Herbal Tea Series: Rosemary Tea Benefits: A Brew for Mind & Body

I’ve always thought of rosemary as the herb of memory. I grow it in pots by the front door—not just for cooking, but for its scent, energy, and, more recently, tea.

Rosemary tea isn’t something you see on every shelf, but it’s one of my favourite herbal infusions when I need a lift. It’s stimulating, aromatic, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re feeling foggy-headed or looking for a natural way to soothe digestion, this woody little herb might be your new go-to.

What Is Rosemary Tea?

Rosemary tea is a simple infusion made from the leaves of the Rosmarinus officinalis plant. It has a bold, slightly piney flavour with hints of lemon and mint. The aroma alone is invigorating—like a walk through a sun-warmed herb garden.

Rosemary Tea Benefits: A Stimulating Brew for Mind & Body

Historically, rosemary has been used in Mediterranean traditions for everything from memory improvement to protection rituals. As a tea, it brings those rosemary benefits into a daily ritual as practical as grounding.

Top Benefits of Rosemary Tea

Here’s why I like to keep a jar of dried rosemary on hand just for tea:

• Boosts Focus and Mental Clarity

  • Rosemary has long been associated with memory and concentration. Studies suggest it may help increase alertness and cognitive performance.

• Eases Bloating and Indigestion

  • The warming properties of rosemary support healthy digestion, especially after rich meals.

• Natural Anti-Inflammatory

  • Rosemary contains compounds like rosmarinic acid that may help reduce inflammation.

• Supports Circulation

  • It’s thought to stimulate circulation gently, helping you feel more energised.

• Antioxidant Rich

  • Like many herbs, rosemary is packed with antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.

How to Make Rosemary Tea

You only need two ingredients: rosemary and hot water.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or a small sprig fresh)

• 250 ml boiling water

• Optional: lemon slice or a drizzle of honey

Method:

1. Place the rosemary in a mug or teapot.

2. Pour over freshly boiled water.

3. Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes.

4. Strain and enjoy.

I like mine with a twist of lemon when I’m feeling sluggish—or with honey if I’ve overindulged at dinner.

Precautions & Considerations

Rosemary is generally safe in culinary and tea amounts, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid drinking large quantities if you’re pregnant.

• It may interact with blood pressure or blood-thinning medications—check with a professional if unsure.

• Please don’t overdo it: the tea is strong and can be overly stimulating in large doses.

A Simple Ritual I Love

I often reach for rosemary tea when writing, planning, or mentally cloudy. There’s something about its scent that clears the cobwebs. I’ll light a candle, brew a cup, and set my phone aside—it turns my to-do list into a more grounded, focused moment.

Bonus Tip: Use It as a Hair Rinse

Don’t toss your leftover tea! Once cooled, rosemary tea makes a brilliant natural hair rinse.

It’s been used for generations to:

• Stimulate hair growth

• Reduce dandruff and scalp irritation

• Add natural shine

• Gently darken greys over time (primarily when used with sage)

How to use:

1. Brew a strong infusion (2 tbsp rosemary in 500 ml water).

2. Let it steep for 30–60 minutes, then cool completely.

3. Pour over freshly washed hair and massage into the scalp.

4. Leave in, or rinse with plain water.

Use within 3–4 days and store extra in the fridge.

Rosemary Tea Benefits: Try It Yourself

If you have rosemary growing at home, try this tea. You can also find dried rosemary in our botanical pantry, perfect for herbal brews or simmer pot blends.

👉 Browse Herbal Ingredients, their benefits and how to use

And if you enjoyed this post, keep an eye out for the rest of the series—next up: Chamomile, the queen of calm.