Can Eating Rosemary Be Beneficial for Health?
Rosemary has drawn attention to its health benefits, as it contains antioxidants, compounds that can protect against inflammation and certain inflammatory diseases. However, research results are mixed and more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Nutritionist Rhyan Geiger, owner of the Phoenix Vegan Dietitian, says you should talk to your doctor first before adding rosemary to your diet. Because rosemary can work like the following types of drugs:
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are a type of medicine that thin the blood. There is some evidence to suggest that long-term use of rosemary can complicate blood clotting, which can lead to more frequent bruising and bleeding when taken with an anticoagulant.
Diuretic
Diuretics are used to increase urination and help rid the body of extra fluids. You may be advised to take diuretics for kidney problems or heart failure.
A study on mice from 2000 found that rosemary may have a diuretic effect. That is why mixing it with diuretic drugs is not recommended as it can increase the risk of dehydration and other side effects.
Lithium
Lithium is commonly used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder. Rosemary’s potential diuretic effects are the reason why healthcare professionals are sometimes careful not to mix the two. Because it can cause abnormally high lithium levels in the body.
“You should also avoid taking rosemary in supplement form while pregnant,” Langdon says.
Although the small amounts of rosemary used in food are not considered harmful, it is currently unknown about rosemary in supplement form and its potential interactions in pregnant and breastfeeding people.
Rosemary is indeed one of the best types of herbs used in food, drinks, fragrances, and as an insect repellent. But don’t rely on it for some of the purported health benefits associated with rosemary. More thorough research is still needed to fully understand rosemary’s effects on physical and mental health.
(FIR)