Rosemary Essential Oil Benefits: Uses and Precautions
Explore the rosemary essential oil benefits for hair and skin care, pain relief, and concentration and memory.
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Most of us associate rosemary with its aroma, use as a seasoning herb, and role as a natural preservative. However, it must be said that this plant is among the most valued and highly sought-after aromatic and medicinal herbs globally.
Its needle-like leaves are covered with tiny glandular hairs that secrete fragrant essential oils, adding to this plant’s health values [1].
Rosemary essential oil benefits extend far beyond its pleasing scent. This oil is good for the skin and hair and has so many other uses that we are about to see in the list.
This blog discusses the uses of rosemary oil and the benefits of rosemary oil aromatherapy and explores how it may enhance different aspects of health and well-being.
Health Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil
1. Memory and Concentration [2]
Various conditions today cause mental health worries, such as attention difficulties in children and memory challenges in older people. It has, therefore, raised the need for identifying at-risk persons and help using natural remedies.
Aromatherapy, which uses natural scents, is gaining attention as a helpful approach. Essential oils have been known for their effects on our bodies and minds for generations, mainly through observation.
In a study with 20 volunteers inhaling the essential oil of rosemary, researchers found positive effects on brain activity. The oil increased heart rate and breathing, and participants felt more awake and refreshed.
Another study on older adults with neurodegenerative conditions showed better thinking and cognitive abilities.
Hence, this essential oil may improve brain functioning and performance, thereby enhancing mental awareness. This makes it an ideal natural product for mental health wellness without the need for synthetic drugs.
2. Healthy Skin [3]
The essential oil of rosemary is often used in natural remedies and is known for its ability to protect from infections.
It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that could safeguard our skin from fungi [4]. Hence, it may assist in maintaining our skin free from infections.
Also, the oil may protect our body’s outer cells from damage. This is important because strong cells help us stay healthy.
Additionally, rosemary oil may help maintain skin hydration and elasticity, contributing to overall skin health.
It is also important to recognise that along with applying rosemary oil, maintaining healthy skin requires a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in essential macro and micronutrients.
Adequate hydration, regular physical activity, and a good sleep schedule are other crucial factors important for achieving and maintaining optimal skin health.
3. Hair Care
At present, because of fast-paced living or sometimes hereditary factors, hair health is impacted. As someone rightly quoted, hair is a true index of health, and therefore, it should be well taken care of.
According to one study, men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) who used rosemary essential oil for their scalp massage twice daily for six months saw positive results in hair thickness with less scalp itching [5].
Also, people with alopecia areata applied a blend of rosemary essential oil to their scalp every day for seven months. As a result, 44% experienced an improvement in their hair health. In comparison, only 15% of those who used only neutral oils saw any improvement [6].
This demonstrates how rosemary essential oil benefits extend to the natural hair care routine.
You must note that rosemary oil may not be the only solution for hair growth. If you’re experiencing hair or scalp-related concerns, it will help to consult a dermatologist or trichologist for proper diagnosis, assistance, and management.
4. May Help Alleviate Pain
Every now and then, we encounter one or the other form of pain, and this makes it important to look for appropriate means to tackle it.
A study showed that aromatherapy with the essential oil of rosemary alongside acupressure helped lessen shoulder pain and support movement in stroke patients [7].
This indicates that incorporating different methods with essential oils may assist in minimising tension, muscle discomfort, or pain, thus making them valuable additions to a person’s care regimen.
5. May Regulate Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a significant component of our body, and some people might encounter difficulties concerning it.
Research involving individuals with (low) blood pressure concerns suggests that using rosemary essential oil might help support healthier blood pressure levels. The participants also reported feeling physically and emotionally better overall [8].
Similarly, in another study with 35 volunteers, researchers discovered that after receiving massages with rosemary oil, the participants experienced increases in their blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rates. At the same time, they also noted feeling more focused, alert, and happy [9].
These findings indicate that the rosemary essential oil benefits may extend to those looking to regulate their blood pressure.
Also, people with hypertension (high blood pressure) should not use such essential oils since they may raise BP levels momentarily, causing some discomfort or related issues.
6. Manage Stress
Stress is a normal occurrence that human bodies respond to when faced with certain circumstances. It is evidenced by feelings of anxiety or tension.
When we experience any kind of stressful situation, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol [10]. Stress may also cause inflammation [11] that might disturb the healthy functioning of the body if levels remain high for too long.
Inhaling the essential oil of rosemary may protect our bodies from free radicals, which may lead to inflammation. In a study, people who inhaled these scents showed increased protective activity in their saliva and lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone [12].
Another study found that inhaling this essential oil helped students feel calmer and more positive during their exams [13].
Stress takes a different toll on various aspects of our health, including gut health [14]. It may alter digestive capabilities and cause different stomach troubles, including but not limited to bloating, constipation, and discomfort.
Therefore, one can take the Aashirvaad Digestive Quotient test in order to determine the status of one’s digestive health. When you acknowledge the condition of your stomach, you will know what you have to do to make it better.
7. May Enhance Blood Circulation
We may get cold hands and feet, and this may be due to many factors. Or is it just natural? Sometimes, it is just the weather, while other times, it may be stress or certain other health conditions (such as Raynaud’s phenomenon [15]).
When we stress or get cold, our blood vessels tighten, which means less warm blood reaches our fingers and toes, making them feel chilly.
In a study, a woman with a similar condition tried using rosemary oil on her hands for three days. Her hands felt warmer after using the oil, suggesting that rosemary essential oil benefits may include enhancing blood flow [16].
Rosemary oil possesses anti-inflammatory qualities due to its antioxidants and aromatic compounds. When used in massages, it may help enhance blood circulation, promote muscle relaxation, and help regulate skin temperature.
How to Use Rosemary Essential Oil
The essential oils of rosemary are commonly used in two main ways:
- Aromatherapy
- Topical application
| Aromatherapy | Topical application |
| – Place rosemary oil in an essential oil diffuser. – Mix with other oils (jojoba, tea tree, almond, coconut) for a fragrant blend. – You may also inhale the oil directly from the bottle. | – For safer skin use, mix the concentrated oil with a carrier oil (jojoba, coconut, tea tree, almond). – Using a carrier oil may also help lower the chance of skin irritation or allergies [17]. – Massage this essential oil blend directly into the scalp. – You may also create DIY products like face packs, hair masks, and body scrubs. – Rosemary essential oil benefits may enhance your skin and hair health and support personal care routines without harsh chemicals. |
Just as you care for your skin, hair, and mind with the different uses of rosemary oil, it’s essential to pay attention to your overall nutrition.
Aashirvaad provides the ‘My Meal Plan’ test, where you can find out how much fibre you consume daily. It also offers a detailed meal guide that covers all the nutrients needed so that you are fully equipped with knowledge on what to eat for the best.
Is Rosemary Oil Safe?
It is important not to confuse extracts of rosemary with rosemary oil. Rosemary extracts (fresh herbs) are safe and commonly used in cooking.
On the other hand, rosemary essential oil contains all the advantages, but it is very concentrated and should not be taken orally.
Research into the rosemary essential oil benefits is ongoing, and so far, it is mainly recommended for use on the skin or in aromatherapy. As the oil is concentrated, it may not be safe for consumption, even in small portions [18].
Thus, for safety, you must:
- Do not apply to chapped, irritated or otherwise damaged skin and near sensitive areas (e.g., eyes).
- Always conduct a patch test on the wrist or back of the hand before widespread use to check for allergic reactions.
- The oil is highly concentrated, so just a couple of drops are needed for aromatherapy or a topical application.
- Try to use an aromatherapy diffuser, but avoid placing it too close to yourself and young children.
- Consult a healthcare provider if pregnant, breastfeeding, or having specific health conditions like hypertension before using any essential oil.
- Also, consult them, particularly if you are using topical medications like ointments or creams.
- Do not ingest.
Summary
As we learned, the rosemary essential oil benefits are vast and varied, making it a valuable addition to our wellness routine. The rosemary oil skin benefits include moisturising properties and potential relief from irritation.
Additionally, the benefits of rosemary oil aromatherapy extend beyond relaxation and mental clarity, potentially supporting various aspects of health.
However, as you explore the uses of rosemary oil, remember that addressing specific health concerns often requires examining any underlying causes.
Topical applications should be productively used, but it is even more important to take care of what is happening inside your body.
Eating healthily and consuming as many whole foods as possible is essential for the functioning of your physical and emotional self. You may consult a nutritionist if you have any concerns regarding your health or wish to have a diet plan or the right recommendations.
FAQs
1. What is the rosemary essential oil used for?
Some uses of rosemary essential oil include cosmetic uses such as skin and hair maintenance, mental health, mood enhancement, stress management, pain management, and inflammation. It might also promote focus and healthy circulation. To experience its benefits, you may inhale the oil or add a diluted version to your skin or hair care products.
2. Can I apply rosemary oil directly to hair?
While rosemary oil is often considered a natural home remedy for hair care, applying it directly to the scalp is not advisable. It is a very concentrated oil; thus, you must mix it with base oils like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil to avoid itching or irritation. You may also add this to your other hair care products, like hair masks or scrubs.
3. Which oil is better for hair growth, coconut or rosemary?
Each of these oils also has its own advantages. Rosemary oil could nourish your scalp, while coconut oil may moisturise your hair. Together, they might enhance scalp health, strengthen hair, and contribute to thicker, healthier hairs over time. Hence, combining rosemary and coconut oil may provide great benefits for hair care and nourishment.
4. Can I apply rosemary oil on my face?
You may apply a small amount of diluted rosemary oil to your face, avoiding the eye area, and gently massage it into your skin. Patting the oil blend onto your face after cleansing may promote long-lasting moisture and support overall skin health. Besides, you may also add the oil blend to your homemade face masks.
