Scientific Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Bahasa Indonesian: Rosmerin
Batak: Rosmerin
Basic Information: Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub with leaves similar to hemlock needles. It is native to the Mediterranean and Asia, but is reasonably hardy in cool climates. It can withstand droughts, surviving a severe lack of water for lengthy periods. Forms range from upright to trailing; the upright forms can reach 1.5 m (5 ft) tall, rarely 2 m (6 ft 7 in). The leaves are evergreen, 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) long and 2–5 mm broad, green above, and white below, with dense, short, woolly hair. The plant flowers in spring and summer in temperate climates, but the plants can be in constant bloom in warm climates; flowers are white, pink, purple or deep blue. Rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens where it may have pest control effects. The leaves are used to flavor various foods, such as stuffing and roast meats. Rosemary leaves are used as a flavoring in foods. Fresh or dried leaves are used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. They have a bitter, astringent taste and a characteristic aroma which complements many cooked foods. Herbal tea can be made from the leaves.
Health Benefits:
- Cognitive stimulant – It helps improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.
- Reduce stress – A study conducted on the anti-depressant effects of rosemary concluded that the aroma of the herb alone has been linked to improving mood and clearing the mind. It reduces salivary cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, which helps ease tension in the body.
- Hair Growth – The oil of rosemary promotes hair growth, prevents baldness, slows graying, treats dandruff, and dry scalp
- Anticancer Potential – Manganese, carnosol, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and other rosemary extracts have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anticancer properties.
- Skin care – The antioxidants in the essential oils of rosemary help improve the quality of the skin. It has a potent anti-aging effect and helps heal blemishes and increase the natural shine.
- Prevents Alzheimer’s – Rosemary prevents beta-amyloid plaques and suppresses acetylcholinesterase, which are primary causes of Alzheimer’s, ataxia and dementia. It has also been linked to stimulating cognitive activity in the elderly as well as those suffering from other acute cognitive disorders.
Fun facts:
- The name “rosemary” has nothing to do with the rose or the name Mary, but derives from the Latin name ros marinus, which literally means “dew of the sea.”
- It was considered sacred to ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks.
- It is a perennial plant (it lives more than 2 years).
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/rosemary.html
https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/8-health-benefits-rosemary