How to make rosemary tea

Brewed from rosemary leaves, this relaxing and aromatic rosemary tea has been used for centuries to improve memory and sleep. Learn its benefits and best practices to brew a perfect cup of rosemary tea.

Summer in a mug. There is no other way to describe the feeling of a hot cup of rosemary tea on a cold winter's morning. Or, maybe a cup of wisdom. Many people enjoy drinking rosemary for its flavor and aroma however drinking rosemary may help boost your mood and improve your memory.

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Rosemary

Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) is a small evergreen plant that is widely and easily accessible. Most people use it in cooking for its slightly bitter and pungent taste or in the seasoning of meat or vegetables. Its flavor enhances this turkey brine making it the best I have tried so far.

In ancient times, rosemary was believed to enhance memory. In literature, rosemary is a symbol of remembrance and fidelity.

The name Rosemary comes from the following legend. WhenVirgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, fled from Egypt, she found refuge near a rosemary bush.  As she threw her cape onto the bush, the white flowers turned blue. The herb has been called the "rose of Mary" because of its long, spiny stems and smell.

Rosemary is a stimulating herb that is very often used in tonics, rosemary salts, tinctures, rosemary water, homemade pedicure or oils. These are only a few methods of transforming the medicinal benefits of rosemary to us.

The easiest way to enjoy the taste, aroma, and healing power of rosemary is to brew its leaves into tea

What is Rosemary tea good for?

Rosemary tea for memory

Rosemary has been used in ancient times to improve memory. However, are there any studies to confirm this hypothesis? This study investigates the effect of Rosemary on burnout in 66 employees who work in industrial environments. Those drinking daily rosemary tea reported significantly less burnt out at their job than those who didn’t drink it.

Another study confirmed lowered anxiety and improved sleep and memory among students.

Rosemary tea for weight loss

Rosemary infusion may boost weight loss. However, the only animal study among rats proved that rosemary prevented weight gain even those fed a high-fat diet.

Improve Digestion

Drinking rosemary may help improve digestion but research is lacking. It contains carnosic acid that balances gut bacteria and reduces inflammation.

For hair growth

Rosemary increases blood flow and stimulates circulation thus promoting hair to grow. The main ingredient responsible for hair growth is ursolic acid. You can find it in the peels of fruit or in this rosemary hair rinse. Ursolic acid brings more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles thus creating an ideal environment for hair to grow faster and regrow again. 

How to make rosemary tea

To brew your rosemary tea you can use fresh or dried rosemary leaves.

First step

Boil one cup of water in a casserole and add one teaspoon of dried rosemary or one tablespoon of fresh rosemary spring. 

Second step

Lower the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea to be. Alternatively, you can switch off the heat and let it steep in a tea diffuser instead.

Third step

Strain the leaves afterward and discard them

Fourth step

Pour the pure rosemary tea into your mug and enjoy its aroma and taste

Use honey or agave syrup to sweeten.

Other herbal teas you can make

Echinacea tea

Elderberry tea

Rosehip tea

Linden tea

Yarrow tea

Sage tea

Rose tea

Side Effects of Rosemary Tea

• Avoid drinking rosemary if you are allergic to rosemary or another plant in the same family. People who are allergic to aspirin or salicylates may also be allergic to rosemary tea
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before using rosemary tea.  Rosemary tea is linked to menstruation and the risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy.  Rosemary tea can cause uterine bleeding when consumed in large amounts.
• Always talk to a healthcare professional before drinking any herbal tea if you are taking medications or have serious health problems.

Grow your own rosemary

Rosemary is very easy to grow up to five feet in a warm climate. I grew mine from seeds but you can also grow it from cuttings.  If you have cuttings that are in healthy condition start them indoors before planting them outside. The best time is 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. After the frost transfer them outside. I used seeds to grow my rosemary and it took a couple of weeks to germinate.

If you manage to find a sunny place with well-drained soil your chances are very high that rosemary will grow on its own. I water it occasionally, usually in summer. Bear in mind that rosemary will not grow well if it is constantly wet.

You can also fertilize it but it is not necessary. 

Rosemary is also good to plant with other plants that grow better when planted alongside rosemary such as carrots, sage, beans or cabbage.