Medicinal Properties of Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil can be used to treat many common medical conditions. Keep a bottle of this essential oil in your medicine cabinet as a natural remedy for all types of ailments. Rosemary oil is most often used to help with memory loss and unhealthy hair but can also used for dental issues, as a pain reliever and an immune system booster. Learn some of the ways that you can use this oil to treat internal, external and mental conditions.
Internal Conditions
-Headaches
By improving blood circulation, rosemary oil can help with the pain of a headache. Mix the oil with a carrier oil and massage onto the temples and forehead. For tension headaches, massage the oil onto the neck and shoulders, applying deep pressure to any sore muscles.
-Respiratory Conditions
Rosemary can relieve throat congestion and can be an effective natural treatment for allergies, colds, sore throats and flu. Because it is antiseptic, it can also help to heal respiratory infections. Diffuse the oil through the room or inhale the steam from a pot of hot water with a few drops of oil mixed in. Rosemary is also an antispasmodic and can treat asthma. Some essential oils that treat asthma can also make an attack worse and depends on the individual. Never rely on an essential oil to stop an asthma attack.
-Immune System
Rosemary oil can stimulate the activity of antioxidants, which are necessary for the body to fight off free radicals and keep the immune system working at its highest ability, fighting off infection and disease. The oil can be inhaled or applied topically to decrease the cortisol levels in the body. While the immune system fights common colds and influenza, rosemary oil may also be able to help prevent cancer and heart disease.
-Pain Relief
For muscle pains, rheumatism and arthritis, make a pain relieving cream with rosemary oil and coconut oil, or any other carrier oil. Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve pain from sprains and joint aches. It also helps to stimulate blood circulation, which also helps to alleviate pain and aids in the coagulation of wounds, leading to faster healing with less chance of infection. You can also add the oil to a warm bath for radiating full body pain. Rosemary oil is also a diuretic and can help in removing acids and wastes that are responsible for inflammation.
-Digestive Aid
Rosemary oil can help the body produce bile, which is essential for a healthy digestive tract. It also treats indigestion, flatulence and menstrual disorders. By improving circulation and keeping the liver functioning properly, rosemary can help to reestablish the digestive tract’s healthy cycle. Keep in mind though that the oil should not be consumed in large amounts, even if you are trying to treat a stomach issue. It can cause vomiting and other serious side effects. Instead, topical application of the oil will still have a great and positive impact on your stomach.
External Conditions
-Dental Care
With astringent and antibacterial properties, rosemary oil is a great addition to store bought mouthwash or homemade dental products. It can help treat bad breath and prevent plaque build-up, which leads to more serious conditions like cavities and gingivitis. Add a few drops of rosemary to a glass of water for a quick mouth rinse on the go.
-Skin Health
Make a simple cream by mixing rosemary oil with almond oil or make a body butter, which requires a few more ingredients. Both can help rehydrate and tone your skin. It also has an anti-aging affect and can remove wrinkles and sagging, dark skin under the eyes. It may also help to reduce the appearance of scars and spots. The oil is also an ideal natural acne treatment, with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It may also be able to reduce redness and irritation associated with dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. When treating large areas of the skin with rosemary oil, always make sure that a test patch has been conducted.
Mental Health
-Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety is the most common mental disorder in the United States and depression cases are more frequent each year. While there is a wide selection of prescribed medications to deal with related symptoms, many are addicting and cause unwanted side effects if used long term. They can also be expensive. Rosemary oil may be an affordable and more natural way to treat tension, anxiety, fatigue and depression. It is a stimulant and can help you to see a negative situation from a more positive light while helping your entire body to calm down. Diffuse the oil throughout a room or inhale it directly from the bottle to rid the body of anxious thoughts and negative energy. If your symptoms worsen or are persistent, you should seek medical attention for depression, anxiety or stress.
-Memory Booster
One of rosemary’s best known uses is for improved memory. It helps to boost focus, concentration, short and long term memory and overall awareness of a situation. A quick sniff of the oil can fight lethargy and improve productivity. Recent studies have shown that rosemary oil is beneficial for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. While there is no cure for the disease, treatment using rosemary oil may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease as it enhances cognitive function. It is also an alternative treatment for other diseases that have cognitive issues, including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Rosemary essential oil can be purchased through health stores or online. It is also an easy oil to make at home. If you are purchasing your oil, keep in mind that a less expensive oil may not be a bargain. Make sure that the quality of the oil is backed by the company and that they are taking the necessary steps to produce the best quality oil. Before medicating with rosemary oil, always consult with a medical professional. Stop use if there are any signs of allergic reaction, rash or irritation.