Rosemary essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils on the market, with a wide range of health benefits. It has a strong, sweet, herbal aroma that is believed to have a calming and soothing effect. Rosemary essential oil has long been used in aromatherapy, skin care and even food preparation, but recent studies have shown it to be an incredibly beneficial oil for physical and mental health.
Rosemary essential oil is a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory, making it extremely useful in treating skin conditions, wounds and cuts. It can also help to reduce congestion, sore throat and even asthma symptoms. Rosemary essential oil is known to have strong antioxidant properties, making it a great choice for boosting overall immune health.
Potential Health Benefits
Rosemary essential oil has shown promise in initial research for providing the following potential health benefits:
Memory and cognition – A small study in 2012 indicated that inhaling rosemary essential oil may improve aspects of memory and cognition. More research is still needed to confirm effects.
Mental Health – Rosemary essential oil is also believed to have numerous benefits for mental health. It is known to be a mood booster, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and even fatigue. Inhaling the aroma of rosemary essential oil can help to relax the mind and body, and promote feelings of peace, happiness and comfort.
Hair growth – Rosemary essential oil is also a great choice for hair care. It can help to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and protecting against hair loss. It also helps to remove built-up product from the hair shaft and nourish the scalp, giving hair an extra boost of shine and vitality. Early lab studies suggest compounds in rosemary leaf extract could help encourage hair growth by stretching the growth phase of hair. However, human studies have not yet shown clear effects.
Anti-inflammatory – Rosemary contains compounds shown in lab studies to reduce markers of inflammation. This may help relieve inflammatory conditions if effects translate, but larger scale studies in humans are still needed.
Antimicrobial – Lab tests suggest rosemary oil and extracts have antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi. But the concentration needed for these effects may be difficult to reach through regular use.
Antioxidant protection – The antioxidants in rosemary including rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid help stabilize harmful free radicals. This may support overall health, but more evidence is needed around in vivo antioxidant effects in humans.
Neuroprotective – Early animal research indicates certain compounds in rosemary, including carnosic acid, may help protect the brain and nervous system from damage caused by free radicals and other toxins. More studies are underway.
Of course, many more human studies on larger scales are still needed to validate preliminary findings and understand ideal dosing. But the promising early lab and animal research provides hope that rosemary essential oil could someday have multiple medicinal uses. As with any supplement, speak to your doctor before using to understand safety and potential interactions with medications.
Overall, rosemary essential oil is an incredibly versatile and beneficial oil for physical and mental health. From skin care to stress relief, rosemary essential oil has a wide range of health benefits that make it a great choice for anyone looking to increase their wellness and wellbeing.
Photo by Babette Landmesser on Unsplash
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