- Rosemary wine is a centuries-old herbal infusion, described by Hildegard von Bingen in Physica as "wine of the heart," traditionally used to support mood and cardiovascular health.
- Modern research, including a 2022 clinical trial, suggests rosemary may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety when used alongside standard treatments such as SSRIs.
- Rosemary's compounds, including carnosic acid and cineole, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may support brain function, stress resilience and emotional well-being.
- Red wine helps extract rosemary's beneficial plant compounds and contains polyphenols like resveratrol, which are linked to heart and vascular health, though research on moderate wine intake remains complex.
- Because it contains alcohol, rosemary wine should be consumed in small amounts and avoided by those advised not to drink; it is a supportive tonic, not a cure or replacement for medical care.
Rosemary wine is a centuries-old herbal preparation that continues to spark interest among people seeking gentle, food-based ways to support mood and heart health. Rooted in traditional European herbalism and now attracting attention from modern researchers, this simple infusion blends the aromatic herb rosemary with red wine to create what was once called a "wine of the heart."
An ancient remedy revisited
Between 1151 and 1158, the German abbess and herbalist Hildegard von Bingen wrote about rosemary's healing virtues in her medical text Physica. She described rosemary as warming and invigorating, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial qualities. Among her preparations was a rosemary-infused wine she referred to as "Herzwein" or "wine of the heart," suggesting benefits for both emotional well-being and cardiovascular vitality.
More than 800 years later, elements of this traditional wisdom are being explored through modern science.
Rosemary and mood support
Interest in rosemary's mental health benefits has grown in recent years, particularly around its potential role in supporting mood and stress resilience. A 2022 clinical trial investigated rosemary as an add-on therapy for people with major depressive disorder. In the eight-week study, participants took either rosemary capsules alongside standard treatment or a placebo.
By the end of the trial, those in the rosemary group experienced a greater reduction in depressive symptoms. Their anxiety symptoms improved sooner than those in the placebo group and researchers also observed improvements in memory. The study concluded that rosemary may serve as a helpful adjunct to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a commonly prescribed class of antidepressants.
Scientists are also examining the connection between inflammation and mood disorders – sometimes referred to as "inflamed depression." Chronic, low-grade inflammation may influence neurotransmitters and stress hormones. Rosemary contains bioactive compounds such as carnosic acid and cineole, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in laboratory studies. These compounds may help regulate stress hormones, support healthy gut bacteria and influence dopamine pathways, all of which play roles in emotional well-being.
While the early findings are promising, rosemary is not a substitute for medical care. Anyone managing depression or anxiety should consult a healthcare professional before adding herbal supplements to their routine.
Why combine rosemary with red wine?
Rosemary is potent on its own, so why infuse it into wine?
Alcohol acts as an effective solvent, extracting fat-soluble plant compounds that water alone cannot fully capture. When rosemary steeps in red wine, its beneficial constituents disperse into the liquid, creating a flavorful herbal tonic that can be consumed in very small amounts.
Red wine itself contains plant compounds known as polyphenols, derived from grape skins and seeds. These compounds are studied for their antioxidant properties and their role in supporting blood vessel function. Resveratrol, one of the most well-known polyphenols in red wine, has been linked in research to improved vascular health, reduced inflammation and potential neuroprotective effects. Some studies suggest resveratrol may cross the blood-brain barrier, helping to counter oxidative stress associated with cognitive decline.
Observational studies over the past decade have associated light-to-moderate red wine consumption with improved cardiovascular markers and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. However, these findings are complex. People who drink small amounts of wine often differ in other lifestyle habits, making it difficult to isolate wine as the protective factor.
Moderation and safety
Despite its beneficial compounds, wine contains alcohol, which carries risks. Alcohol can disrupt sleep, interact with medications and increase the risk of dependence. For this reason, rosemary wine should be viewed as a culinary herbal infusion taken in small servings, not as a cure or a daily necessity.
Those advised to avoid alcohol, including pregnant individuals, people with certain medical conditions or anyone taking medications that interact with alcohol, should skip this preparation entirely.
If you choose to make rosemary wine, opt for an organic red wine when possible. Organic grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides and herbicides and red wine retains higher levels of polyphenols due to fermentation with grape skins.
How to make rosemary wine
Preparing rosemary wine is simple and requires only a few ingredients:
Ingredients
- Organic red wine
- Fresh or dried rosemary
- A clean glass jar with a lid
Instructions
- Inspect the rosemary and remove debris. If using fresh rosemary, rinse and pat dry.
- Loosely fill a jar with rosemary sprigs.
- Pour red wine over the rosemary until completely covered.
- Seal the jar and label it with the date.
- Let the mixture infuse for about two weeks, gently shaking the jar once daily.
- After two weeks, strain out the rosemary and transfer the infused wine into a clean bottle. Store in a cool, dark place.
- A typical serving is small—about half a shot glass or roughly 0.75 ounces. Some people find rosemary stimulating, so it may be best enjoyed earlier in the day rather than before bed.
Bridging tradition and modern wellness
Rosemary wine represents a meeting point between medieval herbal wisdom and contemporary nutritional science. While not a cure-all, it offers a flavorful, antioxidant-rich way to incorporate rosemary's potential benefits into daily life, supporting mood and heart health in a measured, mindful way.
As BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, we can take control of our health and well-being, fostering a more resilient, decentralized and self-reliant society by embracing the wisdom of the past and the insights of modern science.
Watch this video to learn about how beta-sitosterol, a natural plant compound, can help with high cholesterol and support prostate health.
This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com.
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