Rosemary Magic: Spice Up Your Life and Boost Your Health with This Amazing Herb!
Plus my recipe for a Rosemary Simple Syrup that pairs perfectly with coffee
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It is said that Rosemary outside a home is an indication that a strong woman is present. When I recognized how often I was using it, I decided to buy a small Rosemary bush from my local plant nursery for my outdoor patio.
I have grown to appreciate the herb, and I always try to find new ways to incorporate it into my dishes because of its incredible benefits. I love the way it smells, the flowers that it blooms, and the way it elevates my homemade fingerling roasted potatoes. When I was younger, I didn’t enjoy the herb as much as I do now because I disliked the pine-like texture. However, now, as an adult, I can’t seem to get away from it. When I spot it while on my morning walks, I always stop and admire it by rubbing the plant between my fingers to saturate my hands with the plant’s aroma.
Studies have shown that inhaling the scent of Rosemary can improve concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall mood. The herb has so many incredible benefits that aid in your physical and spiritual health and has a pretty simple low-maintenance routine, making it something you can keep on your patio garden, too.
In this blog post, I will share all of those incredible benefits, plus I’ll give you an easy yet delicious recipe for my Rosemary Simple Syrup that pairs beautifully with your morning latte. I know coffee and rosemary don’t seem like a good mix, but trust me when I tell you—they were made for each other.
Physical Benefits
Rosemary is known as the herb for remembrance. It has been stated that it was used in Greece as garlands to assist students during their tests and to help them recall information. Additionally, Scientists have been researching the plant and believe that it can be a potential cognition enhancer for Alzheimer’s Disease. It is one of the world's most cultivated plants and is a triple threat with anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant properties.
It is a great herb to aid the cardiovascular system and can help lower cortisol levels, as well as help with treating stomach disorders like indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
Rosemary can also be used as a mouthwash to help with bad breath. Its active compound can terminate the bacteria in the mouth and naturally freshen your breath.
Spiritual Benefits
My favorite thing about this herb is its spiritual benefits. Rosemary is an excellent herb for protection, purification, healing, and mental clarity. Burning a sprig of rosemary can cleanse any space of negative energy and help raise the vibrations in the area. Many healers use a rosemary infusion to wash their hands before performing healing work, and if burned in the rooms of the sick, it can promote healing.
Use it instead of sage to cleanse your home.
Rosemary Simple Syrup
I know a Rosemary Simple Syrup in a morning latte may be foreign to some, but living in LA, I see the most interesting combinations, and when I tried this at a local cafe, I had to remake my own. This is by far one of the easiest recipes ever created because it only requires 4 ingredients and can be stored in your fridge for up to 2 weeks. All you need is:
2 cups of brown coconut sugar
2 cups of water
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1 tsp of vanilla extract
Wash your rosemary sprigs and pat them dry with either a reusable towel or a paper towel.
Remove the stems from the sprigs and place them in a mortar and pestle. Grind the fresh rosemary to break the cellular walls. The fragrance should begin to permeate your nostrils, then set aside.
*Hot Tip* - hold the top of the rosemary sprig with one hand, pinch your fingers on the sprig with the other hand, and run your fingers down the sprig to separate the stems.
In a small pot, place 2 cups of sugar. I like to use the Big Tree Farms Brown Coconut Sugar because it’s a low glycemic option and vegan, paleo, and gluten-free. However, you can use any kind you like.
Then add 2 cups of water, place on the stove, and put it on medium heat to let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Add a small amount (1 tsp) of vanilla extract for added flavor.
Stir in your Rosemary and let the concoction simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Do a little taste test to see if the rosemary flavor has saturated the syrup. Once the syrup is to your liking, grab a strainer and container to strain the syrup and separate the rosemary stems from the liquid.
Let it cool in your container before adding it to the fridge. Once the syrup is cooled, label it and date it.
Add 1 1/2 oz to your coffee or morning latte, and enjoy! If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out.
NOTE: PREGNANT AND NURSING WOMEN SHOULD AVOID ROSEMARY
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8851910/
https://www.purpleurchinsoap.com/blogs/blog-1/the-benefits-of-rosemary#:~:text=The aroma of rosemary has, alleviates stress in the body.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rosemary-oil-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
Castleman, M., & Castleman, M. (2001). The New Healing Herbs: The Classic Guide to Nature’s Best Medicines featuring the top 100 time-tested herbs. Rodale.