Spices and kitchen herbs · herb

Rosemary (Rozmari (usually just called "rosemary"; no widely used indigenous name))

In the kitchen

Widely grown in Kenyan kitchen gardens and sold fresh or dried; the woody, pine-scented leaves are stripped from the stalk to season roast and grilled meats, chicken, lamb, fish and roasted vegetables. On keto it shines rubbed into fatty cuts, infused into olive oil, ghee or butter, or added to slow-roasts and bone broth.

Traditionally used for

Traditionally used as a digestive aid, taken as a tea or with meals to ease bloating and flatulence, and long associated in folk tradition with supporting memory, focus and alertness through its aroma. Also traditionally used as a warming tonic to lift the spirits during recovery from illness.

On keto

Essentially zero net carbs in culinary amounts and naturally fat-loving, so it pairs perfectly with the oils, butter, ghee and fatty meats central to a keto plate.

Good to know. Safe as a normal food seasoning. Avoid concentrated medicinal doses, strong teas or rosemary essential oil in pregnancy, as large amounts may stimulate the uterus and risk miscarriage. Because it may slow blood clotting, use caution alongside blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, aspirin) and stop before surgery. Medicinal amounts may also add to the effect of blood-pressure and diabetes/blood-sugar medications and diuretics, and may interact with lithium and ACE inhibitors. Rosemary essential oil (high in camphor) should never be swallowed and, along with very high doses, may trigger seizures, so people with epilepsy should be especially cautious. If you take any of these medicines, have a seizure disorder or are pregnant, keep to food-level use and check with a clinician before supplementing.

Sources

General information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before changing how you eat, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or taking medication.