Rosemary

Rosemary Leaf Herb Profile. Rosemary Leaf is an aromatic herb in the mint family that grows on an evergreen bush. It is most often used in cooking but has a wonderful woodsy scent that is great in air fresheners and aromatherapy mixes. … It is an especially great herb to add to meats (and pairs well with lamb)But HCA levels are significantly reduced when rosemary extract (a common powder) is mixed into beef before cooking, say Kansas State University researchers. “Rosemary contains carnosol and rosemarinic acid, two powerful antioxidants that destroy the HCAs,” explains lead researcher J. Scott Smith, PhD.

It might also: wound healing, in bath therapy (balneotherapy), and as an insect repellent. In foods, rosemary is used as a spice. The leaf and oil are used in foods, and the oil is used in beverages. In manufacturing, rosemary oil is used as a fragrant component in soaps and perfumes.

Maximize the benefits: To reduce HCAs, Smith recommends marinating foods in any supermarket spice mix that contains rosemary as well as one or more of the spices thyme, oregano, basil, garlic, onion, or parsley.