This essential oil is extracted from rosemary leaves and the flowery tops of the plant.
Rosemary is commonly found as fresh or dried leaves and is used in various recipes.
Rosemary’s benefits have been touted for centuries.
Mariia Siurtukova / Getty Images
There has been an interest in using rosemary essential oil to develop new medicines for treating various conditions.
This article covers the applications of rosemary essential oil, possible health benefits, side effects, and more.
Rosemary essential oil can be applied topically or inhaled.
The oil is concentrated, so you will need only a few drops at a time.
The oil is often sold in small bottles with droppers, making dispensing easier.
Rosemary Formulations
Rosemary is an aromatic herb that can flavor a variety of dishes.
When preparing these dishes, you might use fresh or dried rosemary to get this plant’s benefits.
Fresh and dried leaves can also make rosemary tea and other beverages.
The extract comes in powder or liquid forms or as a supplement.
Rosemary liquid extract can be consumed out of the bottle orally or added to a recipe.
Rosemary essential oil is made with rosemary leaves and the flowering part of the plant.
It can be used as an aromatherapy or topical skin or hair treatment.
Here are some ways in which rosemary oil might be helpful.
This hair loss condition is suspected to be brought on by the sex hormonetestosteroneattacking hair follicles.
Researchers suggest that lotion may be an alternative to commercially available hair growth products.
Additional studies have shown that inhaling rosemary oil might help ease depressive and anxious symptoms for some people.
Alertness
Some evidence suggests aromatherapy in rosemary oil may help increase alertness.
This is because it can act as a stimulant to activate the part of the brain that regulates alertness.
There were also increases in alertness scores for the intervention group.
Cognition
Cognitionrefers to mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and understanding.
It provides a calming effect on thesympathetic nerves(the nerves that activate a fight-or-flight stress response).
Pain and Inflammation
Rosemary essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce tissueinflammation.
Inflammation typically leads to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
This review included study participants with RA and OA who used lavender, ginger, and rosemary essential oils.
Time of use was two to 12 weeks.
All 13 studies reviewed, except one, demonstrated the efficacy of aromatherapy for pain management in rheumatic disease.
Cancer-Fighting Properties
One 2020Nutrientsreport finds the antitumor effects of rosemary are related to its diverse properties.
Skin Health
Rosemary essential oil may benefit your skin through its anti-acne properties.
Circulation
Poor circulation is a common problem that often affects the hands and feet.
If this is something you experience, rosemary oil might help.
She reported that the rosemary blend helped warm her hands more than the olive oil.
Thermal imaging showed significant circulation improvement in her fingers when using the rosemary oil but not the olive oil.
More research is needed to confirm the effects of rosemary oil on circulation.
But if it helps you, it can be a low-cost option.
However, it is possible toexperience an allergic reaction.
Aromatherapy with rosemary oil is safe for use in both adults and children over age 3.Limit use around children.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils dilute essential oils so you’re free to use them safely.
They might also help to moisturize and hydrate skin.
Rosemary leaves are commonly used in food and are considered safe for consumption.
However, ingesting rosemary oil is considered unsafe.
It is highly concentrated and could lead to allergic reactions.
It may also have toxic effects even in small doses.
Rosemary leaves are safe when used in small amounts to add aroma and taste to your favorite recipes.
Rosemary oil when used both internally and topically can produce seizures in people with epilepsy or seizure disorders.
It is thought that camphor in rosemary oil causes seizures.
Rosemary may affect the body’s ability to clot and interfere with blood-thinning medicines.
It should be used a few drops at a time because it is highly concentrated.
Aromatherapy
Adding rosemary essential to an aromatherapy diffuser can distribute the essential oil into the air.
you could also simply inhale the rosemary oil by opening the bottle and breathing in its scent in.
Another option is to place a few drops on a tissue and hold it near your nose.
It is also available to purchase from various online retailers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulateherbal productslike essential oils for purity and potency.
When purchasing rosemary essential oil, look for pure and organic products.
Check the label to see if the product is 100% pure and undiluted.
Avoid oils containing artificial fragrances and other additives to prevent skin irritation and other side effects.
When using essential oils, always follow the product’s labeling for dosage and dilution.
For topical use, always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil.
Summary
Rosemary essential oil is versatile with a variety of uses and benefits.
When used correctly, side effects are rare.
Do not consume essential oils, and follow the product’s labeling.
- When purchasing rosemary essential oil, pick 100% pure and undiluted products.
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