An 84-year-old culinary enthusiast, who has spent decades perfecting her recipes, is encouraging people to include an ancient Greek ingredient in their diet that could enhance blood circulation and alleviate inflammation. While many herbs and spices are used today primarily for flavour enhancement, they were once revered for their medicinal properties.
One such herb is rosemary, scientifically known as Salvia romarinus, a staple found in most kitchen cupboards. Beyond its use as a delightful addition to pasta dishes, this common herb was highly esteemed in certain ancient Mediterranean cultures.
The Greeks utilised it in medicinal rituals, believing it boosted memory and cleared the mind. However, Conchita, a seasoned cook who regularly shares videos on her TikTok page, reveals that she frequently uses it in a beverage to enjoy a host of health benefits.
Infusing rosemary into a herbal tea
Speaking originally in Spanish, she shared with her followers: “When I was a girl, we were told that if we went to the countryside and didn’t pick rosemary, we wouldn’t find true love. That’s why I always have a little pot of it at home.
“I took this from my pot. It’s ideal for making infusions because it improves memory, is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and relaxing. Then, at night or whenever you feel upset, add some rosemary leaves to boiling water and make an infusion.
“When it starts to boil, you add it, cover with the lid and give it some time before drinking it. I add honey to make it sweet.
“You can also buy rosemary oil, which works very well, and rosemary alcohol, which I’m sure you’ve heard your grandparents mention. If you ask them, they will say it has been used for a long time.
“If something hurts, rub some rosemary alcohol. Rosemary gives you many benefits.”
Health benefits of rosemary
A single cup of rosemary tea can deliver an impressive array of health benefits, particularly for cognitive function and cardiovascular health. The herb is packed with compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, all of which offer powerful antioxidant properties.
These antioxidants work to neutralise harmful free radicals throughout the body, preventing cellular damage and potentially reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Additional compounds found in rosemary, including folate, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics.
Rosemary may also promote relaxation and mental wellbeing. One study examined whether consuming rosemary tea could reduce plasma levels associated with anxiety and depression markers.
Among 22 participants aged 20 to 50 who drank rosemary tea over a 10-day period, researchers observed a notable improvement in mental concentration. The same study also suggested that rosemary might have potential benefits in alleviating depression, although it emphasised the need for further research into this area.
