Essential oils have become the essentials in healthcare for so many people nowadays. Almost everyone who started using essential oils has continued to do so after they experienced what they can do for our wellbeing. Whether we use them in a diffuser for aromatherapy, topically for massage or cooking, they’re an incredible way to boost our emotional and physical wellbeing.
Some essential oils don’t need much of an introduction; everyone knows that lavender can assure you a good night’s sleep and eucalyptus can soothe sore muscles. However, others, like rosemary, could use some attention as not so many people know the many outstanding benefits they offer.
Rosemary is a fragrant herb from the mint family, alongside basil, lavender, myrtle and sage. It got its name from the Latin term ‘Dew of the Sea’, as it’s native to the Mediterranean. It also grows in other countries, like Spain and Morocco. Rosemary has been used in folk medicine for ages, mainly for improving memory, soothing digestive issues, and relieving aching muscles.
Today, many studies have proven the many benefits of rosemary oil. Its unique woody fragrance is often described as energizing, citrusy, herbaceous scent. What is rosemary oil used for? Pure rosemary oil is more than a delicious food seasoning; it’s one of the most awakening and stimulating pure essential oils worldwide.
The Many Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Oil
It Stimulates Brain Function Improving Our Memory
The Greeks wore rosemary garlands on their heads while studying, as it was believed that it strengthened memory. Modern research has proven this to be true. Inhaling rosemary oil prevents the breakdown of a brain chemical important for thinking, concentration and memory, called acetylcholine. This means breathing 100 pure rosemary oil can boost your learning abilities, helping you focus and remember things better.
If you feel like you forget things all the time or have a problem focusing, try diffusing pure rosemary oil for a maximum of 30 min, and you’ll feel the immediate boost of alertness that this woodsy scent provides. What can you do when you need a memory boost while at work or school and diffusing isn’t possible? For a quick fix, take a few deep inhalations from the bottle and help yourself at work, in the car or anytime you need a short break.
It Stimulates Hair Growth
The rosemary plant contains an acid that is known to heal nerve damage, tissue damage and strengthens blood circulation. All this is important for hair growth because, without the proper blood supply, hair follicles don’t get the nutrients they need and start to die off.
Does rosemary oil really grow hair? One study has shown that using pure rosemary oil for hair can have a similar outcome as using some of the most effective hair growth products. However, it needs to be used for at least several months to show results, but the same stands for hair products that prevent hair loss. This gives hope to all people who battle hair loss, especially people suffering from male pattern baldness and patchy hair loss.
Who can use this oil? Anyone who wants to prevent hair loss and hair thinning, or simply wants to thicken their hair. Even people with coloured hair can use it, as it’s supposed to be applied to the scalp, not the hair itself.
How to use rosemary oil for hair regrowth? You can start by adding 5 drops of pure rosemary essential oil to a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba, massage your scalp daily for 10 minutes and then rinse properly. You can also add a couple of drops of rosemary to your shampoo or conditioner to help dandruff and add lustre to dark hair. This is completely safe, but if you don’t feel that way, look for hair products that already include rosemary as their ingredient.
It Relieves Stress and Anxiety
High cortisol levels caused by stress and anxiety are responsible for putting our bodies in ‘flight-or-flight’ mode. This leads to chronic stress, which causes weight gain, high blood pressure and heart disease. Rosemary oil promotes antioxidant activity and lowers the level of the stress hormone cortisol. This helps us calm and relax.
For relaxation, you can use this oil in a diffuser or even better, you can add up to 5 drops in a dispersant such as oil or honey, to the bath and turn your bathroom time into a next-level spa experience. If you don’t have the time for a bath, try a rosemary hand or feet bath, adding 2 drops to a bowl of water.
It Treats Respiratory Problems
Rosemary is useful as an expectorant to clear sinuses and throat and can be incorporated in the treatment of respiratory infections caused by allergies, colds or flu. Its antiseptic properties fight infections, and its antispasmodic effect helps in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
For respiratory problems, use it in a diffuser or add a few drops to boiling water and inhale the vapour up to 3 times daily.
It Relieves Pain and Promotes Gut Health
People have been using rosemary as a pain killer since ancient times. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties can soothe any muscle or joint pain, and this is scientifically proven. It relieves a variety of gastrointestinal problems, including gas, bloating, cramping and constipation, due to its ability to stimulate appetite and regulate the creation of bile.
To relieve pain and help your gut, apply a warm rosemary oil compress or massage with 2.5% dilution of rosemary oil or 15 drops per 30ml of carrier oil. Massage into the areas when you feel tension, cramping or paining muscles.
What to Look for When Buying Rosemary Oil
Opt for a percentage of 100 pure rosemary oil and nothing less. Only a quality product from a trusted manufacturer that uses ingredients harvested from ethical sourcing will ensure you have the many benefits of the rosemary plant. This means vegan, 100% pure with no synthetics that comes in 100% recyclable packaging. That way, you’ll make sure you care for your health and the health of our planet too.
