Rosemary is much more than the aromatic herb we use for cooking. It is considered one of nature’s most powerful herbs. And consequently, rosemary oil is one of the most potent essential oils, with a multitude of health and household benefits.
Rosemary oil is becoming more and more important and popular thanks to its excellent qualities. Throughout this post, you will get all the relevant information about this oil, its most interesting properties, the benefits it has for the organism at different levels, and the different ways to use it. Welcome to the definitive guide to rosemary essential oil.
What is Rosemary Oil?
Rosemary essential oil has been used for centuries by all types of civilizations and cultures. They have found in it infinite beneficial properties for all kinds of treatments. Scientifically known as “Rosmarinus officinalis,” rosemary is a plant of Mediterranean origin extended by man’s hand to other regions of the world.
This plant has been widely used since ancient times. The Romans used it frequently in religious ceremonies, weddings, food preparations, cosmetics, and medicinal products. The ancient Egyptian civilization also used rosemary and its extracts as incense.
Rosemary is a small evergreen plant with needle-shaped leaves. These are the ones we usually use, fresh or dried, to season different dishes. It belongs to the mint family, along with lavender, basil, oregano, myrtle, and sage.
This essential oil is extracted from the leaves and the upper part of the flowers by distillation, requiring about 25 kilos to obtain about 10 milliliters of essential oil.
With a woody aroma, rosemary oil is typically described as stimulating and purifying.
Most of the rosemary’s beneficial effects have been attributed to the antioxidant power of its major chemical constituents, including carnosol, carnosic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid.
This has allowed it to become a really well-known and widely used plant, especially by cosmetic and health companies around the world.
But what makes rosemary such an interesting plant? Here are some of its most outstanding properties.
Rosemary Oil Properties
I’m sure that after learning about its properties and health benefits, you will be eager to try it. So I’ll get right to the point. These are its most interesting properties:
Anti-inflammatory Properties
One of the most interesting properties of rosemary oil is its anti-inflammatory. When used externally, the oil has been found to be beneficial in reducing inflammation in the muscles and joints. Therefore, it can become the perfect ally for chronically ill patients. It is especially recommended in treatments to combat osteoarthritis or arthritis.
Mix two drops of rosemary oil, two drops of peppermint oil, and one teaspoon of coconut oil. Rub on sore muscles and painful joints to increase circulation and decrease inflammation.
Antioxidant Properties
Rosemary essential oil also has interesting antioxidant properties. They promote the regeneration of the body’s tissues and prevent premature cellular aging.
This is perhaps one of the most interesting cosmetic properties of facial skincare.
It is especially effective in combating many skin problems, such as acne, eczema and dermatitis, and other conditions that can cause scarring.
Analgesic
The efficacy of rosemary oil acting as an analgesic is well-known throughout the world, whether for occasional muscle aches or people with chronic pain.
Using a few drops of this essential oil diluted in a carrier oil can be very beneficial in lowering pain levels.
Healing
According to recently published studies, scientific research concludes that rosemary oil is a great healing agent for all types of external wounds. It contributes to the proper healing of wounds and even promotes faster recovery.
For this use, simply mix rosemary essential oil with coconut oil and massage over the marks regularly until they fade.
Benefits of Rosemary Oil: What It’s Good For
These interesting properties are beneficial to health, providing significant benefits for the following:
Improves Memory
In ancient Greece, students wore rosemary garlands every time they had an exam in order to improve their performance.
Throughout the centuries, it has been believed that rosemary contributes to a stronger memory. Today this belief has been supported by scientific studies.
Specifically, Dr. Victoria Earle of Northumbria University presented the results of a study at the British Psychological Society conference in the United Kingdom. According to these results, rosemary essential oil has a direct influence on the growth of children’s memory capacity. They were able to improve their memory by up to 7%.
It has also been shown to improve memory in adults.
To do this, mix three drops of rosemary oil with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil and rub on the top of the neck or diffuse for one hour a day.
Stimulates Mental Activity
In addition to helping to increase retention capacity and memory, rosemary essential oil has been shown to be very beneficial as a stimulant of mental activity.
Along with other essential oils with different properties, rosemary oil has a promising future in the world of aromatherapy. There are already companies that use air fresheners with rosemary oil to promote the mental activity of their employees.
At the household level, it is a bit more complex to do, but you can diffuse rosemary oil to improve cognitive function and memory. Also, having a rosemary plant near your desk can be helpful.
Combat Dandruff
This is perhaps one of the best-known benefits of rosemary oil. Major cosmetic and shampoo brands around the world regularly incorporate this oil in the composition of their anti-dandruff products.
Its role in combating dry and flaky scalp skin is one of its principal contributions to the reduction of dandruff. This is enhanced by the substantial number of vitamins it contains in a 100% natural ways, such as vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and C.
Stimulates Hair Growth
Continuing along the hair care line, another property I love about rosemary essential oil is its ability to stimulate hair growth.
It even prevents the premature onset of baldness in men and androgenetic alopecia. This condition also affects women, although to a lesser extent.
This is possible because rosemary oil stimulates the hair follicles and hair roots. With this stimulation, the blood vessels are dilated to a greater extent. This promotes the flow of nutrients to the hair, which helps to strengthen it and prevent hair loss.
Combats Respiratory Diseases
Rosemary oil is very useful in combating all kinds of respiratory and pulmonary conditions. Its most common use is through vapors that serve as a complement to syrups and specific medicines for these conditions.
Its antiseptic action promotes breathing and helps to eliminate mucus in all types of colds, bronchitis, or flu.
Moreover, it can improve the quality of life in chronically ill patients if used on a regular basis.
Menstrual Regulator
Among the properties and benefits of rosemary oil, this is perhaps the one I am most happy to communicate to the female audience.
Menstruation can sometimes be very uncomfortable. Menstrual pain and cramps limit the daily life of many women.
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic action of this essential oil can be very beneficial. But no less gainful than its emmenagogue and antispasmodic properties that even contribute to regulating menstruation in cases of irregularity in the frequency of menstruation.
How to Use Rosemary Essential Oil
At this point, I will show you the different ways in which you can use this wonderful oil to benefit from its many health benefits. Although “each master has his own way,” the most interesting ways to use rosemary oil are the following:
Externally
The most common and easiest way to use rosemary essential oil is through external applications.
It is usually applied diluted in a base oil and massaged or rubbed on the areas affected by joint or muscle pain.
It is also often used to treat gas in the belly area, as well as to treat rheumatism, gout, and to improve blood circulation, usually in the legs.
In any case, the external use and the amount of oil used will depend on the needs of each person.
In Cosmetic Products
You don’t have to go crazy looking for cosmetic products that include rosemary oil in their composition.
It is advisable to get a bottle of oil and include the desired amount in the cosmetic products you have at home. These can be the colognes or the shampoo used regularly.
In addition, if, like me, you are one of those people who like to make their own homemade soaps, it is highly recommended to include a few drops of this oil to benefit from its properties on the skin.
In Relaxing Baths
Rosemary essential oil, like other essential oils, is a non-water-soluble product. Therefore, it should not be poured directly into the bathwater, as it could cause possible irritation to the most delicate areas of the body.
It must always be previously diluted in a suitable base.
After taking a relaxing bath, the use of rosemary oil can help to relax the muscles. It contributes to multiplying the relaxing effect of the bath and relieves muscle pain.
Vapors
This is the best way to use rosemary essential oil when suffering from a cold or flu. Through vapors made with this oil, you will improve the expulsion of mucus and relieve the discomfort of a cold.
In Diffusers
I have previously mentioned that this essential oil is being incorporated into aromatherapy for its power of mental stimulation.
At home, it is possible to add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to water and create a homemade air freshener. It will undoubtedly create a refreshing and stimulating atmosphere. In Cleaning Products
Pouring a few drops of rosemary oil into the floor cleaner can be very beneficial. It will create a fresh and pure atmosphere when you clean the floor at home. As it dries, the essential oil will evaporate and enter directly into the body in a natural way.
Buy Rosemary Oil
When choosing your rosemary oil, always look for the best quality. To do this, you should opt for an essential oil that is therapeutic grade, 100% pure, and organic or bio like the one I use.
Be sure to buy it from a reputable essential oil retailer as there are many brands and types.
It is very important that you check the label of the product since you should find all its specifications there.
Buying this oil is really easy since its use is very widespread, thanks to the beneficial properties it possesses. You will find it in pharmacies, para pharmacies, herbalists, and aromatherapy stores. You can buy it in stores on the street or on the Internet.
Rosemary Essential Oil Precautions
- Sometimes it can cause allergic reactions, so before use, it is recommended to consult your medical specialist.
- Always dilute rosemary essential oil with carrier oil to avoid skin sensitivity. Even so, always perform a patch test also with the diluted solution.
- When used topically, avoid the eyes, mucous membranes, and any sensitive skin areas.
- Under no circumstances should it be used by pregnant, lactating, or breastfeeding women. Excessive use of the oil may even cause miscarriage due to its possible estrogenic effects.
- Talk to your doctor prior to use if you are taking medication or if you have a medical condition.
- Do not use topically or spread around children under six years of age.
- Keep this and any other essential oil out of reach of children and pets.
Final Considerations on Rosemary Oil
These are the main properties, benefits, and uses you can give to rosemary oil quickly and easily.
It is a type of oil that should not be missing in any home. Its benefits at all levels make it the perfect ally for multiple types of conditions.
Keep rosemary essential oil in a dry, dark, and cool place. This prevents it from deteriorating and protects its aromatic and therapeutic properties.
It is best to store it in the refrigerator as it will last two to three years (Essential Oil Safety). And make sure it is well sealed.
Finally, in case you want to make your own remedies, rosemary oil blends well with other essential oils such as:
- Incense oil
- Lavender oil
- Clary sage oil
- Cedarwood oil
- Geranium oil
- Chamomile oil
- Basil oil
- Thyme oil
- Citronella oil
- Lemon oil
- Peppermint oil
- Cardamom oil
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