Rosemary not only smells good, but prepared as a tea also has a variety of health-promoting properties. FITBOOK explains what they are, what ingredients are behind them and how best to prepare the tea.
Rosemary belongs to the mint family and grows mainly in the western and central Mediterranean area. In naturopathy, rosemary prepared as a tea has a centuries-old tradition. Even today, alternative medicine still swears by the healthy effects of rosemary tea on body and mind.
What ailments should rosemary tea help with?
Rosemary tea is said to have a calming and mood-enhancing effect, which is why the tea is used in therapeutic settings, among other things. In addition, rosemary tea is known for its pain and cold-relieving effect. The hot drink has an expectorant effect and is therefore a helpful remedy for coughs and diseases of the paranasal sinuses. In addition, rosemary tea is recommended in alternative medicine for gastrointestinal disorders, to relieve premenstrual symptoms such as menstrual pain and to help maintain normal blood sugar levels.
What active ingredients are in the tea?
The essential oils in the plant give rosemary its unmistakable scent and the oils have a calming effect on many people. Rosemary is rich in tannins, which have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect and ensure hormonal balance. In addition, rosemary contains high levels of flavonoids, saponins and antioxidants. The substances fight free radicals and oxidative stress, have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
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Is the effect of rosemary tea scientifically proven?
The ingredients of rosemary and their health effects have been extensively researched. Studies on the effect of rosemary processed as rosemary tea have only been published sporadically to date. However, some studies looking at the effectiveness of rosemary taken as an extract indicate, among other things, that taking it could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.1
A US study also found that taking rosemary supplements in the form of tea and spices could improve the cognitive performance of people with dementia in terms of memory and attention. Another study of students came to the conclusion that taking rosemary extract twice a day for a month improved mood. Improved sleep quality and memory of subjects compared to controls.2,3
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Are there possible risks and side effects?
Consumption of rosemary tea is considered safe and well-tolerated for healthy people. You can usually drink several cups of rosemary tea without any problems, but you should not consume more than four to six grams of rosemary leaves processed as a tea per day. Exceeding the recommended dose can lead to stomach and intestinal irritation and kidney damage. In addition, excessive amounts of rosemary can trigger seizures.
In any case, people who are already ill should first talk to their doctor to find out whether it is safe to take it. Breastfeeding and pregnant women should not consume rosemary and rosemary tea or speak to a specialist first, as it is not yet clear whether consumption is safe while breastfeeding and pregnant.
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Where do you get rosemary tea and how do you prepare it?
You can easily prepare rosemary tea yourself. All you have to do is pour 150 milliliters of water over a teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves, which you can find in many well-stocked supermarkets, cover and leave to stand for about 15 minutes and then strain. The finished tea can be enjoyed hot or cold as iced tea. Rosemary tea in conventional tea bags can be purchased in some organic markets, health food stores or online shops.
How does rosemary tea taste?
Many will already know the taste of rosemary from its use as a spice in the kitchen. Not everyone likes the strongly tart and bitter aroma of the tea. For refinement, you can also add the peel of citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. This gives the tea a slightly fruity taste that harmonises well with the tart note of rosemary.