.
This superherb contains compounds that stimulate brain function, improve mood and memory, increase blood flow, charge up the immune system, and help digestion. Its powerful anti-inflammatory compounds relieve pain, detox the body, and make your skin look younger. Rosemary’s delightful, soothing aroma has also been linked stress and anxiety relief.
Rosemary contains a wealth of anti-aging properties—most notable being its ability to improve memory and focus—especially in the elderly. Rosemary’s rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds are thought to be the key to its antiaging ability, including rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, betulic acid, and carnosol.
A research group from Burnham institute for Medical Research reported a key ingredient in rosemary that specifically targets free radical damage in the brain. The substance known as carnosic acid or CA can actually protect the brain from strokes and other neuro-degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and normal brain aging, and according to a study published in Cell Journal. Carnosic acid is especially useful in protecting against beta amyloid-induced neurodegeneration in the hippocampus, one of the key factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists identified CA as a substance that is only activated when necessary; in this case, it activates only when there is free radical damage. So it is specific to repairing only what is damaged in the body. This type of action is termed “pathological-activated therapeutic” or PAT. PAT’s are far more beneficial than many pharmaceutical drugs that create widespread side effects all over the body, and carnosic acid is being investigated as medical treatment for brain disorders that result from aging.
Rosemary exerts other beneficial effects on brain power by enhancing levels of concentration and memory, according to research in Psychopharmacology. Rosemary contains another powerful chemical component, 1,8-cineole that was scientifically tested on 20 human subjects, and the results showed that the higher the concentration of this substance, the better the person’s cognitive performance.
Rosemary is highly effective against cancer, too. Research published in Oncology Reports found that crude ethanolic rosemary extract inhibited cell growth in leukemia and breast carcinoma cells, along with its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. And yet another study from Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry found rosemary to be a highly effective “herbal anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent.”
And here is another reason to enjoy the taste of rosemary on your grilled meats—rosemary inhibits formation of the Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs), the cancer-causing compounds that are created when meat is grilled, pan-fried or broiled, according to the Journal of Food Science.
Mike explains in this article why to always marinate meat in herbs before grilling in order to reduce carcinogens.
One of rosemary’s most important functions is as an anti-inflammatory agent. Carnosol and carnosic are two powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce inflammation, helping everything from gout, arthritis, and sore muscles to sports injuries.
The anti-inflammatory compounds also help to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, helping to prevent heart disease and strokes. Rosemary is an effective pain reliever that can relieve headaches—especially migraines—along with joint pain, surgical pain, and spasms.
And age-related macular degeneration, one of the most common age-related eye diseases in the U.S., can be curtailed with the carnosic acid in rosemary. In a study published in the journal, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Stuart A. Lipton, M.D., Ph.D. and colleagues at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute report that carnosic acid promotes eye health, especially age-related eye disorders.
Need any more convincing of rosemary’s anti-aging properties?
Rosemary, oregano and marjoram all contain compounds that help manage type 2 diabetes blood sugar levels as well as some of the currently prescribed diabetes medications.
Rosemary is also an antibacterial, specifically against stomach infections including h.pylori, which causes ulcers, and staph infections. And speaking of stomachs, rosemary has been used by many cultures as a natural remedy for upset stomach, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion.
Rosemary also has a diuretic effect on the body, meaning that it can help the kidneys to flush out toxins, salts, and even excess harmful fats, while it helps support and detox the liver.
While it is safe in smaller doses, do be aware that very large doses of rosemary can trigger vomiting, spasms, and miscarriage. Therefore, if you are pregnant, avoid large doses of rosemary, unless you are just using it as an herb to season your food.
Rosemary is powerful enough to actually interfere with certain medications, so check with your doctor if you are taking any anticoagulant drugs, ACE inhibitors (blood pressure), diuretics, or lithium.
How to get more rosemary in your diet?
Fresh or dried rosemary is great in marinades, rubs, dressings and sauces, so use it an ingredient in your meals, as often as possible. It is great on everything from fish and chicken to meat, sauces, dressings, vegetables, or salads. Try this rosemary tea: Add a teaspoon or so to boiling water, steep for 15 minutes, and add a squeeze of lemon, and a touch of honey. Strain off the pieces of rosemary before drinking. You can also try this recipe for scrambled eggs with rosemary and capers to get some health-promoting rosemary in your daily breakfast.
Rosemary also comes dried or powdered in capsules, and according to Dr. Al Sears, M.D., he recommends taking two 400 mg capsules up to three times a day—but avoid if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or epilepsy. You will feel healthier and younger in no time! You can also incorporate rosemary into olive oil or delicious recipes like these rosemary lambchops!
Speaking of inflammation this quick ancient Himalayan secret eliminates your joint and bone pain immediately…
30-second Himalayan practice fixes knee and joint pain (try it tonight)
Doctors were stunned to discover that a remote Himalayan tribe had almost zero cases of joint or knee pain.
And that’s despite a diet rich in inflammatory foods and drinking copious amounts of alcohol (things that are supposed to make knee pain and inflammation worse).
Their secret?
A simple, 30-second trick they practice at 6:45 each morning that can not only prevent — but reverse creaky and stiff knee joints. Here’s how to do it:
>> 30-second Himalayan practice “cures” knee and joint pain (try it tonight)
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itLove
All the health benefits of Rosemary are similar to TURMERIC.I have studied in depth.Also if you happen to put Rosemary in hot Olive Oil you get smell of Turmeric.So one can say Rosemary is Gods Gift to Europeons same way as Turmeric to Indians.
Yeah Thanks for that ?Sounds about right ✅
Thanks for this information, it is very valuable. I love Rosemary but did not know that it was so powerful. I am looking forward to the improved health and also more great articles on how to manage Type 2 Diabetes and High blood Pressure. Great job Mike!
After hearing all the complaints about how little we actually absorb Tumeric, It raises the question of how well we absorb any of these herbs as recommended for or health. Namely, Rosemary. Some of us older folks need the benefit of health as well as flavor.
You can increase the absorption of turmeric by adding black pepper. Pepper contains piperine which will increase the absorption up to 2000%(20 times).
thanks for the great information, can you send future info to my email. thanks and many blessings for your work
Thanks for your advice Rosemary i have but i dont know it is so strong medicine ..thanks again..
Thanks so much for your articles I enjoy reading and learning from you
And then putting them in to practice my house is full of rosemary I have a vase of it and I wonder if smelling it helps
join your emails thank you.
How do you prepare it, is it you put it in food like vegetables or you boil it, and which the best way.
Thanks so much for article its educating make people have been warded know knowledge thanks
Hello
I am looking for a Super-Herb.
Thanks
Annah
My husband has limbic encephalitis., been 2 years now.,I hear all what’ good but don’t do any of it before asking his neurologist about it., has memory problems., has had 3 retuxon treatments in last 2 years. Has had the facial seizures., but hasnt had those for sometime., been to Cleveland clinic where is where he was diagnosed with this rare disease.
Bless you guys!!! ?
Chlorine dioxide.
Don’t expect the medical community to offer advice on proper nutrition. I once asked a doctor why not. His reply: we don’t get any training.
Thanks for sharing with us the many ways to get healthy and better our lives. I really appreciate you because I don’t have time or ability to do research but all I have to do is tune in to your email and site to be educated for my health. So again, THANK YOU to The nutrition watchdog for all you do!
Thank you for your articles. I enjoy reading them and get a lot of good old common sense info that helps me improve my multiple conditions. I never did know just what Rosemary did besides just smell good. It could improve many of my ailments, so I’m going to get some and include it in my diet to stop some of the aches and pains of getting old, plus my memory has always been very lacking. Again Thanks for your great information.
So then how do you use rosemary for your aches and pains to do make it like some kind of rub or something or do you use the capsules for it
Why is Rosemary no good for someone with Epilepsy I have not long had a OP for mine cos the pills never worked but I had to take them anyway and still am.I haven’t had a seizure since. 5 months yippy I had absent seizures a living hell of a life for 6 years
I have made a lot of changes in my life especially the last two years about my health.
I’m using a lot of different herbs and spices in my meals but I haven’t used Rosemary
which I will use with my meals as well now.
I have dated Rosemary but I have never use Rosemary in my meals. (that was a joke)
Thank you for the information.
Larry
I’m so happy I read your article today. I have at large bush of Rosemary I planted a few years ago. Now I can use it more with your great ideas. I try to give everyone some but a lot people don’t know how to use it. I will enjoy using it as tea. Thank You for the tip
.
I cannot walk past a rosemary plant, in a nursery or garden center, without rubbing (squeezing ) its’ needles between my fingers and smelling its’ amazing fragrance. Others often see me do this and try it themselves. I love to see their reaction as they immediately put the plant into their shopping cart.
This article states “Rosemary also comes dried or powdered in capsules, and according to Dr. Al Sears, M.D., he recommends taking two 400 mg capsules up to three times a day—but avoid if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or epilepsy”. The article from Alt. Daily, that you recommend says”By improving blood flow, rosemary is also ideal for individuals with high blood pressure.” Which is correct? Is it good for high blood pressure or not?
And another benefit of Rosemary is rosemarinic acid which can lower high blood pressure.
Rosmarinic acid is a natural compound found in herbs like rosemary, basil, and sage.
Animal experiments have shown that it can be very useful for metabolic problems.
For example, it improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats.
Researchers suspected that rosmarinic acid might also lower blood pressure.
Initial animal experiments confirmed these suspicions.
The herbal compound lowers blood pressure through effects on angiotensin-converting enzymes — similar to blood pressure lowering treatments.
I don’t cook so was wondering if I diffused rosemary essential oil if I could get same benefit?
These nutritional discoveries, along with basic financial intelligence approaches, need to be taught in high schools NOW. Where are the parents at school board meetings about these two basic functions of life? Probably ignorant themselves.
You seem to be an excellent source of Holistic Health information.