Phytochemicals are chemicals that a plant produces to protect itself from getting diseases including cancer. These phytochemical have just begun to be researched and are one of the reasons that plant eating animals like elephants which only eat green grass and leaves become so big, strong and healthy. How can eating just green plants give them all the protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals to remain at a high level of health? The key is in the green plants and herbs. One of the phytochemical rich herbs is rosemary.
Rosemary has been an herb that has been used for many years not only as a flavoring in food, but it has been used and researched for many other health benefits. Rosemary has been found to contain Calcium, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vitamins B6, B12, C, E and Zinc. Studies indicate that rosemary is high in Vitamin E which makes it a very strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. Rosemary also contains antioxidant compounds in the form of caffeic acid and rosmarinic. These compounds aid in the building of the immune system and helps in improving the blood to circulate. Rosemary has been known to be used for the treatment of respiratory issues which would include colds, sore throats and throat congestion and other respiratory allergies. Due to the anti-inflammatory compounds contained in rosemary, it can aid in the reduction of asthma attacks.
Rosemary has been found to contain carnosic acid and also contains eucalyptol which is an organic chemical compound which aids in the fight of free radicals in the brain and aids with the improvement of memory and concentration. Studies indicate that rosemary can help in preventing brain aging.
Research has also found that rosemary can be effective for leukemia and breast cancer cells. Rosemary can act as an anti-tumor agent. The carnosic acid in rosemary can also be used for the promotion of eye health which would include age related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Another use for rosemary would be for digestive issues which would include appetite loss, gallbladder issues, heartburn, intestinal gas, and liver issues. Coughs, gout, headaches, high blood pressure are other symptoms that have been controlled with fresh rosemary.
The topical use of rosemary would include the prevention and treatment of circulatory issues, eczema, toothaches and muscle or joint pain. Using rosemary as a mouthwash or gargling with rosemary aids in the killing of germs. Body order which is caused by an increase of bacteria or fungus can be prevented when mixing ground rosemary with a bath powder and applying directly to the skin. Soaked rosemary leaves can be used on cuts to fight infections or made into a body wash.
The oils found in rosemary aid in the reduction of inflammation with liver and heart disease. Research is currently being done on the effects of rosemary as a natural drying effect for cysts filled with fluids located in the breasts of women.
Rosemary can assist with the improvement of kidney functions and reducing kidney stones, aids in flushing toxins out of the liver and increases urinary flow. Rosemary aids in the reduction of conditions with the menstrual cycle and cramps, and the prostrate.
When using Rosemary, make sure you are using fresh grown Rosemary. Do no purchase any Rosemary that has been bottled as most have been irradiated which would destroy any micronutrients including minerals, proteins and vitamins. Rosemary can most easily be put into a blender with some cucumber and lemon and blended into a light salad dressing.
Hippocrates said “let your food be your medicine”.
Gen 1:29-30
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground — everything that has the breath of life in it — I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. NIV
