Rosemary, More Than A Spice
Updated Feb. 02nd, 2026 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- What is Rosemary?
- Rosemary's Benefits
- Shopping For Quality Rosemary
- Cautions & Considerations
- Nutritional Information
- Reader Comments (4)
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is a popular herb in the kitchen as well as the medicine cabinet. It has a long history of use in foods because it stimulates digestion and reduces spasms of the gallbladder, stomach, and intestines. Its chemical components increase the release of digestive juices and it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for muscle and joint injuries like athletic injuries and arthritis.
Rosemary's Benefits
Rosemary stimulates circulation through the heart can improve the symptoms of heart disease. Historically, it was used topically as a wash or gargle, for wounds and sores and, as an inhalation, during respiratory infections. It has the ability to prevent and fight infections. Currently, research is being done on its antioxidant properties for possible use in general wellness and healthy cell growth.
Shopping For Quality Rosemary
Rosemary can be purchased as a dried herb, fresh herb, encapsulated leaf or essential oil. Dried ground herbs that are used as a spice have less medicinal value because the essential oils are lost in the drying process. The essential oil is the most potent form of the herb and must be used cautiously due to possible toxicity. Externally rosemary can be added to a bath or used as a steam inhalation.
When used as a spice, it has very few side effects. Most side effects and cautions are relevant only when supplements are used; however, the essential oil is toxic in high doses.
Cautions & Considerations
Rosemary should not be used during pregnancy because it may lead to miscarriage. Individuals who are at an increased risk of stroke, have active bleeding, blood clotting disorders or those who use blood thinners should use this herb with caution.
I love using Rosemary in cooking, it has so many health benefits and makes a dish taste great. My favourite way to use Rosemary though is as an essential oil mixed with Lavender essential oil (and a carrier) just before bed on my wrists. They smell amazing together and really seem to help me relax and settle for bed. I've also added the two together while washing blankets and in a diffuser. Like the article says, use Rosemary with caution though in certain cases.
Hello Nicole,
Rosemary has a great aroma and the essential oil has many benefits like you mentioned. If you'd like to learn more about your other favourite, Lavender, check out this article to find info and mixing recipes;
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/essential-oils/lavender-essential-oil/
Have a healthy day!
Two things I didn't know but learned from your article are:
1. Rosemary has traditionally been used topically as a wash or gargle, for wounds and sores and, as an inhalation, during respiratory infections.
2. Rosemary essential oil is toxic
One fact that I think would have been interesting for you to include is that rosemary on the Italian coast is thought to have unique bioactive components that contribute to the health of those who consume it-hence the high concentration of centenarians in this region!
Anyway, as usual, great article and thank you for teaching me something (well actually two things ;) ) new!
Hello Rachel,
It's nice to hear that you were able to learn something new about Rosemary, a popular culinary herb. It's always interesting to learn the benefits of the foods, herbs and nutrients that we use often. Indeed, essential oils should never be ingested; however, they have many great topical applications and benefits. Thank you for sharing that fun fact as well.
Have a healthy day!