Rosemary essential oil is derived from the powerful, aromatic herb rosmarinus officinalis, which belongs to the mint family. It been prized for healing qualities for thousands of years. The benefits of rosemary essential oil range from boosting hair health and healing skin conditions to improving mental clarity and more.
Recent research on the rosemary plant indicates that it may aid in nerve growth and regeneration. Additionally, rosemary essential oil is claimed as being anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Rosemary is a strongly scented and powerfully invigorating essential oil that only requires a few drops to be effective. Its aroma acts as a natural stimulant that wakes up the brain and increases neurological activity.
Herbalists recommend rosemary essential oil for relief of muscle and nerve pain as well as for its use in improving memory function.
Rosemary oil is said to have been part of the original “Thieves oil” recipe that gypsies used to ward off the plague in centuries past. Today, the antifungal, antibacterial and anti-septic properties of the oil are recognized around the world.
A look at the many benefits of rosemary essential oil:
Boosts Memory
One of the earliest documented uses of rosemary was as a cognitive stimulant. While many of the claims regarding rosemary and the memory are still being researched, research is pointing towards the fact that Rosemary essential oil can improve both focus and memory. A recent study found that when individuals were given rosemary oil to smell, their memory retention increased by almost 75%.
One way to reap the benefits of rosemary essential oil for memory is to add the oil to a diffuser. Others have found that adding rosemary oil to boiling water, and inhaling the vapor was just as effective.
Improves Mental Clarity And Focus
A whiff of rosemary essential oil can help you overcome those moments at your desk when you feel drowsy and unfocused. If you work long hours at your desk, keeping a diffuser on your desk is a good idea. Add a few drops of rosemary oil into the diffuser and switch it on to help you beat off that memory fog.
If falling asleep at your desk is an occasional event, or if you do not have a diffuser handy, you can still get the benefits of rosemary oil by putting a drop or two on your palms. Rub your palms together and inhale.
Reduces Stress & Boosts Mood
Rosemary oil has been known to decrease cortisol levels in the body. You are able to handle life’s tasks with mental clarity without unnecessary social or inner fear. Individuals who suffer from chronic depression or anxiety could benefit from adding rosemary oil to their wellness routine.
When you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, stop awhile and breathe in the aroma of rosemary essential oil from an inhaler or diffuser. You can also breathe in the oil while massaging it onto your temples.
Boosts Immunity
Rosemary oil helps to boost immunity to further fight infections. When an individual feels congested, suffers from a cough, or deals with pesky allergies, rosemary oil is a beneficial additive. It can be added to boiling water or even placed into a diffuser to reach the optimal benefits.
Soothes Headache
Rosemary has been used as a paste or salve and applied topically for hundreds of years to treat areas of pain. Rosemary can also be consumed to treat the pain that is caused by headaches. One of the most common uses for rosemary is in the treatment of migraines. To treat migraines, rosemary can be taken orally, applied topically to the temples, or even by smelling the aroma.
Soothes Tired Muscles
Rosemary oil’s ability to help promote circulation can invigorate tired muscles in your arms, shoulders, and legs. Its ability to help relieve pain also helps relieve muscle aches at the end of a rigorous day. Use it as a blend with a carrier oil or add it to your favorite massage lotion base.
Helps You Stay Awake On Those Long Drives
Place a drop or two of rosemary oil on your palms, rub together and inhale. A diffuser in your office or workspace can also do. You can also massage a diluted blend on your temples or use a personal inhaler whenever you need to relieve mental fatigue, like while driving on long trips or when doing after-hours work.
Promotes Hair Growth
Rosemary oil is packed with nutrients that increase microcirculation or blood flow to the scalp. A recent study found that when individuals rubbed rosemary oil into their scalp, they experienced a “22.4% increase in new hair growth.”
Keeps Skin Looking Younger
Rosemary is well known as having anti-aging properties, and that makes it a common choice for being applied topically to the skin to improve the youthful quality of the skin as well as heal blemishes and increase the natural shine of the skin.
This promotes healing and a strengthening of the scalp which results in optimal hair growth for the future. In addition, adding rosemary oil into your hair care routine can help to prevent immature baldness or even receding hairlines.
Rosemary Essential Oil Cautions and Concerns:
Currently, rosemary oil has no known toxins or detrimental uses. As mentioned, topical use should be limited to two or three drops and properly diluted.
Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication for chronic diseases should consult with a healthcare professional prior to use.
Rosemary essential oil should not be used on children less than 4 years of age.
If you are especially susceptible to allergies or sensitivities, you may wish to test rosemary mixed with a carrier oil on a small patch of skin such as your wrist, to determine if it will be well tolerated.
If you find the scent of rosemary oil to be overwhelming when used in a room diffuser, you can either use fewer drops, or use only in combination with calming oils such as lavender.
It is possible that rosemary oil may be too powerful for extremely sensitive individuals — in which case, discontinue use.
Some people who are especially sensitive may react to the powerful effects of rosemary oil as an excitant.
When used on the body, rosemary oil should be diluted with a carrier oil. When combined with a carrier oil to use in massage applications, rosemary oil is said to deliver mental clarity, relieve fatigue and act as a mood enhancer.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
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