Rosemary Oil Benefits and Uses
People say lavender is the “Swiss Army Knife” of essential oils but I think rosemary is a very close second. It supports the body in so many ways!
Rosemary is one the oldest herbs to be used in food and medicine and was considered sacred in many civilizations. Early Egyptians used it as an incense for ritual cleansing. Greeks and Romans used it in religious ceremonies. Rosemary was used by early Arabian physicians and in Asia was commonly grown on the graves of ancestors to invoke their help and guidance for the living. In Europe, dried rosemary was burned for purification and protection from contagious disease. In France, it was used to purify and disinfect air within the hospital. (1)
“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you love, remember.”
Rosemary has long been associated as the herb of memory. Grecian schloars would wear rosemary on their heads to improve their recall while taking exams. Modern research has shown rosemary does have a significant positive effect on the ability to remember things, improve reaction times and alertness. (2) (3)
Rosemarinus officinalis is steam distilled from the plant’s flowering tops to produce a clear-pale yellow essential oil.
Principal Constituents
Rosemary essential oil is unique in its biochemical specificity as it has 6+ known chemotypes. Chemotypes are essential oils that are extracted from one botanical species however they have distinct differences in their chemical composition (meaning one chemical compound will be higher than the norm). Chemotypes can differ based on environmental conditions (for example: soil, water, light, weather, precipitation, temperature, altitude as well as geographic area). When you look on the back of a rosemary essential oil label you will see Rosemary ct. (chemotype) and the chemical constituent it is high in listed and the scientific plant name in italics. For example: Rosemarinus officinalis (Rosemary ct cineole).
Known chemotypes for Rosemary:
ct. 1,8 cineole
ct. camphor
ct. verbenone
ct. alpha-pinene
ct. bornyl acetate
These chemotypes can then help determine what rosemary is used in a particular blend for what purpose because all constituents have different therapeutic actions. You may see a different chemotype in an immune supporting blend versus a respiratory blend or a blend for supporting tension.
Aroma
The aroma of rosemary is a strong, fresh, minty herbaceous scent with a woody-balsamic undertone.
In the 16th century, Paracelsus, a German Swiss physician, alchemist and botanist, has said to have prized Rosemary essential oil due to its ability to strengthen the whole body. He was known as the “father of toxicology” and a pioneer in research behind the harmful effects of mercury and sulfur to the bodies.
Uses
Often times people just associate rosemary with cooking but there are many other amazing benefits. My favorite use for rosemary is for mental focus and enhancing memory.
“It seems to improve the alertness and strength of all the senses - and has a marked cephalic effect! It has a refreshing, invigorating scent which has a reviving, uplifting effect on the spirit and helps dispel confusion and give the mind clarity.” -Julia Lawless (4)
When I am feeling stuck creatively, am struggling to concentrate or when I need an energy boost during the afternoon slump, I diffuse my favorite “Energize” blend with rosemary, grapefruit and eucalyptus.
“Rosemary moves you onward, freeing you from restriction, sluggishness and mental fatigue.” -Robbi Zeck (5)
It is also helpful in soothing stress and tension both physically and emotionally. One study evaluated the effects of smelling lavender and rosemary for 5 minutes and found that it decreased salivary cortisol levels. (6)
Rosemary is great for supporting circulation, soothing the respiratory system and has great cleaning properties. Not to mention it is great for gardening as it can help deter pests.
Rosemary is also helpful for healthy hair growth which is why it is found in multiple hair recipes, shampoos and other hair care products. In 2015, a randomized comparative trial was published that looked at the effectiveness of rosemary oil compared to minoxidil 2% (a common conventional treatment) in 100 subjects with androgenetic alopecia (baldness related to genetics and hormones). For 6 months, 50 patients were randomly assigned to use rosemary oil and the other 50 patients used minoxidil 2%. The findings of the trial found that after 6 months, both groups experienced a significant increase in hair count which helps provide evidence of the efficacy of rosemary oil for promoting hair growth. (7)
Safety: Always dilute rosemary oil with a carrier oil to avoid skin sensitivity. When using rosemary oil topically, avoid eyes, mucous membranes and other areas of sensitive skin. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. Talk to your doctor before using rosemary essential oil, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or if you have a medical condition.
Contraindications (1,8 cineole CT): Do not apply to or near the face of infants or children. (9)
Blends well with: lavender, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, fir, eucalyptus, marjoram, pine, thyme, frankincense, elemi, petitgrain, juniper and cinnamon. I personally love rosemary with a little citrus for a fresh, clean scent.
Applications and Methods of Use:
Use in bath to relieve stress. Add 1-2 drops directly to bath gel and hold under warm water when bath water filling or add bath gel and rosemary mixture to Epsom salts for restorative, fortifying bath.
Diffuse for aromatherapy benefits through inhalation. (Great for mental fatigue, sluggishness and lack of creativity)
Make a respiratory salve with 1/4 cup sesame oil, 1/4 oz beeswax, 22 drops rosemary, 16 drops eucalyptus radiata and 12 drops peppermint
Put a few drops on cotton ball or adhesive patch and place in garbage can, drawers, linen closet, gym bag to refresh the space.
Bring diffuser outside in the summer evenings to keep away those pests. Diffuse 3 drops citronella, 2 drops lemongrass, 2 drops rosemary, 2 drops peppermint.
Add few drops of rosemary, lavender and mint to shampoo to promote healthy hair growth. (Or make overnight hair mask recipe above).
Use in massage blends, e.g. 2 drops of rosemary and peppermint in 1 tablespoon base oil to induce relaxation. (great to massage on temples and neck to relieve head tension and other symptoms of stress.)
Use in sugar scrub to rejuvenate skin. (see recipe below)
Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
References:
Lawless, Julia. (1998). Aromatherapy and the Mind. Hammersmith, London: Thorsons.
Moss M, Cook J, Wenes K, Duckett P. Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in health adults. Int J Neurosci. 2003 Jan;113(1):15-38.
Moss M, Oliver L. Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2012 Jun;2(3):103-13
Lawless, Julia. (1998). Aromatherapy and the Mind. Hammersmith, London: Thorsons.
Zeck, Robbi, ND. (2003). The Blossoming Heart: Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation. Victoria, Australia: Aroma Tours.
Atsumi T, Tonosaki K. Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva. Psychiatry Res. 2007 Feb 28;150(1):89-96.
Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. 2015 Jan-Feb;13(1):15-21.
Schnaubelt, Kurt, Ph.D. (1999). Medical Aromatherapy. Berkely, CA: Frog, Ltd.
Tisserand, Robert (2014) Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier