Rosemary essential oil benefits are becoming more well known as individual therapeutic benefits, however, when you put all of these amazing qualities together rosemary essential oil deserves a higher place in the spotlight.
In an essential oil pantry must have list, rosemary is one of the essential oils that I recommend every house should have on hand. Rosemary essential oil benefits include uses for mind, body and spirit health and wellness.
It’s name comes from the Latin “ros marinus” meaning “rose of the sea.” Rosemary requires very little water and can survive on the mist carried in by a sea breeze. Rosemary is easy to grow in many different climates, making this plant a good choice for your herb garden. We can trace the distillation of rosemary essential oil back to the 13th century.
Ancient Egyptians burned rosemary as a type of incense It was also placed in the tombs of pharaohs. Throughout history rosemary has been seen by the Greeks and Romans as a spice of loyalty, death, remembrance, and learning, but also a symbol of trust and was often woven into headdresses for wedding celebrations.
Leaves are often seen as symbolizing a cycle of change, that being the death of something and renewal. It’s easy to see the comparison when you think about seasonal change, the dropping of leaves that provide nutrients to the soil as they decompose, and the reawakening of the plant or tree the following Spring, which is noted by the emergence of new leaves. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Ophelia is quoted as saying, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.” This is thought to foretell of her death.
Different types of Rosemary
There are 3 different chemotypes of rosemary essential oil that are easy to find for many people to purchase; camphor chemotype, 1,8 cineole chemotype, and verbenone chemotype. If you are buying rosemary off the shelf be sure to check the label for the chemotype so that you know which rosemary you are buying.
- Rosemary 1,8 cineole helps to clear congestion and phlegm. You’ll want this one for respiratory conditions.
- Rosemary camphor is beneficial for encouraging circulation. You’ll love it in a massage blend.
- Rosemary verbenone can be used in skin care to rejuvenate dull looking skin.
Generally, rosemary can be dangerous for those living with epilepsy, and is not recommended during pregnancy.
What is Rosemary CO2 extract
It’s been common to find rosemary essential oil steam distilled from the leaves of the plant, however, rosemary CO2 extract is becoming very popular among bath and body product makers. CO2 extraction uses a much lower temperature and therefore the resulting oil can have a different chemical composition and must be studied separately. One of the properties that rosemary CO2 extract is being used for is it’s antioxidant quality. Antioxidants prevent damage to a product due to oxidation. An oxidized essential oil, for example, may become a skin irritant and the chemical composition of the oil may change. That means that it may not deliver the therapeutic effect that you are looking for. Antioxidants are not preservatives and will not protect your formulation from developing microbes.
5 Vital Rosemary Essential Oil Benefits that will Transform Your Wellness Routine
1. Massage oil
When used in massage blends, rosemary essential oil benefits include anti-inflammatory and warming properties which is comforting on cold, damp days. Rosemary enhances circulation, which can be particularly beneficial for people experiencing cold hands and feet.
One of its main benefits is in addressing muscle pain and stiffness. The presence of alpha-pinene, a key chemical component, contributes significantly to relieving pain and inflammation. Some people may find relief for arthritic conditions by making an oil blend or balm that can be used topically where there is arthritic pain.
For a soothing massage oil, blending 2% rosemary essential oil with sweet almond oil can be very effective. For more frequent use, blend 1% rosemary into you massage blend. Storing this blend in a dark place will increase its shelf life. When applied topically, especially in cold and damp weather, this oil blend becomes a soothing remedy, easing tired muscles and offering respite from the chill.
2. Hair Care
Recently, rosemary has skyrocketed to the front of the line when it comes to natural haircare. It contains valuable properties that make it an effective addition to products designed for the hair and scalp. Its ability to stimulate circulation to the scalp results in promoting healthier hair growth while revitalizing the scalp. Rosemary can help keep dandruff under control and may help to prevent hair loss, both of which are common hair concerns. When rosemary leaves are steam distilled it can produce a hydrosol which can also be an effective, and gentle remedy for easing dandruff, helping you to maintain a healthy scalp and lustrous hair.
3. Skin care
Rosemary’s stimulating properties highlight its skin rejuvenation effect when used for skincare applications. Rosemary can provide help for dull skin. Antiseptic and astringent properties make it a useful choice for acne prone skin. It’s worth noting that there are much better essential oils for skincare. If you are making a product for yourself and you are interested in adding rosemary essential oil, use it at a very low dilution.
4. Cold and Flu
Many essential oils that come to us from the “leaves” of a plant, have properties that are beneficial for the lungs. Rosemary essential oil has decongestant properties that might help during cold season to loosen phlegm. It is a warming oil, which helps to warms the lungs. Using rosemary essential oil at cold and flu season is one of the best uses of rosemary essential oil.
5. Focus, Cognition, and Mental Strength
Rosemary essential oil has also gained notoriety as a beneficial ingredient for mental strength in a variety of ways. Popularized for its remarkable effects on cognition, memory, and mood improvement, rosemary is a must have essential oil for combating stress and mental fatigue. It even has anxiolytic properties, calming us down so that we can more easily focus on what matters. For students, diffusing rosemary while studying followed by creating a personal inhaler for exam days can significantly impact performance, potentially yielding better outcomes.
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Particularly noteworthy is its potential to delay the effects of cognitive decline, making it a compelling choice for those seeking to enhance memory and alleviate mental exhaustion, especially as we age.
This versatile oil not only improves focus but also strengthens the spirit, fostering a deeper relationship with oneself and providing a boost of willpower. It help us to define our own path, supporting individuals to navigate their unique journey while encouraging creativity, especially for those facing mental blocks. It’s believed that rosemary assists in discovering one’s true purpose, serving as a guiding light. Rosemary renews self-confidence and uplifts the spirit, offering clarity through challenges.
As you can see, Rosemary essential oil benefits extend through uses for mind, body and spirit. It is considered an overall tonic for mind and body. The best uses of rosemary essential oil include massage oils, haircare, skincare, cold and flu season, and mental strength and focus. Let me know if you are using this popular essential oil.
