Rosemary oil is rich in compounds that act to improve the skin, as it helps to prevent and heal acne, prevents premature aging and also stimulates hair growth .
But it’s not just external advantages it brings. When consumed, whether diluted in water or mixed with food, the oil protects and enhances memory and other brain functions and relieves cold and flu symptoms. Amazing, isn’t it?
Best of all, it’s pretty easy to find and can even be made at home using just a few ingredients. Find out below about the benefits and uses of this oil and how to prepare it at home .
Table of Contents
12 Benefits found in rosemary oil
1. Improves skin appearance
Rosemary oil, if applied to the skin, helps improve the appearance and health of the area for a number of reasons.
The first is that it treats acne . It can be used to soften the appearance of pimples, as it is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory.
Another point that makes this oil a natural option for taking care of acne-prone skin is the fact that it accelerates the healing process, stimulating the production of cells that make up the epithelial tissue. In fact, this action is great to prevent scarring caused by acne.
The compounds found in the aromatic herb also have bactericidal potential against strains (set) of bacteria that live on the skin and are responsible for causing acne.
The oil is also rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a nutrient that acts as an antioxidant. In other words, it prevents cell degradation, which is excellent in preventing wrinkles , as well as protecting against the sun’s rays.
This vitamin also plays an important role in the production of collagen , a type of protein that promotes skin firmness and elasticity.
Finally, its oily formula forms a kind of protective film on the skin, which prevents the moisture from the most superficial layers to evaporate. Thus, maintaining hydration for much longer, but without leaving the area oily, as it is quickly absorbed.
2. Accelerates hair growth and treats dandruff
Rosemary oil is also used to stimulate hair growth. Mix the oil to shampoo or apply it by massaging the scalp can help solve the excessive drop wires , to promote the circulation of the scalp.
This action is mainly derived from the presence of two types of organic acids: caffeic and rosmarinic. Together, they decrease the production of sebum (fat), unclogging the pores , which also stimulates growth and treats oiliness in the scalp.
Rosemary is still a powerful antifungal, which is why it can treat seborrheic dermatitis , a disease that causes flaking of the skin and is known by the popular name of dandruff.
3. Promotes relief from colds and flu
The oil can also be ingested, as long as the maximum amounts per day are respected, and it becomes a natural way to treat the flu and the common cold, as it has the ability to prevent the replication of the virus that causes it.
It relaxes the airways , relieving problems such as a runny nose , coughing and facilitates the expulsion of mucus (phlegm) that is produced from an inflammatory response by the body against the invasion of viruses.
4. Favors circulation
Using rosemary oil in your diet can also increase blood circulation. The compounds found in it widen the vessels through which the blood passes, the so-called vasodilator effect. Because of this, the blood is able to flow more smoothly.
This process can prevent problems such as hypertension and varicose veins , which are quite common circulatory disorders. It also has antithrombotic properties, preventing the formation of thrombi, which impede the free circulation of liquid and lead to death in more severe cases.
5. Relieves cramps
Using rosemary oil brings quick relief from cramps , both intestinal and menstrual, by reducing muscle spasms responsible for pain.
In addition, it is also an analgesic and works by blocking the pain stimuli being sent to the brain.
6. Reduces and controls blood glucose
Have you ever heard that rosemary “lowers” blood glucose? Research has linked this to the herb’s potential to increase the cells’ consumption of sugar, thus stimulating the burning of this nutrient and consequent elimination from the body.
The oil not only lowers blood glucose, but also prevents excess sugar , which characterizes diabetes mellitus, from causing damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver, which are more overloaded by the extra effort to eliminate high doses of toxins.
7. Alleviates the migraine
The oil, when consumed or used in aromatherapy, can also relieve migraines and this is because it is rich in compounds that boost brain functions.
The oil “encourages” the release of serotonin , a type of neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and sleep. His deficiency is related to a greater risk of suffering from this type of pain. The compound acts similarly to a pain reliever.
8. Puts an end to bad breath
Rosemary oil has compounds that prevent the bacteria that cause halitosis (bad breath) from proliferating in the mouth.
The herb, when used diluted in water as a mouthwash , has the potential to eliminate microorganisms and plaque, the main causes of periodontitis , a type of infection that attacks the gums and has bad breath among its symptoms and can even lead to tooth loss.
9. Improves memory
The oil is able to stimulate brain activities and connections, because the herb inhibits the release of an enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase.
This substance, with a very complicated name, is responsible for degrading the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for sending nerve impulses and information.
With a greater amount of acetylcholine, communication between different parts of the brain is faster, making it easier to store and access memories of everyday events.
To further increase the effect on memory, rosemary also enhances the state of attention, which re-establishes the process of retaining new information.
10. Relieves anxiety
By increasing the production of the “pleasure hormone”, rosemary helps to relax , being of great help in controlling anxiety and stress. Its effect is very similar to that of fluoxetine, a synthetic antidepressant.
11. Decreases swelling caused by fluid retention
The swelling caused by fluid retention, common to appear in the premenstrual period due to hormonal changes, can be reduced with the addition of rosemary oil in your diet, as it is a great natural diuretic .
That is, it drives the kidneys to produce more urine, which eliminates not only excess fluids in the body, but also toxins that make the swelling problem worse.
12. Keeps insects away
Rosemary oil keeps away insects and mosquitoes, even Aedes aegypti , the mosquito that transmits dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
The repellent effect is due to the presence of alpha-terpinene, a substance that has an unpleasant aroma and is toxic to several types of insects. That’s why when they smell the smell they don’t come closer.
How to prepare rosemary oil at home?
Rosemary oil can be prepared at home without the need for complicated apparatus.
You just need:
- 3 sprigs of dried rosemary (fresh rosemary can spoil easily and has a shorter shelf life).
- 2 cups of some extra virgin vegetable oil.
Place the two ingredients in a sterilized glass jar with a lid and store in a warm place out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks. After that, remove the branches and the oil will be ready to use.
You can find pure essential oil for sale in essence and herbal stores.
How to use?
One of the biggest advantages of this type of oil is that it is very versatile and each one of the benefits is better used with a specific form of use. Check it out below!
For hair loss and dandruff: mix a few drops of the essential oil into your daily shampoo. Or use diluted in water to massage the scalp.
For the skin: use the homemade version or the diluted essential oil to gently massage the area.
In aromatherapy and as a repellent: the oil can be used in vaporizations, baths or in room diffusers.
For consumption: the ideal is to dilute a few drops of the oil in water and ingest as an infusion, no more than 3 times a day, or use the oil to season salads and other savory dishes.
Are there any contraindications?
It’s not all flowers and when it comes to rosemary oil it is necessary to take some precautions when using it.
The product has some contraindications and the first one is for pregnant women , since its consumption can cause abortion.
On the other hand, diabetics undergoing treatment with controlled-use medication should avoid consuming the product without expert guidance, as it can potentiate the hypoglycemic effect.
Lastly, the oil should also not be used for a long period of time or in amounts above recommended, because of the risk of causing inflammation of the stomach and kidneys or skin irritation.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.