10 reasons why you need rosemary in your life

The rich therapeutic benefits of Rosemary

Let’s talk about Rosemary! What’s the deal with this little puzzle piece to our health that grows plentiful from our Earth? Rosemary is a favorite herb for cooking to kick in some extra flavor, but it also offers an array of health benefits. It is interesting to think that this herb tastes good to us because our body is trying to encourage us to take part in it. Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary is now embraced in cultures and medicine all over the world. Let’s explore the best ways to use Rosemary, the benefits and how it can be a game changer for your mind and body!

Methods of Rosemary Intake:

1. Topically- Rosemary can be infused into salves, bath soaks and oils! Massage your favorite rosemary lotion/salve into your skin for nourishment or soak in infused bath salt. You can explore all CBD enhanced rosemary topicals HERE including salves, soaks and aromatherapy roller bottles!
2. Tea- Steep your favorite rosemary tea and enjoy!
3. Extract- This method of Rosemary intake allow you to add it to your water or juice up to 5 times a day! 
4. Cooking- Add dried rosemary and/or rosemary infused oils, broths, and sauces to your recipes! Check out some recipes HERE!
5. Aromatherapy- Add Rosemary essential oils to an aromatherapy diffuser! You can also rub a rosemary infused oil into your palms, cup over your face and take deep breaths. You can find a pure Rosemary infused oil HERE​

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     4. Cooking- Add dried rosemary and/or rosemary infused oils, broths, and sauces to your recipes! Check out some recipes HERE!!
    5. Aromatherapy- Add Rosemary essential oils to an aromatherapy diffuser! You can also rub a rosemary infused oil into your palms, cup over your face and take deep breaths. You can find a pure Rosemary infused oil HERE​

Professionally designed therapeutic products infused with pure rosemary

 Therapeutic Benefits 

1. Improves brain function: Studies have found that when Rosemary enters the blood stream via any of the methods listed above, cognitive function is improved![1] It prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that is vital to our memory and concentration[2]. Due to the positive effects Rosemary has on neurological and cognitive function, research has found that Rosemary benefits those suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease![3] Rosemary compounds have also been shown to prevent the death of brain cells with neuro-cell protective properties. Not only does Rosemary improve brain function, but it inhibits brain aging and reduces inflammation in the brain.[4]
2. Pain Relief: Rosemary has been used in medicine for pain relief forever! Research show these analgesic (pain relief) properties through studies of pain symptoms in stroke victims, animal studies comparing its effects to modern medications, localized pain surveys and so much more! [5]  Rosemary was proven to be even more effective than acetaminophen, the active analgesic ingredient in Tylenol that reduces pain and fever. [6] It is often a go-to for migraines and headaches in natural and herbal medicine. These studies inspired our Full Moon CBD Salve, a Rosemary salve aiming to relieve and soothe pain and tension in the body.
3. Increases circulation: Using thermal imaging, studies show that Rosemary infused oils increase circulation. Rosemary dilates the blood vessels and relaxes the tissue, increasing fluid flow in our body. [7]
4. Soothes stress, anxiety and depression: When it comes to grounding and having a tool on hand for low spirits, rosemary is your herb! While testing the effects of rosemary on memory, researchers also found that this herb soothed the nerves and reduced anxiety in nursing students going into testing.(2) Research shows that rosemary decreases cortisol levels, the hormone released in our body when we are in chronic stress! [8] We created the Grounded CBD Aromatherapy roller bottle as a tool you can tuck into your purse or briefcase for rosemary application on the go for those stressful moments!
5. Reduces inflammation: Rosemary is a source rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds! Studies show it can reduce inflammation in our cells and tissues.[9] Specifically with different types of arthritis, rosemary has had incredible results reducing symptoms of inflammation and pain.[10] It can help as not only a treatment for ailments involving inflammation, but also as preventive and prophylactic care.[11] These studies inspired our powerful Sunrise CBD Salve, which pairs rosemary and wild orange with CBD infused oils to reduce inflammation and nourish the lymphatic system! Our Thunder CBD Bath Soak was also inspired by this, created specifically to help autoimmune ailments, arthritis and any condition that has symptoms of inflammation.
6. Improves digestion: Rosemary can nourish our digestive and liver function.[12] Rosemary is specifically beneficial for our digestion with eating Rosemary in foods or as an extract additive or supplement, Rosemary has incredible benefits for the circulation and efficiency of our digestive system!
7. Increases energy levels: This herb can reduce fatigue and mental strain! Changes in brain waves, breathing patterns and an increase in heart rate are attributed to this increase in alertness.[13] Research shows not only an increase in energetic feelings but also an increase in cheerfulness!
8. Bug repellent: Rosemary is often used as a bug repellent, especially on plants as the herb does not harm the plant. Studies have shown it as an effective and natural repellent against mosquitos[14] and also ticks![15]
9. Stimulates Hair Growth: The application of Rosemary on the scalp has been shown to increase hair growth and relieve symptoms of an itchy scalp![16] Many of these studies revolve around the condition Alopecia, a condition causing baldness. In these cases, rosemary prevents testosterone from attacking the hair follicles.[17] Most of these studies involve participants massaging rosemary into their scalp and hair every day for seven or more months! These studies are the inspiration behind our Flow CBD Hair Mask, an herbal product that incorporates 14 different ingredients also known for scalp and hair health!
10. Anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties: WOAH, studies have shown that the compounds in Rosemary have the potential to fight cancer cells![18] In a study of cervical cancer cells, Rosemary was found to have cytoxic effects on cancer cells.[19] Further studies have confirmed the potential Rosemary has to fight cancer cells as an alternative medicine to integrate into Western medical treatment[20]

 
 
Precautions:       
It is always important to consult your physician before incorporating rosemary into your routine. We have seen that rosemary has the potential to be powerful, and it can be contraindicated for certain medications and conditions. It’s also important to start small with your intake of a new herb, to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions, such as nausea, or allergies.

Sources:
[1] Moss, Mark, and Lorraine Oliver. “Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma.” Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology vol. 2,3 (2012): 103-13. doi:10.1177/2045125312436573
[2] McCaffrey R, Thomas DJ, Kinzelman AO. The effects of lavender and rosemary essential oils on test-taking anxiety among graduate nursing students. Holist Nurs Pract. 2009 Mar-Apr;23(2):88-93. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181a110aa. PMID: 19258850.
[3] Jimbo D, Kimura Y, Taniguchi M, Inoue M, Urakami K. Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease. Psychogeriatrics. 2009 Dec;9(4):173-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-8301.2009.00299.x. PMID: 20377818.
[4] Habtemariam, Solomon. “The Therapeutic Potential of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Diterpenes for Alzheimer's Disease.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2016 (2016): 2680409. doi:10.1155/2016/2680409
[5] Shin BC, Lee MS. Effects of aromatherapy acupressure on hemiplegic shoulder pain and motor power in stroke patients: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Mar;13(2):247-51. doi: 10.1089/acm.2006.6189. PMID: 17388768.
[6] Raskovic A, Milanovic I, Pavlovic N, Milijasevic B, Ubavic M, Mikov M. Analgesic effects of rosemary essential oil and its interactions with codeine and paracetamol in mice. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Jan;19(1):165-72. PMID: 25635991.
[7] Von Schoen-Angerer T, Deckers B, Henes J, Helmert E, Vagedes J. Effect of topical rosemary essential oil on Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Oct;40:191-194. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.10.012. Epub 2017 Nov 1. PMID: 30219447.
[8] Atsumi T, Tonosaki K. Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva. Psychiatry Res. 2007 Feb 28;150(1):89-96. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2005.12.012. Epub 2007 Feb 7. PMID: 17291597.
[9] Andrade JM, Faustino C, Garcia C, Ladeiras D, Reis CP, Rijo P. Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity. Future Sci OA. 2018 Feb 1;4(4):FSO283. doi: 10.4155/fsoa-2017-0124. PMID: 29682318; PMCID: PMC5905578.
[10] Gok Metin Z, Ozdemir L. The Effects of Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology on Pain and Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Manag Nurs. 2016 Apr;17(2):140-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2016.01.004. Epub 2016 Apr 16. PMID: 27091583.
[11] de Oliveira JR, Camargo SEA, de Oliveira LD. Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) as therapeutic and prophylactic agent. J Biomed Sci. 2019 Jan 9;26(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s12929-019-0499-8. PMID: 30621719; PMCID: PMC6325740.
[12] Rašković A, Milanović I, Pavlović N, Ćebović T, Vukmirović S, Mikov M. Antioxidant activity of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil and its hepatoprotective potential. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Jul 7;14:225. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-225. PMID: 25002023; PMCID: PMC4227022.
[13] Sayorwan W, Ruangrungsi N, Piriyapunyporn T, Hongratanaworakit T, Kotchabhakdi N, Siripornpanich V. Effects of inhaled rosemary oil on subjective feelings and activities of the nervous system. Sci Pharm. 2013 Apr-Jun;81(2):531-42. doi: 10.3797/scipharm.1209-05. Epub 2012 Dec 23. PMID: 23833718; PMCID: PMC3700080.
[14] Gillij YG, Gleiser RM, Zygadlo JA. Mosquito repellent activity of essential oils of aromatic plants growing in Argentina. Bioresour Technol. 2008 May;99(7):2507-15. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2007.04.066. Epub 2007 Jun 20. PMID: 17583499.
[15] Rand PW, Lacombe EH, Elias SP, Lubelczyk CB, St Amand T, Smith RP Jr. Trial of a minimal-risk botanical compound to control the vector tick of Lyme disease. J Med Entomol. 2010 Jul;47(4):695-8. doi: 10.1603/me09283. PMID: 20695287.
[16] Harries MJ, Sun J, Paus R, King LE Jr. Management of alopecia areata. BMJ. 2010 Jul 23;341:c3671. doi: 10.1136/bmj.c3671. PMID: 20656774; PMCID: PMC3230136.
[17] Murata K, Noguchi K, Kondo M, Onishi M, Watanabe N, Okamura K, Matsuda H. Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytother Res. 2013 Feb;27(2):212-7. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4712. Epub 2012 Apr 20. PMID: 22517595.
[18] Jardak M, Elloumi-Mseddi J, Aifa S, Mnif S. Chemical composition, anti-biofilm activity and potential cytotoxic effect on cancer cells of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil from Tunisia. Lipids Health Dis. 2017 Oct 2;16(1):190. doi: 10.1186/s12944-017-0580-9. PMID: 28969677; PMCID: PMC5625792.
[19] Santos PA, Avanço GB, Nerilo SB, Marcelino RI, Janeiro V, Valadares MC, Machinski M. Assessment of Cytotoxic Activity of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), and Ginger (Zingiber officinale R.) Essential Oils in Cervical Cancer Cells (HeLa). ScientificWorldJournal. 2016;2016:9273078. doi: 10.1155/2016/9273078. Epub 2016 Nov 30. PMID: 28042599; PMCID: PMC5155122.
[20] Wang W, Li N, Luo M, Zu Y, Efferth T. Antibacterial activity and anticancer activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil compared to that of its main components. Molecules. 2012 Mar 5;17(3):2704-13. doi: 10.3390/molecules17032704. PMID: 22

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