ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS
Rosemary is an exceptionally versatile essential oil, with uses that range from soothing cold and flu symptoms, to easing aches and pains. It shines as an addition to hair care products, where it can help dandruff and scalp itch. If you’re concerned about hair loss, rosemary essential oil is a must-have: A study published in Archives of Dermatology showed that a daily scalp massage with rosemary, thyme, lavender, and cedarwood essential oils blended with carrier oils resulted in 44 percent of patients showing improvement.
Precautions
Do not use during pregnancy.
Rosemary is a powerful stimulant. It can keep you feeling alert for 3 to 4 hours, so avoid using it within a few hours of your usual bedtime.
Do not use rosemary if you suffer from epilepsy.
Application Methods
INHALATION: Added to an essential oil inhaler or aromatherapy jewelry, 3 or 4 drops of rosemary essential oil can help you feel alert and focused when studying, driving, or doing creative work. If adding it to a diffuser, use the number of drops recommended by the diffuser’s manufacturer.
TOPICAL: Working out? Add 6 drops of rosemary essential oil to 1 teaspoon of your favorite carrier oil for a relaxing massage that soothes stiff, sore muscles.
BATH: Rosemary is a classic ingredient in natural shampoos and conditioners. Try blending it with peppermint, lavender, or lemon for a refreshing aromatherapy delight that doubles as a nourishing treatment for your scalp and hair.
Popular Uses
Create an ultra-soothing blend for aches and pains by blending rosemary essential oil with equal amounts of peppermint, thyme, and lavender for deep, penetrating comfort. A little goes a long way; dilute with at least an equal amount of carrier oil.
When work or study gets intense and you really need to focus, blend 20 drops of rosemary essential oil with 40 drops of carrier oil. Keep this blend in a roller bottle and dab it on your temples and pulse points before putting your mind to work.
If you come down with a cold and need relief from congestion or a sore throat, let rosemary essential oil come to the rescue. It’s a potent antiseptic, plus its fragrance helps open up stuffy sinuses.
BLENDS WELL WITH
Basil
Bay laurel
Bergamot
Black pepper
Cedarwood
Clary sage
Clove
Frankincense
Geranium
Grapefruit
Lavender
Lemon
Lemongrass
Mandarin
Niaouli
Oregano
Peppermint
Pine
Tea tree
Thyme
SUBSTITUTE WITH
Basil
Cajeput
Oregano
Peppermint
Thyme
HEALING PROPERTIES
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antidepressant
Antifungal
Antimicrobial
Antioxidant
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Carminative
Cicatrizant
Digestive
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Hepatic
Hypertensive
Stimulant
Sudorific
Vulnerary
IDEAL FOR TREATING
Bronchitis
Cold and flu symptoms
Dandruff
Fatigue
Indigestion
Nervousness
Sinusitis
Thinning hair
Varicose veins