From kitchen to cure: How rosemary supports mental and emotional health

Used for centuries in traditional medicine, rosemary is gaining modern scientific validation for its brain-boosting, mood-lifting, and neural protective powers (Image: Pexels)

You have likely tossed rosemary into a roast or infused it in olive oil, but did you know this fragrant herb has powerful brain boosting and balancing properties used for centuries as traditional medicine? From soothing frayed nerves to gently lifting low moods, rosemary might just be the answer to some of today’s loudest mental health struggles.

As a traditional medicine, rosemary has been used to ease headaches, fight exhaustion, calm restless minds, and induce better sleep. Scientific studies also suggest that rosemary can actually impact brain chemistry, thus helping with boosting memory, reducing anxiety, and even supporting those battling depression.

According to a study in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), rosemary has an impact on neurological health. It is becoming a trusted companion for mental and emotional well-being. Its compounds show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and neuroprotective properties. These components interact with mood-related neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, while also reducing oxidative stress in brain tissue.

Here are 6 brain benefits of using Rosemary for your mental health and mood:

Boosts your brain health: Rosemary improves memory and concentration by reducing oxidative stress and strengthening brain signalling enzymes like acerylcholinestwrase. As per studies in the Journal of Medicinal Food, this herb also slows down age-related memory decline. People of different age groups benefit from its mind-sharpening abilities, especially during high stress or mentally demanding periods.

Also Read: 8 Ayurvedic herbs that may help lower blood sugar

Lifts your mood: Feeling low? A hydro-alcoholic rosemary extract has been shown to ease depression like symptoms, comparable to a common antidepressant. It appears to regulate dopamine and serotonin pathways, helping reduce anhedonia and emotional numbness. While human studies are still ongoing, early findings are looking incredibly promising.

Eases anxiety levels: Rosemary may help to regulate stress hormones and brain chemicals like dopamine and cortisol, according to certain animal studies. It’s said to be useful for those dealing with chronic stress or mild anxiety. Unlike harsh sedatives, rosemary offers gentle calming effects without causing drowsiness or mental fog.

Soothe chronic pain: Rosemary’s pain-blocking properties have shown positive effects in models of inflammation and pain. It may help reduce certain pain-related chemicals in the body, which are often high in those suffering from chronic pain, body aches, or headaches. Rosemary could be a natural alternative to common pain killers.

Calm seizures and brain overstimulation: In epilepsy models, rosemary helps reduce seizure activity by controlling glutamate toxicity and regulating calcium flow in the brain. Its neural protective effects may help lower the severity and frequency of seizures. Though not a substitute for medication, it could complement existing treatment safely under supervision.

Protect your brain from ageing: This herb’s antioxidant compounds prevent inflammation, neuron death, and age-related brain damage. With neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s on the rise, rosemary‘s ability to fight oxidative stress and genetic damage could help preserve brain function longer. Researchers see it as a preventative measure against cognitive decline.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis