Rosemary, also known as Rosmarinus Officinalis, is a very popular herb originated in the Mediterranean.
Rosemary oil is extracted from the fresh flowering tops of the rosemary herb by a process called steam distillation and is used to make medicine.
The rosemary plant is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae along with basil, lavender, myrtle, and sage.
Rosemary oil contains analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, rubefacient, stimulant, sudorific and tonic therapeutic properties so its no doubt a healthy choice for a number of health conditions and is used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes.
Health Benefits
- Rosemary oil is often used for indigestion, relieving flatulence, stomach cramps, constipation, and bloating.
- Massage 1-2 drops of rosemary oil over the lower abdomen in a clockwise rotation every hour until you have relief. Also, consider taking internally, such as in the form of a capsule.
- It improves circulation by stimulating blood flow.
- Rosemary oil can prevent gingivitis, cavities, plaque build up, and other dental conditions.
- Massage 1-2 drops over the chest and throat every few hours as needed to alleviate coughs.
- Add a drop to your hands and cup over the mouth and nose for up to one minute, or apply 1 drop topically to the head to relieve headache.
- A few drops of oil added to shampoo or conditioner will help stimulate your hair bulbs and boost hair growth. Rosemary oil is also an effective astringent and can help combat excessive oil production or dandruff on the scalp. In addition, it will leave your hair smelling wonderfully fresh.
- Rosemary oil is a good antiseptic and recent laboratory research has shown that it also has strong anti-oxidant property, thus able to protect the skin and body from infections. Further extensive investigations are currently being made to discover whether rosemary could even play a preventative role in the fight against cancer.
Rosemary oil should not be taken internally without the supervision of a health professional; use of rosemary oil should be avoided during pregnancy.
Pregnant women and children should consult a health care provider before using rosemary oil.