Rosemary essential oil has many impressive beneficial effects. It contains many healing properties, including antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. The oil is said to affect the immune system, respiratory system and nervous system. It has also been used for centuries to positively effect a person’s memory while opening the conscious mind and assisting in brain performance.
Remember that when using any essential oil, including rosemary, quality is of the utmost importance. A high quality oil will be distilled from ingredients that were grown without the use of chemical pesticides, harvested correctly and were extracted correctly to preserve oil molecules. The provider of your oil should stand behind their product and should have conducted third-party testing of every batch to ensure quality.
As A Memory Booster
One of rosemary’s most well known uses is for memory improvement. Either use a diffuser or inhale the oil directly from the bottle to enhance memory, alertness and concentration. The aroma should also reduce mental fatigue and overall sluggishness, either from a poor night’s sleep or low interest in an activity. While rosemary has been linked to memory improvement for centuries, recent studies have shown remarkable results when the oil was administered to participants. One study showed that people remembered to complete tasks by 75% compared to people that were not given the oil. Other studies have shown that the oil also increases long-term memory of events. A great way to use this oil is to inhale it before studying for a class or researching for a work project and then inhaling the scent again before a test or presentation.
As A Digestive Aid
Rosemary oil can be used to help with indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps, constipation and bloating. Studies have shown that the oil is detoxifying for the liver while also helping to regulate the creation and release of bile, a key component of a healthy digestive system. It can also help the body absorb more nutrients from food by stimulating blood flow and improving circulation. This is why rosemary leaves are often an ingredient in meat dishes, as it helps the body to break down the food in a healthy and beneficial manner.
As A Pain Reliever
If you suffer from muscle and joint pain along with swelling caused by arthritis, muscle spasms, sprains or strains, rosemary oil may be able to help relieve the pain and also bring down any inflammation. Make a pain relieving cream by combining thirty drops of rosemary oil with two tablespoons of a cold-pressed carrier oil. Apply to any painful areas of the body up to three times a day. If there are open wounds present from an injury, make sure that any bleeding has stopped before applying the cream.
Rosemary oil can also help alleviate pain from a headache. Simply mix five drops of rosemary oil with a teaspoon of a cold-pressed carrier oil and massage onto the temples, across the forehead and at the base of the neck. Take extra precautions to avoid the cream getting into your eyes. For a muscle tension headache, rub the cream into the back of the neck and shoulders, applying deep pressure to the muscles.
As A Depression Treatment
Many essential oils have been getting recognition lately as a treatment for mild depression symptoms, helping people to avoid expensive and sometimes addiction prescribed medications. Rosemary is one of those oils that have shown great results when used by people suffering from low energy, mood swings and lingering sad thoughts. Diffuse the oil throughout the room or simply inhale directly from the bottle for an instant improvement in your mood. It can also be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to reflex points on the feet or massaged over the body. These applications can also work for stressful situations and will help you to see things in a different light while also calming and relaxing nerves.
As A Natural Cosmetic
Rosemary oil is one of the best essential oils to promote hair growth. It helps to increase the circulation beneath the hair follicles and heal hair that is already present from the inside out, resulting in shinier and fuller hair. You can either add a few drops of rosemary oil to your existing shampoo or make your own homemade version that contains the oil. If you suffer from serious hair loss, this would be your best option since you will also be avoiding other chemicals in over the counter shampoo products that might be contributing to your hair loss. You can also apply a deep conditioning hair mask once a week by mixing a few drops of rosemary oil with lavender oil and coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the entire scalp, wrap your hair in a towel and allow it to sit for about half an hour before rinsing it out. Hair should instantly feel more healthy.
Rosemary oil is also great for your skin. If you suffer from psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis, try mixing some rosemary oil with a cold-pressed carrier oil and applying it to any affected areas, focusing on rough, scaly patches. Apply the solution up to three times a day until the area has cleared. Rosemary oil can also help to clear acne. Mix six drops of rosemary oil with two teaspoons of coconut oil and apply to the entire face after washing and drying it.
As A Cooking Agent
Rosemary is one of the most versatile cooking herbs used today. Its oil may also be substituted for dried or fresh herbs, but keep in mind that usually just a drop of essential oil may be too much for a recipe. The flavor is very diverse and can be used with a plethora of dishes, including meats, stews, soups, marinades, salad dressings and even desserts. Because it is a super antioxidant food, it can help to boost your immune system and protect the body from disease. Studies have even shown that it helps to prevent mutations in DNA.