Rosemary has been valued for centuries as both a flavorful culinary herb and a staple in traditional herbal practices. With its refreshing aroma and earthy taste, it’s commonly used in teas, infused waters, and home remedies. Recently, however, social media posts have gone much further, describing rosemary as “natural morphine” and claiming it can eliminate arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and joint pain.

Rosemary does contain naturally occurring compounds such as antioxidants, polyphenols, rosmarinic acid, and essential oils. Making rosemary tea is also simple: rinse 1–2 fresh sprigs, add them to 2 cups of hot water, and allow them to steep for around 5–10 minutes before straining. Honey or lemon can be added for flavor. But does drinking this fragrant herbal tea actually provide the powerful pain relief claimed online? Scientists have studied rosemary’s compounds, but the evidence tells a more complicated story. Continue below to discover what rosemary may—and may not—actually do.