Rosemary is a popular herb used in cooking. It can be added to soups, stews, and casseroles or paired with meat dishes such as lamb, pork, and beef. It also complements vegetables like potatoes, beans, and legumes. This aromatic herb has a flavor described as piney, resinous, astringent, lemony, and peppery. It also has notes of citrus, evergreen, and lavender.
Rosemary contains carnosic acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can also help reduce inflammatory chemicals. In one study, rosemary oil was found to be effective in reducing inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis (27).
In folk medicine, rosemary has been used to increase menstrual flow, treat indigestion, act as an abortifacient, and treat mental strain and fatigue. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also prevent or ease headaches and migraines.
Research has shown that rosemary oil can help improve blood circulation in your body. When massaged on the hands and feet of a woman with Raynaud’s disease, which causes blood vessels to constrict, rosemary oil was found to significantly warm the fingertips. In fact, it helped her fingers regain color more than a neutral oil did (24)!
When used for cooking, smoked rosemary adds an unexpected depth of flavor. Its savory and woody notes complement both sweet and savory dishes, including soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles. It pairs well with poultry, lamb, pork, and beef, as well as vegetables such as beans and potatoes. It also compliments fish, especially oily fish. Rosemary can be smoked using a handheld smoker or by placing it on top of a hot stove burner.