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What Is Rosemary Leaf Tea?

Melanie Smeltzer
Melanie Smeltzer

The rosemary plant is a perennial, evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region, and bears distinct, needle-like leaves. These leaves are most frequently used as kitchen spices, but many believe that brewing them into a tea can have a beneficial effect on the body and brain. Rosemary leaf tea, with its pine-like flavor, is said to bear a number of useful nutrients, including vitamin A, beta carotene, and antioxidants.

The rosemary plant has a long history of usage dating as far back as 500 B.C. It is not only a favorite in the culinary world, but a potent symbol of love and remembrance, and an effective tonic for a number of ailments. Rosemary leaf tea is a staple of many herbalists. It is also well loved because of its high nutritional value.

Rosemary leaf tea can help prevent uterine contractions, stop the growth of some cancer cells, and improve memory and brain function.
Rosemary leaf tea can help prevent uterine contractions, stop the growth of some cancer cells, and improve memory and brain function.

Many of the nutrients found in rosemary leaf tea include antioxidants such as rosmarinic and carnosic acid. These powerful antioxidants are thought to help curb damage cause by inflammation. When consumed for its antioxidant properties, this tea can be used to prevent uterine contractions, help stop the growth of certain cancer cells, and improve memory and brain function.

Rosemary leaf tea may help to relieve stomach ailments.
Rosemary leaf tea may help to relieve stomach ailments.

In addition to antioxidants, rosemary leaf tea has a number of other beneficial vitamins and minerals. For instance, this tea is thought to be rich in B vitamins like folic acid, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. Additionally, a cup of this tea may also contain vitamins A and C. Also a good source of minerals, rosemary leaf tea is said to contain iron, potassium, and calcium.

Organic gardeners who grow their own rosemary leaves for tea can be sure that it is pesticide-free.
Organic gardeners who grow their own rosemary leaves for tea can be sure that it is pesticide-free.

Since rosemary leaf tea has such a large amount of nutritional value, it has many uses in herbal medicine. These plants are widely thought to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities, and when taken internally, are thought to cure or ease symptoms of problems like bronchitis, bad breath, and mouth ulcers. This tea may be effective in treating muscle aches, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain types of stomach ailments, as these plants are also thought to have antispasmodic properties.

Rosemary leaf tea contains powerful antioxidants.
Rosemary leaf tea contains powerful antioxidants.

Rosemary leaf tea is also thought to benefit the brain. Certain studies have shown that some of the nutrients found in this plant can be used to protect the brain. Rosemary tea may be useful in fighting the effects of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

@Grivusangel -- You're right. It *is* strong. Very strong. But it does work. At least, it seemed to help me the last time I had bronchitis. A friend recommended it to me and I found some at the health food store. It was combined with some other herbs, and I actually did put honey in it, per the recommendation on the box.

For me, it wasn't a sipping tea. It was a drink it in one swallow tea. But, after a couple of doses of it, I did feel better. My chest congestion had loosened and I could breathe much easier.

Grivusangel

I think my problem with rosemary tea would be the taste. Rosemary is extremely strong and I just don't think it would make a pleasant-tasting tea unless you brewed it with other herbs -- maybe mint or something. I don't know, but rosemary is awfully strong.

However, if drinking rosemary tea is supposed to help so many ailments, it might be worth getting some and trying it. Maybe a big dollop of honey would help soften the flavor. I don’t think it could hurt it, and honey is beneficial as a remedy, too. I don’t think they would cancel each other out, so I think I’d try about a tablespoon of honey in something like a rosemary leaf tea.

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    • Rosemary leaf tea can help prevent uterine contractions, stop the growth of some cancer cells, and improve memory and brain function.
      By: NataliTerr
      Rosemary leaf tea can help prevent uterine contractions, stop the growth of some cancer cells, and improve memory and brain function.
    • Rosemary leaf tea may help to relieve stomach ailments.
      By: Julija Sapic
      Rosemary leaf tea may help to relieve stomach ailments.
    • Organic gardeners who grow their own rosemary leaves for tea can be sure that it is pesticide-free.
      By: Fisher Photostudio
      Organic gardeners who grow their own rosemary leaves for tea can be sure that it is pesticide-free.
    • Rosemary leaf tea contains powerful antioxidants.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Rosemary leaf tea contains powerful antioxidants.