An ancient culinary and therapeutic herb, rosemary is native to southern Europe. Rosemary was regarded as a sacred herb by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The leaves of this aromatic herb are used for extracting the essential oil. The rosemary essential oil is popular for the many amazing health benefits it offers. Let’s here know about some of them.
1. Boosts Oral Health
A good disinfectant, rosemary oil helps in the removal of oral bacteria. Often used as a mouthwash, it removes bad breath and prevents gingivitis, cavities, plaque build-up, and other dangerous dental conditions.
2. Nourishes & Tones Skin
The antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities of rosemary oil make it truly beneficial for skincare. It helps in eliminating acne, eczema, and oily skin. The skin can be toned and moisturized with its topical application or regular massage. Making the skin healthy, it can even make the skin glowing upon regular application or when it is the main component of moisturizer or other creams.
3. Aids in Digestion
Rosemary oil works wonders in relieving bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, constipation, and indigestion. It stimulates appetite and eases symptoms of dyspepsia. Moreover, a study says that it detoxifies the liver and helps in regulating bile juice secretion and release. Stimulating blood flow and improving blood circulation, it can help in the absorption of food nutrients.
4. Fights Odor
With an enchanting aroma, rosemary oil happens to be an excellent inhalant. The unique aroma of rosemary oil makes it vital for use in foods, bath oils, candles, perfumes, cosmetics, beauty aids, and room fresheners. A lot of people use a mixture of rosemary oil and water as an air freshener for removing bad odor from the house.
5. Boosts Cognitive Function
When the rosemary essential oil is inhaled, it can help in boosting mental energy and remove boredom. Stimulating mental activity, it acts as a great brain and nerve tonic. For students, it is effective in increasing concentration during studying. It is an effective remedy for fatigue, depression, and forgetfulness.
6. Reduces Stress
Rosemary oil has been known to decrease cortisol levels. According to 2007 research, inhaling rosemary and lavender oil for 5 minutes can significantly reduce cortisol levels in saliva and dangers of chronic stress.
7. Improves Immune System
Antioxidants in our body help fight off infection and diseases and rosemary essential oil stimulates their activity and is good for overall health. Regular use or inhalation of rosemary essential oil in aromatherapy sessions or other ways can help in increasing the strength of the immune system and combating the diseases associated with free radicals, including cancer and heart diseases.
8. Treats Respiratory Problems
The aroma of rosemary oil helps in the treatment of respiratory ailments and provides relief from throat congestion. It is also used in treating respiratory allergies, cold, sore throat, and flu. Because of its antiseptic qualities, it is also effective in relieving respiratory infections. The rosemary oil is antispasmodic and is used in treating bronchial asthma.
9. Relieves Pain
Rosemary oil is extensively used for relieving muscle pain, rheumatism, headache, and even arthritis. After massaging the affected area with oil, the pain can be easily relieved. The vapor baths with rosemary oil are also effective in treating rheumatism. The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for relieving the pain due to sprains and in joints. Moreover, it can reduce pain and help in coagulation of wounds by stimulating blood circulation.
In a study, it was found that aromatherapy using a mixture of rosemary oil with lavender, peppermint, marjoram, and eucalyptus helps in decreasing arthritis pain and even depression.
10. Hair Care
Rosemary oil is used in shampoos for hair care. Its regular use helps in stimulating follicles and makes hair stronger and longer. Premature hair loss and graying of hair are also slowed down. A great tonic for bald people, it is also useful in treating dry and flaky scalps. Regular massaging of the scalp with rosemary essential oil helps in nourishing the scalp and removing dandruff. For years, it has been mixed with olive oil for darkening and strengthening hair with hot oil treatments.
Apart from this, a research finds that rosemary oil is also effective in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Also, scalp itching is less frequent in rosemary oil than minoxidil 2%.
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