Rosmarinus Officinalis is the other name of a very popular culinary herb in the Mediterranean, Rosemary. Dried and fresh rosemary leaves are used in cooking. A member of the mint family, rosemary is a relative of sage, myrtle, lavender and basil.
The leaves of the rosemary plant are the main source of Rosemary Essential Oil. Since ancient times, it has been used in important ceremonies, including weddings and other religious rites. Aside from its culinary use, Rosemary Essential Oil is a key ingredient in medicinal herbal care and cosmetic care and is also used as an incense fragrance.
During the 16th century, German-Swiss botanist and physician Paracelsus recognized the health benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil. Because it became his favorite, he contributed significantly to the further understanding of the herbal medicine. He learned that the essential oil can strengthen the whole body and has the ability to heal delicate organs like the heart, brain and liver.
Rosemary Essential Oil is a wonderful essential oil that boosts cognition, improves memory, lowers levels of stress and improves mood. It has the ability to eliminate headaches and inflammation, strengthen the immune system, improve hair health and cure indigestion. It is being studied for its potential to treat certain types of cancer such as those of the lungs, breasts, stomach and colon.
Rosemary Essential Oil Benefits
Enjoy some of the health benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil, as follows:
- Cures indigestion
- Stimulates blood circulation
- Relieves pain
- Boosts immune system
- Tones and hydrates skin
- Removes halitosis
- Improves hair growth and strengthens hair
- Reduces Herpes virus symptoms
- Relieves respiratory infections
Rosemary Essential Oil Uses
- Rosemary Essential Oil for Indigestion. Rosemary oil relieves indigestion, flatulence, bloating, constipation and stomach cramps. When added to food it can relieve dyspepsia symptoms. Research shows that it can help detox the liver and regulate bile production and release. It also helps stimulate the flow of blood and improve circulation for better nutrient absorption.
- Rosemary Essential Oil for Hair Care. Regular use of shampoo infused with this essential oil helps hair to grow stronger and longer as it stimulates the hair follicles. It slows down premature graying and hair loss. It is also an effective oil to treat flaky and dry scalps and helps remove dandruff. It can be mixed alternately with Basil Essential Oil and Tea Tree Oil for scalp treatment. Hot oil treatments using Rosemary Essential Oil and olive oil have been proven to strengthen and darken hair.
- Rosemary Essential Oil for Mouth Care. Rosemary Essential Oil is a disinfectant. It can be used as a mouthwash to remove bad breath and prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis.
- Rosemary Essential Oil for Skin Care. The essential oil has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne, oily skin, dermatitis and eczema. It helps to hydrate and tone dry skin. You can also add of the essential oil to your skin lotion.
- Rosemary Essential Oil for Boosting Mental Activity. Rosemary Essential Oil acts as a tonic for the nerves and brain. Students taking exams inhale the oil as it improves concentration. It can help people suffering from forgetfulness, mental fatigue and depression.
- Rosemary Essential Oil for Stress Relief. Rosemary Essential Oil is excellent in aromatherapy because it can reduce stress. Apart from the relaxing nature of aromatherapy and general inhalation of rosemary essential oil, it has been proven to actually decrease the level of cortisol in the saliva. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released by the body when it becomes tense. In 2007 a study found out that inhaling a combination of Rosemary Essential Oil and lavender oil for just five minutes remarkably lowered the cortisol level in the saliva, thus the dangers of chronic stress significantly decreased.
- Rosemary Essential Oil as Immune System Booster. In the same study about Rosemary Essential Oil reducing cortisol levels, it was also found out that there was an increase in the activity of scavenging free radicals. Therefore, inhaling and using Rosemary Essential Oil for massage helps strengthen the body’s immune system. It can help fight diseases related to free radicals such as heart disease and cancer.
- Rosemary Essential Oil as Pain Reliever. Rosemary Essential Oil is a wonderful pain reliever. This property makes the essential oil very effective in treating arthritis, rheumatism, muscle pains and headaches. Pain relief is immediate once the essential oil is massaged on the affected areas. Rheumatism sufferers can find relief by having vapor baths with rosemary oil. The anti-inflammatory property of Rosemary Essential Oil makes it a superb reliever for aching joints and sprains. It also promotes blood circulation, which can likewise help relieve pain. This property also helps coagulate wounds, promoting faster healing.
- Rosemary Essential Oil for Respiratory Problems. Coming from the mint family, Rosemary Essential Oil is effective in treating respiratory ailments. Several studies have been conducted about this benefit. It has been proven that Rosemary Essential Oil is very good for relieving throat congestions. It is effective as well in treating respiratory allergies such as flu, colds and sore throats. It also has antispasmodic properties making it useful for bronchial asthma treatment.
- Rosemary Essential Oil for STD Treatment. New research indicates that the antimicrobial properties of Rosemary Essential Oil are helpful in decreasing the recurring inflammation and effects of the Herpes virus. This virus easily develops immunity to regular antiviral medicines, so researchers are always looking for alternative methods. The recent studies show that Rosemary Essential Oil is one of the effective options to lower the symptoms of the Herpes virus. Likewise the essential oil reduces the virus’ contagiousness level.
Rosemary Essential Oil Side Effects
Make sure you do a skin test after diluting Rosemary Essential Oil to see if you are allergic to it. Apply it at the underside of your arm or the sole of your feet. Here are some of the essential oil’s side effects:
- Rosemary Essential Oil is potent and can cause allergic reactions. Use diluted mixture for topical application.
- It should not be taken internally as it can cause spasms and vomiting.
- It should not be used by nursing or breastfeeding women.
- Pregnant women should not use Rosemary Essential Oil as it can cause disability in the fetus or promote miscarriage.
- It should not be used by people with epilepsy.
- The essential oil can cause high blood pressure.
- Excessive use can cause skin sensitization.
- It can cause irritation so keep it away from nose, ears, eyes and other mucus membranes.
How to Use Rosemary Essential Oil
- For aromatherapy. Add a few drops to your diffuser to enjoy its energizing aroma for at least 10 minutes so that can lift your spirit and invigorate you. You can do this three times a day.
- Mix 1 drop of Rosemary Essential Oil with 4 drops of olive oil and apply to affected area. You can also use this as a facial cleanser after washing your face. Add about 10-15 drops of the essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner to keep your hair healthier.
- Directly inhale its scent from the bottle or add a few drops of diluted essential oil onto your palm, rub them together and inhale the scent.
How to Make Rosemary Essential Oil
The leaves, flowers and buds of Rosmarinus officinalis are gathered and steam distilled to produce Rosemary Essential Oil. Its minty herbaceous aroma makes it a popular ingredient for personal care and aromatic products.
Rosemary Essential Oil Recipe
It is easy to make Rosemary Essential Oil at home. Here’s the procedure:
- Wash and dry the fresh sprigs of rosemary.
- Remove all the leaves (needles) of the rosemary from the stems. You will need 1 cup of leaves.
- Heat 2 cups of sunflower oil in a slow cooker together with the rosemary needles.
- Over low heat, allow the oil and the needles to cook for 5-6 hours.
- Allow the oil to cool before straining the oil.
- Store in a glass bottle with tight lid.
Where to Buy Rosemary Essential Oil
Whole food and health stores usually sell Rosemary Essential Oil. Store chains such as Target and Walmart also carry the essential oil. You can also purchase high quality Rosemary Essential Oil from reputable online stores and aromatherapy shops. Plant Therapy, NOW Foods, Aura Cacia, Nature’s Answer and doTERRA are some of the top brands.
Other Information About Rosemary Essential Oil
- Rosemary was sacred to ancient Egyptians, Hebrews, Romans and Greeks
- It is considers as one of world’s most powerful essential oils and herbs.
- Rosemary Essential Oil is extensively used in aromatherapy. It is very versatile and blends well with a variety of other oils.
- It has antioxidant properties to fight free radicals that are as effective as the properties of goji berries.
- Rosemary Essential Oil contains carnosol that is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer capabilities, according to the article published in the Cancer Letters journal.
- A study published in 2009 in the Holistic Nursing Practice journal stated that using sachets of Rosemary Essential Oil with lavender oil helps calm people suffering from anxiety, especially those who are taking tests.
