The popular culinary herb, Rosemary, has been popular in Mediterranean kitchens for centuries – probably even before there were kitchens. The herb aids in the digestion of meat, and tastes wonderful when rubbed on chicken, beef or pork. But this post is about essential oil. I wouldn’t ingest this oil. It is really, really potent. For internal use, stick to cooking with the plant.
Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant Rosmarinus Officinalis. It belongs to the Mint family, which includes lavender, basil, myrtle and sage. It is a kind of evergreen that grows wonderfully in warmer climates that don’t have hard freezes, and smells absolutely divine in the garden or near your front door.
The health benefits of Rosemary essential oil are numerous. From growing hair to insect repellant to healing organs such as the liver, brain and heart to strengthening the entire body.
Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil:
• Treats indigestion
• Appetite stimulant
• Regulates the creation and release of bile
• Stimulates blood flow, improving circulation
• Stimulates hair follicles
• Slows down premature hair loss
• Benefits dry scalp
• Disinfectant
• Removes oral bacteria, improving oral health
• Soothes respiratory problems due to allergy, colds and flu
• Antiseptic and antispasmodic
• Helps eliminate eczema, dermatitis, oily skin and acne
• Improves focus by stimulating brain activity
• Rich in antioxidants
• Stimulates the immune system
• Releaves most headache and joint pain
• Repels insects
The comforting aroma of Rosemary essential oil diffused will lift your spirits and improve concentration and lower stress. Always dilute the oil before using topically using olive oil, fractionated coconut oil or another carrier oil at a ratio of at a maximum 2:1. Dilute more if sensitivity is present. For children over 7, try adding a few drops of rosemary essential oil into their favorite shampoo and conditioner as a guard against head lice. If they don’t like the smell, use geranium. There are ongoing studies of the benefits of rosemary. This is truly a powerful oil.
Do not ingest Rosemary essential oil. It has been know to cause severe allergic reactions, muscle spasms and vomiting. Do not use if you have high blood pressure or are prone to seizures unless consulting your doctor first. Do not use on children. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. It has been know to stimulate the uterus, and there are claims that it helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Excessive use could cause a miscarriage.
Only use 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils!
As always, discuss the use of Rosemary essential oil with your doctor to be sure there is no interference with any medications you are taking. Do not use this information in place of your doctor’s advice. The above information has not been evaluated by the FDA.
Rosemary essential oil can be purchased here: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman
Country Comfort Oils 