The Little-Known Properties of Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is one of the most most popular essential oils due to its wide variety of health benefits. It has become more popular over time as we have discovered more about it, including its ability to make your hair grow faster and boost mental activity, while relieving stress.

Rosemary, as known as Rosmarinus officinalis, is often used in the form of an essential oil, extracted from the leaves. The word rosemary actually means “rose or dew of the sea”.

The Best Uses of Rosemary Oil

Indigestion: Rosemary oil is often used for indigestion, flatulence, constipation, bloating and stomach cramps.

Hair care: Rosemary oil and rosemary teas have been used in shampoos and lotions for a long, long time. Regular use of its oil helps stimulate follicles, making your hair grow longer and stronger. It has also been thought to slow down hair loss and greying of the hair, so it is a great tonic for people who are starting to lose their hair or if male pattern baldness runs in their family.

The essential oil is also helpful for dry and flaky scalps. Massaging the scalp regularly with rosemary oil helps nourish the scalp and remove dry skin cells. It may also be mixed with tea tree oil and basil oil to treat the scalp in a thoroughly holistic way. It can also be used with olive oil in a hot oil treatment to darken and strengthen the hair.

Mouth care: As a natural disinfectant, rosemary essential oil makes a perfect mouth wash. It is great for bad breath, and kills oral bacteria, preventing gingivitis, cavities, and plaque.

Skin care: Though rosemary essential oil isn’t used as much in skin care products as it is in hair products, it does have antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, so it’s great for eczema, dermatitis, acne and oily skin. It removes excess oil and prevents dryness. It will give you an amazing glow when massaged into the skin regularly, or when mixed with your moisturiser or body lotion.

Mental activity: This oil is great for the brain and nerves. If you’re a student or need to memorise information, it’ll help you concentrate and study effectively. It eases depression, mental fatigue and stimulates the memory. It works best when inhaled through the nose, so whenever you are ready to renew your mental energy, put a little on a handkerchief and hold it gently to your nose and inhale for best results.

In 2003, researchers found that 144 people who inhaled some rosemary oil during an exam showed significantly higher cognitive function.

Stress relief: Rosemary oil has been proven to decrease the level of cortisol in the saliva. What does this mean? It means that it really does lower your levels of stress physiologically. Cortisol is one of the main stress hormones, and is released by the body during the “flight or fight” response.

Respiratory problems: The scent of the oil has been shown to relieve congestion and treat allergies, colds, flu and sore throats. What’s more, it is also antispasmodic, so it is helpful in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Rosemary has also been used in the treatment of worms, vaginitis, sinusitis, osteoarthritis, menstrual irregularity, low blood pressure, inflammation, headaches, fatigue, fainting, diabetes, cellulite, addictions and constipation, among others.

Contraindications of Rosemary Oil

Firstly, if you’re pregnant, rosemary is best avoided until you have given birth to your baby and have stopped breastfeeding your baby. Excessive use of the oil may lead to miscarriage, so be aware of the dangers.

Some people are also allergic to rosemary oil, so do an allergy test prior to using it. The oil has been known to cause vomiting and spasms when ingested, so don’t drink it!

Rosemary lowers the blood sugar, so if you are diabetic or have blood sugar issues, rosemary oil is best used with caution. Consult your doctor where in doubt before using rosemary oil.

If you are taking drugs that thin the blood, like Coumadin and anti-platele medications like Plavix, rosemary oil should be avoided, as it may also thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding in some people.

Rosemary should also be used with caution by those who suffer from epileptic seizures.

Images courtesy of veganbaking.net, Karen, Jennifer C, The world through Athene’s, and barockschloss.