Rosemary Essential Oil Uses & Benefits

When I think of Rosemary, I think of the pungent herb I use to season my Sunday omelets or roasted vegetables, or the yummy salmon recipe that I use. Rosemary has such a fresh, herbaceous aroma that invigorates me every time I smell it.

History

In addition to being a popular herb in the culinary world, Rosemary has a history of medicinal use. It was widely used in folk medicine for its antispasmodic effects. The herb itself is grown wild in Mediterranean countries like France, Spain, and Morocco. The essential oil is a result of steam distilling the flowering tips and leaves of the plant. Rosemary Essential Oil, or Rosmarinus officinalis, has a high concentration of 1,8-Cineole, alpha-pinene, and camphor, a few of the main constituents that provide it with its beneficial properties.

For Your Mind

Ever have a day when you just can’t shake that mental fatigue and you can’t seem to focus? Rosemary Essential Oil is a great choice for diffusing on days when you need a little help with your brain game. It is said to help battle fatigue, and some studies have shown that Rosemary EO may be stimulating to the mind, memory, and helpful for better concentration. Research is also showing that some of Rosemary EO’s chemical components may exhibit a therapeutic effect in Alzheimer’s patients. (2) If you need a mental pick-me-up, try diffusing 1-2 drops of Rosemary with 1-2 drops of a citrus oil like grapefruit or lemon for an invigorating boost. Rosemary blends well will all citrus oils as well as basil, cedarwood, lavender, and peppermint.

For Your Body

It is well documented that Rosemary EO has been effective against drug-resistant bacteria, especially in infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts, and the skin. Alpha-Pinene, one of Rosemary’s main chemical constituents, is part of the Monoterpene family of chemicals which have been shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. (2) In addition, Rosemary EO’s camphor and 1-8-Cineole components are great at easing discomfort and are also effective at supporting the respiratory system during exposure of environmental threats. Rosemary EO is also a great choice to use for tired muscles. When your muscles are tight, or tense, give this blend a try:

For Your Hair

Many people have touted the benefits of using Rosemary for supporting healthy hair. Some even say that Rosemary has the potential to promote hair growth. While I can not make that claim, a study done in 2015 compared the use of Rosemary Essential Oil to the use of Minoxidil 2% for treating androgenic alopecia. (3) The results of this study showed that after 6 months, the group of subjects using the Rosemary showed a significant increase in hair count equivalent to the individuals using the Minoxidil treatment. It might be worth it to add a few drops of Rosemary EO to your shampoo. Even if you don’t suffer from thinning hair, Rosemary is so refreshing it will definitely add a stimulating aroma to your showering experience.

Recommended Uses

If you find yourself in the mood for a little Rosemary in your food and you don’t have any of the dried or fresh herb on hand (which frequently happens to me), you can try adding a drop of the essential oil to your dish. I know one drop doesn’t sound like much, but remember, essential oils are highly concentrated, and you don’t want to overpower your dish.

When you’ve reached that post-lunchtime slump in the afternoon and your mind seems sluggish, try this inhaler blend:

Rosemary Essential Oil is a real powerhouse, thanks to its wonderful combination of chemical components. You’ll find yourself reaching for it often as it can support so many functions like digestion, respiration, and cognitive functions and is a great helper when dealing with tense muscles.

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