Fragrant Rosemary Tea Recipe

Brewed from fresh or dried herbs, this relaxing and aromatic rosemary tea recipe 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 rosemary for its flavor and aroma, but it may also help boost your mood and improve your memory.

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, soup 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. When the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, fled from Egypt, she found refuge near a rosemary bush. The white flowers turned blue as she threw her cape onto the bush. The herb has been called the “rose of Mary” because of its long, spiny stems and smell.

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

Brewing rosemary leaves into tea is the easiest way to enjoy its taste, aroma, and healing power.

Potential Health Benefits of Rosemary

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 burnout 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 and lower blood sugar levels. However, the only animal study among rats proved that rosemary prevented weight gain, even for those fed a high-fat diet.

Improve Digestion

Drinking rosemary may help improve digestion, but research still needs to be done. Rosemary contains two antioxidants called Carnosic Acid and Carnosol that balance gut bacteria and and anti-inflammatory properties.

For hair growth

Rosemary tea is known to help increase blood circulation, thus promoting hair growth. The main ingredient responsible for hair growth is ursolic acid. You can find it in the fruit peels 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. 

Rosemary Tea Recipe

You will need fresh or dried rosemary leaves and water to brew your homemade rosemary tea.

I like to use the entire sprig, including the stem, because it is easier to strain it out later. You can use a tea ball for dried leaves.

If you have extra, make this Rosemary Focaccia, you will love it.

First step: Bring water to a boil

Measure one cup of water and bring to a boil in a small pot or tea kettle. Add one teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves or one tablespoon of fresh sprigs to the pot.

Second step: Simmer the Rosemary

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the rosemary flavor.

Third step: Steep the mixture

Remove the pot from the heat and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes. You can cover the pot with a lid to help retain the aroma and flavor.

Fourth step: Strain the mixture

Strain out the Rosemary leaves using a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer. Pour the pure rosemary tea into your mug and enjoy its aroma and taste

You can sweeten the tea with honey or agave syrup to taste.

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.
• Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause stomach issues, vomiting, and spasms.
• If 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.

How much rosemary tea should I drink?

Drinking rosemary daily or inhaling its aroma may help improve your mood or memory. You can drink up to 3 cups a day to improve your digestive problems.

Is Rosemary tea good for sleep?

A study found that when a certain dosage of rosemary is taken orally twice a day for 1 month, it can significantly reduce the anxiety level of college students and improve memory and sleep quality.

What does rosemary tea taste like?

Rosemary tea is caffeine-free and has a sharp, piney aroma. It offers intense notes of pine with subtle undertones of lemon and mint.

How to make Rosemary iced tea?

When making rosemary tea, I always make 2-3 batches to save the extra for making a refreshing iced tea later.

Rosemary Iced Tea is a great way to get used to the flavor.

When you pour the warm tea over ice, it tones down the strong taste of the rosemary, so you don’t need any extra flavors. Adding a lemon slice makes it even better!

Ways to use rosemary tea

While I Enjoy drinking rosemary tea alone, there are other ways to use it, especially if you have an abundance of fresh rosemary leaves.

Brew a strong batch of rosemary tea, let it cool, and pour it over ice for a refreshing drink.

When cooking grains like rice or quinoa, you can replace water or broth with rosemary tea. It adds flavors and taste.

Make tea and use fresh rosemary as a hair rinse. You will need a strong infusion of rosemary in water. I am usually using 1 cup of fresh rosemary sprigs. Fill up the pot with water so the rosemary springs are submerged. Please put it on very low heat and let it simmer for one hour. After 1 hour, turn off the heat, let it cool, and strain the rosemary. Pour the rosemary infusion into a spray bottle and add apple cider vinegar. And your homemade hair rinse is ready to be sprayed over your hair without further rinse off. 

This is also great to add to a relaxing bath or use a facial toner that helps tighten pores and refresh your skin.

Grow your own rosemary

Rosemary grows up to five feet in a warm climate very quickly. I grew mine from seeds, but you can also grow it from cuttings. If you have healthy cuttings, 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 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. Remember 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 alongside rosemary, such as carrots, sage, beans, or cabbage.