Although modern medicine has advanced a lot, it would be unwise to stop considering natural remedies that have been around forever as an easy way to help our body be better and alleviate some of the common ailments that plague us. One such remedy is the use of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which along with its many benefits can help support the well-being of the pancreas.
While sometimes the evidence of these remedies working is quite thin, in this case it has been proven that Rosemary contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils, which give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties, all of which help the pancreas work better and regulate blood sugar levels and digestion easier.
All these qualities in Rosemary really help with the pancreatic function, for example its antioxidants help combat oxidative stress which damages pancreatic cells inhibiting the production of insulin.
The antioxidants in Rosemary help combat oxidative stress, which can damage pancreatic cells, including those responsible for insulin production. Protecting these cells helps prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The carnosic acid and carnosol found in this herb also help keep inflammation at bay, protecting pancreatic tissue and staving off conditions such as pancreatitis which can be caused by excess inflammation.
As an additional benefit, Rosemary also helps with the primary function of the pancreas, which is bile production, by stimulating it.
How to consume Rosemary to care for your pancreas
While all ways to consume Rosemary should be helpful, as long as you are not allergic to it or have an adverse reaction, there are some ways in which it is a bit more effective or it is easier to incorporate into your diet, which then makes the benefits stronger with minimal effort.
The first way to consume it is in a Rosemary infusion. While most of us think of tea when we think of an infusion, these are made of many leaves, flowers and herbs which makes it the perfect vehicle for consumption. Just boil a cup of water, add a teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves or a couple of fresh sprigs and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Once it is done, strain the herb out for a more pleasant experience, and drink. If you like the taste, drinking this infusion after a meal can help stimulate the digestive system and protect the pancreas and there is no risk of toxicity unless you really overconsume it.
The second and most common way to consume it is to add it into meals, which is what most of us are familiar with, as it is a very common herb in the kitchen. Incorporating Rosemary as a spice in dishes such as soups, stews, or roasts gives a lot of flavor to the dish and also helps obtain all the benefits we have mentioned before. In this particular case it does not matter if you have it cooked or dried or fresh or “raw” as long as it is how you like it and you consume it.
There are also some Rosemary capsules or liquid extracts available to purchase, but these can be a lot more concentrated and we do not recommend taking them without talking to a doctor, as this is when toxicity or severe gastrointestinal issues can happen. Additionally, if you are pregnant or nursing you should be careful and also check with your doctor if Rosemary is good for you and the baby.
Always remember that this is just a way to help your body do better, and that no natural herb replaces traditional medicine for those who need it, so talk to your primary care doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or medication dosages.