Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary belongs to an aromatic family of herbs Rosmarinus and receives its name from the Latin term “Dew of the Sea,” and is native to Mediterranean region but is also grows in the USA, and North Africa. Rosemary is a hardy plant that loves the sun and thrives in dry climates with adequate water drainage where the temperature is between 20ᵒ-25ᵒ Celsius and can reach a height of approximately 5 ft.

The tips of the leaves sprout small, tubular pale to deep-blue flowers.  Rosemary Essential Oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of the aromatic herb, a perennial plant belonging to the Mint family, which includes Basil, Lavender, and Sage with a citrus-like, herbaceous fragrance.  Rosemary Essential Oil of the most superior quality is obtained from the flowers of the plant, although oils can also be obtained from the stems and leaves before the plant begins to flower.

Before distillation, the leaves are dried with the use of a forced air-flow drier, after which the leaves are further processed to have the stems and dirt removed.  Rosemary Essential Oil is most commonly extracted through the steam distillation of the plant’s flowering tops and leaves. After distillation, the oil has a watery feel and can be colourless or pale yellow with a refreshing smell similar to mint.  

Historically the Greeks and the Romans used Rosemary in religious ceremonies, including weddings, as a reminder of life and death. During the 16th century Rosemary was used as incense or as a massage and oil to eliminate harmful bacteria and was also used to improve memory, soothe digestive issues, and relieve aching muscles. As a result, Rosemary has become an herbal medicine for its healing properties, including its ability to strengthen and to heal organs such as the heart, and liver. Rosemary Essential Oil is best known for its stimulating, soothing, and pain relieving properties.

Used in aromatherapy, scent of Rosemary can promote relaxation and boost alertness as well as brain functions and memory. A diffusion of Rosemary Essential Oil in a study room for a maximum of 30 minutes helps to relieve stress while studying and maintain concentration.

Diluted with carrier oil and used in massage, Rosemary Essential Oil’s detoxifying properties can boost immunity by recharging the body’s system. By diluting Rosemary Oil with carrier oil and massaging it into the body glands, the body will be stimulated to more rapidly eliminate waste and to soothe digestive ailments. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal essential oil for relieving muscle aches and pains. Used in a massage, Rosemary Oil’s properties can facilitate digestion, stimulate circulation, and allow the body to better absorb nutrients from food.

Rosemary Essential Oil’s properties stimulate hair follicles to lengthen and strengthen hair while slowing the graying of hair, preventing hair loss, and moisturizing dry scalp to relieve dandruff. Traditionally, Rosemary Oil combined with Olive Oil in a hot oil hair treatment has been known to darken and strengthen hair. It can also be massaged directly into the scalp by taking about 5 drops of rosemary essential oil or mix it into your shampoo/conditioner and massage it evenly into your scalp after a bath or shower.

Rosemary oil can counter hair loss by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp, which, in turn, promotes hair growth (1). Its high nutritional value and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent ingredient for nourishing the hair follicles and soothing the scalp

In theory, applying rosemary oil to the scalp, and leaving it on for longer periods, could enhance its effects. To make a rosemary oil solution, people can try diluting a drop or two of rosemary oil in a carrier oil, then applying it to the scalp overnight.

In summary diluted and used topically, Rosemary Essential Oil is known to stimulate hair growth, reduce pain, soothe inflammation, eliminate headaches, strengthen the immune system, and condition hair to make it look and feel healthy. The herb contains substances that are useful for improving digestion and increasing circulation and speeds up the healing process for tender muscles and aching joints.

Rosemary essential oil is used in the Blood Circulation, Hair Growth, Muscle & Joint Pain, Sore Throat, Colds & Congestion, and Cough massage oil blend treatment at Oriental Massage Galway (OMG).