Rosemary

Ingredient Library

Rosemary

Discover why rosemary has been treasured for centuries and why it has become one of the world's most researched herbs for brain function, memory and overall wellbeing.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is an aromatic evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region. Used for centuries in both cooking and traditional herbal practices, rosemary is valued for its distinctive flavour, fragrance and naturally occurring plant compounds.

Today, rosemary is commonly included in nutritional supplements because it naturally provides powerful antioxidant polyphenols, including rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid. Its unique nutritional profile has made it one of the most widely researched herbs for cognitive health, mental performance and overall wellbeing.

The Basics

Understanding Rosemary

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its needle-like leaves have been used for thousands of years in cooking and traditional herbal preparations throughout the Mediterranean and beyond.

Rosemary Forms

Rosemary supplements are commonly available as dried leaf powder, concentrated extracts and essential oils. Nutritional supplements typically use the dried leaves or standardised extracts, which provide consistent levels of naturally occurring plant compounds.

Brain Health & Antioxidant Support

Rosemary naturally contains polyphenols including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol, along with flavonoids and aromatic essential oils. These naturally occurring compounds have made rosemary one of the most extensively researched herbs for supporting brain function, while also contributing to its antioxidant properties.

Key Benefits

Why It’s Used

Brain Function

Supports normal cognitive function, memory and mental performance.

Stress Support

Supports the body's natural response to everyday stress.

Antioxidant Protection

Helps protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Healthy Inflammatory Response

Supports the body's normal inflammatory response.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rosemary?

Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean. It has been widely used for centuries as both a culinary herb and a traditional botanical ingredient.

What nutrients and plant compounds are naturally found in rosemary?

Rosemary naturally contains polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol, along with flavonoids and aromatic essential oils that contribute to its nutritional profile.

Why is rosemary associated with memory and brain function?

Rosemary has a long history of traditional use for supporting memory and mental clarity. Today, its naturally occurring compounds, including rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, have made rosemary one of the most extensively researched culinary herbs in the field of cognitive health. While research is ongoing, its unique nutritional profile has made rosemary a popular ingredient in supplements designed to support normal brain function and overall wellbeing.

What is rosmarinic acid?

Rosmarinic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in rosemary and several other herbs in the mint family. It is recognised for its antioxidant properties and is commonly used as a marker of quality in rosemary extracts.

What is the difference between rosemary powder and rosemary extract?

Whole rosemary powder is made by drying and grinding the leaves, preserving their natural nutritional profile. Rosemary extracts are more concentrated and provide higher levels of selected naturally occurring plant compounds in a smaller serving.

Why is rosemary commonly included in nutritional supplements?

Rosemary combines a long history of traditional use with a naturally rich supply of antioxidant plant compounds. Its nutritional profile has made it a popular ingredient in supplements designed to support overall wellbeing.