Salvia Rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.^[rx] Until 2017, it was known by the scientific name Rosmarinus officinalis, now a synonym.

It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which includes many other medicinal and culinary herbs. The name “rosemary” derives from Latin ros marinus (“dew of the sea”).^[rx][rx] The plant is also sometimes called anthos, from the ancient Greek word ἄνθος, meaning “flower”.^[rx] Rosemary has a fibrous root system.^[rx]

Rosemary might be one of the most revered herbs throughout our history. It was believed to contain powerful medicinal benefits with almost magical powers. Now science is telling us that the powerful bioactive compounds in the herb may indeed give it potent medicinal properties, from dealing with hair loss to managing chronic conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Rosemary tea is one of the most convenient ways of taking the herb.

What is Rosemary Tea?

Rosemary tea is made by brewing the leaves and stem of the rosemary herb, the scientific name Rosmarinus officinalis. Native to the Mediterranean region, this herb may be one of the most popular in the world for culinary usage and may have been used in natural healing for thousands of years. Many of the impressive health benefits of rosemary tea come from caffeic acid and its derivative rosmarinic acid. It might also contain salicylic acid, potassium, and various antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant compounds. ^[rx] [rx]

How to Make Rosemary Tea?

Rosemary tea can be made very easily with a few sprigs of rosemary herb, hot water, and a dash of natural sweeteners, such as honey or sugar. Unlike many herbal teas that require only the leaves to be steeped for a tea blend, rosemary tea is made by steeping both the leaves and the stems of rosemary. This tea can be made with either fresh or dried leaves, and can even be made through powdered leaves, although this is less common.

Benefits of Rosemary Tea

Drinking rosemary tea might potentially be helpful for people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia, arthritis, chronic pain, hair loss, anxiety, stress, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, and a number of skin conditions. Rosemary tea may have a lot of benefits to offer, some of which are listed below;

May Aid In Skin Care

The compounds found in rosemary tea might be well known to improve the appearance of the skin, especially in preventing UV-induced damage thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A review on plants used to treat skin diseases, published in Pharmacognosy Reviews, explained these benefits of rosemary in detail. Apart from UV damage, rosemary might also have been effective in treating acne. ^[rx]

May Improve Circulation

Rosemary tea may be known as a stimulating substance for the circulatory system because it has anticoagulant properties, similar to aspirin. This may improve the flow of blood through the body. This might help prevent excessive blood clotting that can lead to strokes and heart attacks. ^[rx]

May Augment Cognitive Function

Rosemary might have always been associated with remembrance. Research now tells us that the herb itself may have benefits that go beyond its symbolic use. Multiple studies have shown that rosemary could improve cognitive function, particularly memory. It could be a particularly useful herbal remedy for people with Alzheimer’s. A 2018 study, published in the Journal of Pharmacology, may have found significant effects of rosemary water on cognition. It might have been particularly beneficial for brain activity associated with blood flow. The study showed that it could improve memory by up to 15 percent. ^[rx] [rx]

May Aid in Digestion

The antispasmodic and carminative properties of rosemary tea may make it ideal for people suffering from diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal cramping. This herbal tea might have been used to clear up digestive issues for generations and may also improve nutrient uptake by relieving inflammation in the gut. Research published in the Journal Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences might indicate that rosemary extract may be effective in treating inflammatory bowel diseases. ^[rx] [rx]

May Heal Inflammation

One of the key ingredients of this powerful tea may be carnosic acid. Research has shown it to possibly reduce the levels of nitric acid in the body that may be a trigger for inflammation. In combination with other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, this might potentially help people suffering from many conditions associated with inflammation, including arthritis, headaches, muscle pain, joint disorders, hemorrhoids, and hypersensitivity to allergens. ^[rx]

May Offer Pain Relief

The pain-relieving qualities of rosemary tea might be well known and are largely the result of salicylate, which is a compound similar to aspirin. Whether you are recovering from an illness, surgery or injury, or in chronic pain, this tea may help relieve some of your pain. Although we don’t have a study on rosemary tea’s efficacy in treating pain, it was traditionally used for this purpose. An animal study has shown that rosemary oil extract may help alleviate pain without any side effects. ^[rx] [rx]

May Help In Hair Care

Many people may use rosemary tea to improve the health of their hair, but not by drinking it! You can use this tea as well as rosemary oil to scrub the scalp and hair, thereby helping improve the nutrient content of the hair, and also potentially reducing dandruff. The antibacterial properties might also help keep skin conditions at bay and protect against hair loss. ^[rx]

May Help Regulate Liver Function

Early research has shown that rosemary might help improve the health and function of the liver, due to its free radical scavenging and reducing properties. This may help keep the liver healthy so it can continue to effectively eliminate toxins from the body. ^[rx]

May Ease Anxiety

Rosemary tea might have been traditionally used to soothe anxiety and stress, and helping people relax. An animal study has shown that caffeic acid, a major constituent of rosemary, has antidepressant properties. It can also help in relieving anxiety. ^[rx]

May Aid In Diabetes Management

The polyphenols in rosemary might help in the management of type 2 diabetes. Although greenhouse varieties may have been found to contain a higher amount of polyphenols and flavonoids, commercially available rosemary was found to be equally effective as a concentrated source of potent bioactive compounds. A 2017 review collated different in-vitro and in-vivo studies to show how the bioactive compounds in rosemary extract can be a very effective tool in diabetes management. ^[rx] [rx]

However, keep in mind that rosemary may interfere with your blood sugar levels and can hence, interact with any diabetes medication you are on. It is best to talk to a doctor before you include rosemary tea as a means of diabetes management. ^[rx]

May Protect the Eye

Drinking rosemary tea may help in protecting your vision from age-related damage. A study found that carbonic acid, a major constituent of rosemary, can protect the eye from age-related conditions, like macular degeneration. ^[rx]

Side Effects

Rosemary is considered safe to use at the recommended dose. However, it may trigger allergic reactions in some people. Given the powerful volatile compounds in the herb, you should seek the advice of a certified dietician or a herbalist when taking it on a regular basis. It is best to start with a cup of tea to check your reaction. If there are no side effects, you can take an additional cup a day. The Penn State Hershey Medical Center lists the side-effects of rosemary tea: ^[rx]

• Contact dermatitis: Allergic reaction to rosemary may cause vomiting spasms and in some cases, even coma or edema.
• Pregnancy: Some of the compounds found in rosemary tea may stimulate menstruation, which is dangerous during pregnancy, particularly in the first two trimesters. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid this tea as it may decrease milk supply.
• Seizures: Some of the active ingredients in rosemary tea may exacerbate factors causing seizures.
• Gastric Issues: Some of the most common side effects of drinking rosemary tea may include nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the gut, and hemorrhoid bleeding. This might typically be visible only when large amounts of rosemary are consumed, not the relatively small amount used in the brewing of this tea.
• 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.
• Bleeding: The anticoagulant nature of this herbal tea may worsen your condition if you have a bleeding disorder.
• Crohn’s disease: People with Crohn’s disease, ulcer, or high blood pressure should avoid rosemary.
• Drug interaction: It may interact with certain medications. This includes anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, Diuretics, and diabetes medications. If you are taking any of these medications, it is best to talk to your doctor before you include rosemary tea in your daily regime.

From Where To Buy

How to Plant Rosemary in Your House

Common Name	Rosemary
Botanical Name	Salvia Rosmarinus
Family	Lamiaceae
Plant Type	Herb, perennial
Size	2–6 ft. tall, 2–4 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Sandy, loamy, well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic, neutral (6.0 to 7.0)
Bloom Time	Spring, summer
Hardiness Zones	8–10 (USDA)
Native Area	Mediterranean

When to Plant

Rosemary is best planted in the spring once the weather has warmed and there’s no frost in the forecast. Containers indoors generally can be started at any time of year.

Selecting a Planting Site

This plant needs a sunny spot that has soil with sharp drainage. Make sure no taller trees or shrubs in the area are so close that they will shade the rosemary. Rosemary also grows well in containers both outdoors and indoors, as long as it can get enough light.

Spacing, Depth, and Support

Space rosemary shrubs at least 2 to 3 feet apart. Plant seedlings and nursery plants at the same depth at which they were growing in their previous container. Seeds should be just barely covered with soil when planting. A support structure is typically not necessary for this shrub.

Rosemary Plant Care

Light

Rosemary prefers full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. A south-facing window is ideal for indoor growth, and grow lights are often necessary to provide supplemental light. Bring indoor plants outside in warm weather to allow them access to natural sunlight. Inadequate light can cause leggy and weak growth.

Soil

A well-draining sandy or loamy soil is best for rosemary. It doesn’t tolerate heavy clay and wet soils well. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal.

Water

Rosemary shrubs have good drought tolerance once they are mature, and it’s better to underwater rather than overwater them. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings, and then water so that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.

Temperature and Humidity

This shrub likes warm weather and moderate humidity levels. Most rosemary varieties can’t survive temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but they have good heat tolerance. They prefer temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, high humidity can lead to rot and fungal issues, especially if there isn’t enough air circulation around the plant.

Fertilizer

Rosemary is not a heavy feeder. Mixing compost into the soil at the time of planting can help to give the shrub a healthy start. Then, using a balanced liquid fertilizer, following label instructions, will continue to promote quality growth.

Pollination

Rosemary shrubs self-pollinate and attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. Bring indoor plants outdoors in warm weather when their flowers are open to allow the blooms to naturally pollinate.

Types of Rosemary

There are several types of rosemary to grow, including:

• ‘Arp’: This plant has light green foliage with a lemony scent, and it’s known for its cold tolerance.
• ‘Golden Rain’: This plant stays compact at 2 to 3 feet high and wide, and it features yellow markings on its foliage.
• ‘Albus’: The trademark of this cultivar is its white flowers.
• ‘Prostratus’: This cultivar has a low, spreading growth habit at around 2 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide.

Rosemary vs. Lavender

Rosemary and lavender are similar in appearance. Both are shrublike with woody stems, and they feature aromatic leaves that are long and thin. However, rosemary plants generally grow larger than lavender. Rosemary blooms form among the foliage while lavender blooms rise above the foliage on flower spikes. And lavender has a lighter and more floral taste and aroma than rosemary.

Harvesting Rosemary

Rosemary can be harvested at almost any time of year, though spring and summer are when it grows most actively. And the leaves are most flavorful and aromatic just before the plant blooms. To harvest, use pruners to cut off 4- to 6-inch stem tips.

Use fresh rosemary sprigs or leaves in cooking as you like. Or hang the stems upside-down in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area for drying, which should take a couple weeks. Once the stems are dry, strip off the leaves and keep them in an airtight container in a pantry.

How to Grow Rosemary in Pots

Growing rosemary in a container allows you to bring it indoors during cold weather. You also can keep containers on a patio or deck near your kitchen for easy access while cooking. Select a pot that’s slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Make sure it has drainage holes. An unglazed clay container is best to allow excess soil moisture to evaporate through its walls.

Pruning

Prune rosemary as necessary to shape its growth after the plant is done flowering. But don’t prune off more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the shrub and leave it vulnerable to diseases and pests.

Propagating Rosemary

If you would like to propagate your own rosemary plant, the best option is to start with a cutting. Not only is this an inexpensive way to get a new plant, but taking cuttings from a mature plant can help to promote more branching and bushier growth. The best time to take a cutting is in the spring or summer. Here’s how:

• Cut a piece of healthy stem that’s a few inches long. Choose new softwood growth for best results.
• Remove the leaves on the lower portion of the stem, leaving at least five leaves.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
• Plant the cutting in a moist soilless potting mix in a small container that has drainage holes.
• Place the container in a warm spot that has bright, indirect light. Mist the cuttings daily, and make sure the growing medium doesn’t dry out.
• In about two to three weeks, gently tug on the stem to check for roots. If you feel resistance, you’ll know roots have developed. After that, the cutting is ready for transplanting.

How to Grow Rosemary From Seed

Rosemary seeds can be difficult to germinate, and they often do not grow true to their parent plant. If you wish to try growing from seed, plant several more seeds than plants you hope to grow. Start seeds around three months prior to your area’s projected last frost date in the spring. Scatter them in a tray filled with moist seed-starting mix, just lightly covering them with the mix. Cover the tray with plastic wrap to trap in moisture, and make sure the mix doesn’t dry out. Place the tray on a heat mat to keep the soil between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. As soon as seedlings appear, remove the plastic wrap, and place the tray in bright light. Once seedlings are around 3 inches high, they can be moved to individual pots or outdoors if the weather is warm.

Potting and Repotting Rosemary

Use a light, well-draining potting mix when growing rosemary in a container. Plan to repot every year into one container size up, using fresh potting mix. The best time to repot is in the spring. Gently loosen the plant from its previous container, and situate it at the same depth in the new one, filling around it with soil.

Overwintering

Bring rosemary indoors well before any frost is predicted in the fall forecast. Keep it in a warm room and away from any drafts or drying air from heat vents. Continue providing it with at least six hours of sunlight per day via a bright window and/or grow light. And slightly back off on watering, though don’t allow the soil to fully dry out. Once frost is out of the forecast in the spring, the plant can go back outside.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

High humidity and poor air circulation can result in powdery mildew—a white, powdery fungus—on rosemary plants. Powdery mildew typically won’t kill a plant, but the disease will weaken it. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant’s soil isn’t too wet, and provide a few feet of space around it for airflow. Also, be on the lookout for aphids and spider mites, especially on indoor plants. Use insecticidal soap as soon as you spot an infestation to prevent it from spreading.

References

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