Rosemary oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis) using a process called steam distillation. It has a fresh, woody and herbaceous scent and is known for its medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. Rosemary oil benefits the skin, hair and overall health in many ways. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which can help to improve skin health, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and brighten the skin. It also is said to improve circulation, which can help to improve hair growth and prevent hair loss.
The rosemary essential oil benefits in aromatherapy for its invigorating and energising properties. It is said to help improve mental clarity, focus and memory. It is also known for its pain-relieving and stress-relieving properties and is often used as a natural remedy for headaches, muscle pain and other types of pain.
This blog covers - rosemary oil benefits, its uses and interesting facts about the plant, and cautions for using it topically.
Rosemary Nutrition Profile
Rosemary is an herb, not an oil, and it does have a nutrition profile. It's a good source of antioxidants and is rich in vitamin A and C, , and iron. Rosemary also contains small amounts of calcium, potassium and manganese. There are several rosemary essential oil benefits that can be learned ahead.
A 100-gram serving of dried rosemary contains:
● Vitamin A: 97% of the RDI
● Vitamin C: 36% of the RDI
● Iron: 83% of the RDI
● Calcium: 32% of the RDI
● Manganese: 23% of the RDI
● Protein: 6% of the RDI
● Total Fat: 20% of the RDI
● Manganese: 42% of the RDI
● Zinc: 8.5% of the RDI
● Potassium: 14% of the RDI
● Sodium: 2% of the RDI
Rosemary also contains a variety of antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid and flavonoids like kaempferol and quercetin. These compounds are responsible for rosemary's medicinal properties. It is important to note that rosemary is safe to consume in food and can be added as a seasoning to a variety of dishes, but consuming excessive amounts can cause stomach and intestinal discomfort. It is suggested to consume certain food items in moderation.
Rosemary Oil Benefits
Rosemary oil benefits are innumerable due to its chemical composition, which includes compounds such as camphor, cineole and carnosol. These compounds are responsible for the oil's medicinal properties.
1. Anti-inflammatory
Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis and other types of pain.
2. Antimicrobial
Rosemary oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. This makes it useful for treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema and fungal infections.
3. Antioxidant
Rosemary oil is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and can help to prevent the signs of ageing.
4. Improves hair growth
Rosemary oil is said to improve circulation, which can help to improve hair growth and prevent hair loss.
5. Mental Clarity
The aroma of rosemary oil is said to improve mental clarity, focus and memory.
6. Stress and anxiety relief
Rosemary oil has stress-relieving properties and can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
7. Boosts immunity
The nutrients of rosemary oil benefit the body by protecting it against infections and diseases. Inhaling this essential oil regularly strengthens the immunity system.
8. Aids in digestion
Rosemary oil is safe for consumption and rubbing it on the stomach helps with digestion. It helps to relieve bloating during periods, constipation, cramps and gastric problems.
9. Improves blood circulation
Rosemary oil, when used as a full-body massage oil, helps improve blood circulation in the body and reduces blood clotting to speed up the wound healing process.
10. Relieves common cold
Suffering from a cold, cough, or flu and need an instant solution? Mix rosemary essential oil in regular steam water. It will fight the bacteria with its antibacterial properties.
11. Fights cancer
Carnosol, a compound found in rosemary oil, fights cancer-causing cells. Researchers have found the effects of rosemary in reducing pancreas, prostate, breast, cervical and ovarian cancer.
12. It can be used as a mouthwash
A few drops of rosemary essential oil can be mixed with distilled water to be used as a mouthwash. It fights cavities and prevents plaque build-up.
With so many uses for its credit, rosemary oil benefits people across all the age - groups.
Best Rosemary Oil Uses
There are several uses of rosemary oil. Rosemary essential oil benefits people in every age group. Thus, to simplify, we have listed different rosemary oil uses for better understanding and results.
1. Aromatherapy
Rosemary oil can be used in aromatherapy to help with mental clarity, focus and memory. It can be added to a diffuser or mixed with a carrier oil and used in a massage.
2. Hair care
Rosemary oil is said to improve circulation, which can help to improve hair growth and prevent hair loss. It can be added to a carrier oil and used as a hair mask or scalp treatment.
3. Pain relief
Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and other types of pain. It can be mixed with a carrier oil and used in massage or added to bath water.
4. Skincare
Rosemary oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can be added to a carrier oil and used as a face or body oil or added to lotions and creams.
5. Household cleaning
Rosemary oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can be added to a spray bottle with water and used as a natural cleaner for surfaces and floors.
6. Cooking
Rosemary is a commonly used herb in cooking; its woody, and pine-like flavour pairs well with meats, vegetables and soups.
Interesting Facts about Rosemary Oil
1. Rosemary oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine: It has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, particularly in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed to have healing properties for a variety of ailments.
2. Rosemary oil is a symbol of remembrance: It is traditionally associated with remembrance, and it has been used in funeral wreaths and as a symbol of remembrance for loved ones who have passed away.
3. Rosemary is also known to be a symbol of loyalty and love in some cultures.
4. Rosemary has the title of ‘Herb of the Year 2000,’ as declared by International Herb Association.
5. It is one of the tallest shrubs with a height of 5 metres.
Cautions For Rosemary Oil
1. Dilution
Rosemary oil is considered to be a strong oil and should be diluted before use. It should be mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil, before being applied to the skin.
2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using rosemary oil, as it can cause uterine contractions and may not be safe for the baby.
3. Sensitive skin
People with sensitive skin should be cautious when using rosemary oil, as it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. A patch test should be done before using it.
4. High blood pressure
Rosemary oil can cause an increase in blood pressure, so it should be avoided by people with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
5. Medications
Rosemary oil may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, blood pressure medications and anti-anxiety medications. It's important to consult a healthcare professional before using it if you are taking any medications.
6. Oral consumption
Rosemary oil should not be taken orally, as it can be toxic if consumed in large amounts.
Thus, apart from rosemary essential oil benefits, there are several cautions too that should be well understood before applying it. So, even if the rosemary oil uses are in abundance, make sure that you learn the cautions too.
Conclusion
Rosemary is a shrub that is popular for its fragrance, although it is highly valued for its unique medicinal properties too. That's why it is commonly used as an ingredient in cosmetics and perfumes and for making herb decoctions and extractions. But rosemary oil uses are innumerable and have more benefits than just a good scent. One can understand those after reading the entire blog.
FAQs
What diseases does rosemary cure?
Rosemary essential oil cures dysmenorrhea, headache, rheumatic pain, stomachache, depression and hysteria.
Can you take rosemary every day?
Yes, rosemary can be consumed every day. However, regular consumption does not exceed 4 to 5 grams.
Does rosemary have side effects?
Although there are several rosemary oil benefits, excess consumption of rosemary causes sun sensitivity, vomiting, and skin inflammation.
Does rosemary cause hair growth?
Rosemary essential oil promotes blood circulation and moisturises the hair from the root to the strand, thus promoting faster hair growth.
Does rosemary cleanse the liver?
Rosemary is proven to flush out toxins from the body. It has diuretic properties that help remove excess salts and fats from the body. Hence, rosemary essential oil benefits one and all.