Rosemary essential oil benefits might make you want to use it. Humanity has known about and reaped the benefits of rosemary for ages because ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures revered rosemary and considered it sacred. Rosemary oil is full of health-promoting compounds and provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, and expectorant benefits. The herb also improves digestive, circulatory, and respiratory functions.
Benefits and Uses
Combat Gastrointestinal Stress
Rosemary oil can be used to relieve a variety of gastrointestinal complaints, including indigestion, gas, stomach cramping, bloating and constipation. It also stimulates appetite and helps regulate the creation of bile, which plays a crucial role in digestion. To treat stomach ailments, combine 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil with 5 drops of rosemary oil and gently massage the mixture over your abdomen. Applying rosemary oil in this way on a regular basis detoxifies the liver and promotes gallbladder health.
Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Research shows that simply inhaling the aroma of rosemary essential oil can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your blood. When stress is chronic, cortisol can cause weight gain, oxidative stress, high blood pressure and heart disease. You can combat stress instantly using an essential oil diffuser or even by inhaling over an open bottle. To create an anti-stress aromatherapy spray, simply combine in a small spray bottle 6 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of vodka, and add 10 drops of rosemary oil. Use this spray at night on your pillow to relax, or spray it into the air indoors any time to relieve stress.
Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties you can benefit from by massaging the oil on the affected area. Mix 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil with 5 drops of rosemary oil to create an effective salve. Use it for headaches, sprains, muscle soreness or pain, rheumatism or arthritis. You can also soak in a hot bath and add a few drops of rosemary oil to the tub.
Treat Respiratory Problems
Rosemary oil works as an expectorant when inhaled, relieving throat congestion from allergies, colds or flus. Inhaling the aroma can fight respiratory infections because of its antiseptic properties. It also has an antispasmodic effect, which helps in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Use rosemary oil in a diffuser, or add a few drops to a mug or small pot of boiling-hot water and inhale the vapor up to 3 times daily.
Promote Hair Growth and Beauty
Rosemary essential oil has been found to increase the growth of new hair by 22 percent when massaged onto the scalp. It works by stimulating scalp circulation and can be used to grow longer hair, prevent baldness or stimulate new hair growth in balding areas. Rosemary oil also slows the graying of hair, promotes shininess and prevents and reduces dandruff, making it a great tonic for overall hair health and beauty.