Rosemary Oil: What it is useful for, properties and how to make it at home

Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the Rosmarinus officinalis plant, also popularly known as rosemary, and has digestive, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which guarantees several health benefits and may be indicated as a way to complement the treatment of infections, to improve the appearance of the skin and relieve symptoms of poor digestion.

Rosemary oil can be made at home and should be stored in a warm and dark place so that its properties are preserved. In addition, this oil can also be used to make tea, and should be consumed 3 to 4 times a day, in addition to providing various benefits.

Learn about the benefits of rosemary tea.

Rosemary oil: what it is useful for, properties and how to make it at home

What it is used for

Rosemary has digestive, antiseptic, antimicrobial and stimulant properties, and may have several benefits, the main ones being:

1. Improve memory

Rosemary is able to stimulate the nervous system, improving memory, concentration and reasoning. Likewise, it can be used in the prevention and treatment of depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease.

How to use: memory stimulation can be achieved from the inhalation of rosemary, a few drops of the oil should be placed in a bucket of boiling water or even through a vaporizer. 

2. Promote facial rejuvenation

Rosemary has antioxidant properties, that is, it is able to decrease the concentration of free radicals and thus, reduce damage to the skin, preventing the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes. In addition, rosemary is able to stimulate the production of collagen, preventing the skin from becoming flaccid and ensuring a more youthful appearance.

How to use: facial rejuvenation can be achieved by applying rosemary oil diluted in water or coconut oil on the face and spreading evenly with circular movements. Afterwards, it is recommended to wipe off the excess oil with a cloth dampened in warm water. Despite having many benefits for the skin, its use should be done under the guidance of a dermatologist.

3. Fight infections

Rosemary oil can be considered as a natural antibiotic, and can be used to help in the treatment of urinary and gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria, for example. Although it has activity against harmful bacteria, the use of medications prescribed by the physician is essential.

In addition to its action against bacteria, rosemary oil is also capable of decreasing the activity of some viruses, such as the herpes virus, including reducing the rate of transmissibility of this virus between people. Likewise, rosemary oil is optimal for strengthening the immune system. 

How to use: To obtain the benefits with respect to fighting infections, the oil can be placed in a cup with boiling water and inhaled or applied to regions that are hotbeds of infection, such as wounds and acne, for example, and when applied it should be diluted in another natural oil.

Learn some tips to raise the body’s defenses.

4. Prevent cavities

Because of its antiseptic and bactericidal properties, rosemary oil can be used to prevent the appearance of cavities and thus keep the mouth healthy. 

How to use: to use rosemary oil to sanitize the mouth, it is indicated to mix 20 drops of the oil in a cup of distilled water and rinse daily. Despite possessing benefits with respect to oral health, the use of rosemary oil for this purpose, should be done after the indication of the dentist.

See also how to brush your teeth properly to avoid cavities.

5. Relieve symptoms of indigestion

Rosemary oil is an excellent choice for relieving symptoms related to poor digestion, such as gas, stomach aches, diarrhea and constipation, for example. In addition, it is able to improve the functioning of the liver, mainly after eating a lot of fatty foods or drinking a lot of alcoholic beverages.

How to use: to relieve the symptoms of indigestion, you can bathe with a few drops of this oil or massage the abdomen with 1 drop of rosemary oil.

6. Stimulate hair growth

This oil can also be used to stimulate hair growth and fight dandruff, due to its antifungal properties. 

How to use: to use on the hair, you can put a few drops of oil to the shampoo or apply it directly to the scalp, mixed with coconut oil, for example, every 15 days, massage gently and then wash the hair normally with shampoo and conditioner.

Learn other tips to make hair grow faster.

7. Relieve headaches

Aromatherapy with rosemary oil is a great option to relieve headaches and promote wellness, mainly if the cause of the headache is stress, as rosemary oil is able to decrease the release of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone.

See what aromatherapy is good for.

How to use: to relieve headaches, simply apply a drop of rosemary oil on the painful parts of the head or on the temples, corresponding to the lateral regions of the head and massage, remembering that the oil needs to be mixed with some other natural oil. It is also possible to place a few drops of rosemary in a cup of boiling water and inhale the steam several times a day.

8. Improve circulation

Rosemary oil is able to improve blood circulation, in addition to having analgesic properties, and can help in the treatment of cramps, muscle aches and joint pains, for example. In addition, by stimulating circulation, it eliminates toxins from the body, being effective in reducing stretch marks and cellulite.

How to use: to treat muscle aches, rosemary oil can be applied to the painful area diluted in water or in some other oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, for example. To treat stretch marks and cellulite, mix 2 drops of rosemary essential oil, 2 drops of sweet anise oil and 3 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil and then massage the area.

Learn some benefits of coconut oil.

How to prepare it

To prepare rosemary oil, place two dry branches in a glass jar and add a carrier oil, such as coconut, almond or olive oil, for example, cover and shake moderately. The oil should then be stored in a warm, dark place for about two weeks. Afterwards, strain and place back in the glass bottle. 

Before use, it is important to dilute it in a little water, as it can burn the skin. In addition, children, pregnant women, people with hypertension, digestive problems and lactating women should not use rosemary oil. Despite having various health benefits, rosemary oil should only be used after a medical consultation, as it can interact with some medications.

Possible side effects

It is important that the use of rosemary essential oil is recommended by the doctor or herbalist, in this way it is possible to indicate the correct amount to be used and make sure that the use of the oil is safe, as there are reports that rosemary oil is able to favor the appearance of epileptic seizures in people already diagnosed with epilepsy.

In addition, it is important that the ratio of base oil and rosemary be recommended by a professional, as in this way it is possible to avoid that the oil is too concentrated and some adverse effects arise such as nausea, vomiting, skin irritation and redness, headache and increased sensitivity at the site where the essential oil was applied.

When the oil is frequently consumed in large quantities or when it is too concentrated, it is also possible that long-term side effects such as stomach irritation, changes in kidney function and intoxication may be observed.

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