Rosemary Oil Benefits

Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is also known as Dew of the Sea in Latin. It has been used since ancient times in Mediterranean regions for seasoning purposes. The leaves and flowers of this herb contain the essential oil that imparts medicinal properties to it.

Its essential oil is clear in color and has water-like viscosity, with a powerful and refreshing aroma. It has a number of health benefits and is well-known for its therapeutic properties. The strong, floral aroma of rosemary oil induces relaxation and acts as a stimulant to the nervous system.

This oil is antifungal and antibacterial. When applied on skin, it rejuvenates it by improving blood circulation and fortifying capillaries present in the skin. It can fight inflammation and skin irritations, and is useful in treating acne, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin diseases. Regular massaging with this oil can make your skin smooth and glowing.

Regular use of this essential oil stimulates the hair follicles and increases the blood flow, thus improving the scalp condition and encouraging hair growth. Massaging with warm oil replenishes the scalp or skin with much-needed moisture and is effective for a dry and flaky scalp. It is also a great remedy for dandruff.

A few drops of this oil in an unscented shampoo, along with few drops of warm water, can kill head lice. Rosemary oil slows down graying of hair and premature hair loss, making the hair longer and stronger. This is the reason why it is so widely used in the shampoos and conditioners.

This herbal oil has a magical ability to relieve pain associated with menstrual cramps, rheumatism, arthritis, muscular aches, and even headaches and migraines. It also alleviates neuralgia and mental fatigue, and is used extensively to reduce pains due to excessive physical work.

Rosemary serves as an excellent nerve and brain tonic, and improves memory skills and concentration. It stimulates the brain and the central nervous system and fights mental fatigue, thus enhancing mental clarity.

It is a good remedy for depression, boredom, fatigue, and forgetfulness. Just inhaling a few drops of the oil enhances mood stability and refreshes the mind, boosting mental activity.

If scratchy throat or sinus problems have been bothering you for a long time, rosemary oil can come to your rescue. It reduces inflammation and has a soothing effect in the nasal passages and throat.

It is used to give relief from respiratory allergies, asthma, bronchitis, throat congestion, sinus, whooping cough, cold, and flu. Rosemary oil also has antiseptic properties and is effective in treating respiratory infections.

• It removes bad breath by killing the odor causing bacteria, and can be used as a mouth wash.
• It relaxes the intestinal and abdominal muscles and also aids in secreting digestive juices and enzymes, thus helping to avoid indigestion.

• It contains two antioxidants, viz., caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid, which prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals, thus providing protection from breast, colon, and skin cancer.
• It acts a diuretic and improves the functioning of the liver.

• This essential oil has natural antioxidant properties and can help in detoxification of the body.
• Rosemary oil serves as an excellent analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, hypertensive, and stimulant.

Rosemary, with its numerous health benefits, has become very popular all across the globe. However, it may lead to allergic reactions at times and hence should be used only after consulting the doctor. One more thing to keep in mind is to avoid oral consumption of rosemary and its extracts.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.