What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is a very popular herb, not only in Jamaica, but all over the world. Rosemary, formally known as Rosmarinus Official is a small, woody evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves that are generally dark green in colour. The rosemary leaves have a spicy aroma, making it a popular herb in the kitchen. Apart from the culinary uses, the rosemary plant is also popularly used for its medicinal properties as well as a decorative garden plant. The warm tropical Jamaican climate allows the rosemary to be in almost constant bloom on the island, with white, blue or pink flowers.
How to use Jamaican Rosemary?
Rosemary is used as an herb for seasoning anything ranging from fish and poultry to garden salads.The rosemary leaves are generally chopped finely or crushed when being used as a culinary herb. The rosemary oil is also widely used as a hair and skin treatment along as a treatment for many ailments. One can even extract the oil at home by first allowing the mature leaves to be properly sun dried. The leaves are then placed in a container and covered with other oils of your choice then allowed to sit in a warm place for a few weeks. The oil that remains will then contain the valuable compounds from the leaf. It is also important to note that the oil should not be consumed orally. Dried rosemary is also used to make herbal tea.
Health Benefits of Jamaican Rosemary
Rosemary is one of those herbs that contain a wide array of health benefits due mainly to the herb’s anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important as they help to cleanse the body by attacking free radicals which can react with other compounds, leading to cancers, heart diseases and memory problems. As highlighted by the research done by the University Of Maryland Medical Center, rosemary is useful in treating indigestion, muscle and joint pain along with boosting concentration and memory.
The university’s research also showed that rosemary oil can be used to stimulate hair growth in persons with alopecia. This is accomplished by massaging the scalp with the oil for about seven months.The rosemary herb is also a natural diuretic along with being antiseptic. The herb may also help to stimulate blood circulation and also treat headaches, depression and nervous exhaustion. It is recommended that pregnant women should not take rosemary, neither should persons with high blood pressure, ulcers and Crohn’s disease.
NOTE: We highly recommend that before using any herbal medications you should consult your health care provider or medical doctor for professional advice.
Disclaimer: All herbs and spices listed on http://islandherbsandspices.com/ or sold for medical and household use only, again we advice that before using any HERBS for medical purposes, please consult your physician.
