Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with aromatic, fragrant, needle-like leaves and beautiful-looking white, blue, pink, or purple flowers native to the Medeterenian region and naturalized all over Europe. Rosemary leaves and other parts are common ingredients in culinary use. However, rosemary oil is mainly valued as an essential oil.
The essential oil extracted from rosemary has versatile uses like preventing hair fall, reducing acne, slowing down the aging process, anti-fungal application, antimicrobial functions, insect repellant, etc. In the following writing, you can learn about the properties, functions, best use, chemical composition, and other vital information about pungent essential oil.
Page Contents
What Is Rosemary Oil?
Rosmarinus officinalis oil is a thin, almost transparent essential oil with a strong, fresh, pungent smell, mainly extracted from rosemary flowers, leaves, and buds. Based on use and application, there are multiple ways to extract it. You may even find edible extracts.
The extracted oil is primarily used in skin and hair care products. Besides, it has much more applications as an herbal remedy for many problems. It is valued in the perfume industry and is suitable for aromatherapy.
Origin And Cultivation of Rosemary
Rosemary has a deep relationship with human civilization. The evidence of the rosemary is revealed in the tomb of Pharaohs in ancient Egyptian as early as 3100 BCE. Romans call rosemary the symbol of stability and use it in their warship. Historically, rosemary is also considered the symbol of remembrance for its function in our nervous system.
Regarding its widespread use and demand now, some nations cultivate rosemary commercially. Spain and Tunisia are the most significant contributors to this production. For cultivation, rosemary demands some well-drained fertile land with adequate sunlight.
Nutritional Value of Genus Rosmarinus
Rosmarinus officinalis consists of p-cymene, which gives it a strong smell that has some use in the flavor and perfume industry. It also contains a good amount of antioxidants called 𝝲-terpinene (16.62%). You can find the use of 𝝲-terpinene in treating diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also contribute to improving skin conditions and slowing the aging process.
The oil has a moderate amount of Linalool, a minor terpene that can help you with stress, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, it is a good source of thymol, an active antimicrobial compound. A small amount of thymol can prevent bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms from harming you.
Best 20 Rosemary Oil Benefits
Apart from the discussed compound, rosmarinus officinalis oil holds an adequate amount of eucalyptol which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains some alpha and beta-pinene, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Here are the benefits of this oil.
1. Better Brain Function
Ancient Romans and Greeks believe rosemary strengthens memory. According to modern studies, breathing rosmarinus officinalis oil retains acetylcholine from breaking, which is a core brain chemical for memory, concentration, and thought efficiency. Other studies show that inhaling herbaceous plant oil infused with hot water or a genus Rosmarinus oil bath can improve brain function among older people being treated for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
2. An Immune System booster
Antioxidants are essential for your body to function better and improve your immunity. Herbaceous plant oil contains a high level of myrcene which is well known for its antioxidant properties. Moreover, it can hunt down any free radicals in your body that can harm your cells and cause different diseases. Thus, you can inhale Rosmarinus officinalis oil with hot water regularly and boost your immune system in the long run.
3. Fight Cancer
It may seem unbelievable, but it contains a moderate amount of Carnosol, a particular component for fighting against cancer. Genus Rosmarinus oil extract can slow down the replicating of the cancer cell and save your organs, like the lungs, pancreas, breasts, colon, bladder, prostate, etc., from further damage. However, most of that treatment and research is still developing. If unfortunately, one of your acquaintances or loved ones gets cancer, you must consult the professional.
4. Pain Relief
Rosemary has been a mild pain reliever for a long time in folk medicine. Sometimes, it becomes more effective than over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen. When you face muscle pain or have arthritis, you can massage a few drops of herbaceous plant oil on the area mixed with a career oil. It will improve blood circulation in this area and relieve some pain.
5. Hair Treatment
Some hair treatment products have Rosmarinus officinalis oil because it is an excellent hair growth stimulant. Androgenetic alopecia is one of the reasons behind human baldness, and it happens when some byproduct of testosterone attacks your hair follicle. Rosemary oil can prevent those byproducts from reaching your hair follicle, reduce their effect on your hair, and save you from premature baldness.
6. Good for Flu, Caugh, and Cold
Breathing Rosmarinus officinalis oil can calm your muscles and ease your respiratory procedure when you catch a bad cold or flu or suffer from a dry cough. It will save you from an excruciating phase. Besides, herbaceous plant oils’ antimicrobial properties can help you cure and get well faster from those disorders.
7. Stress Relief
Chronic stress is a common problem among some people. When an excess amount of stress hormone called cortisol is released in your blood, you can feel stressed. Inhale genus Rosmarinus oil can reduce the cortisol level from saliva and later from your blood, which can help you calm down and relax. Aromatherapy with rosmarinus officinalis oil is an even better option for someone suffering from chronic stress.
8. Antibiotic Substitute
One of the most common names of medicine in our life is antibiotics. You can use them as prescribed drugs, but repetitive use can lose its effect on your body. If you want any organic and harmless solution to kill unwanted microbes in your body, herbaceous plant oil can help as a potent antimicrobial agent. With your doctor’s suggestion, you can sometimes replace your traditional antibiotic medicine with rosmarinus officinalis oil.
9. Diabetic kidney damage
Poorly controlled diabetes patients may have high levels of protein and free radicals in their urine, which can damage their kidneys gradually. Rosemary oil or any consumable rosemary product can reduce the excess protein in your urine if you use it with proper diabetes medication.
10. Food Poisoning
You can not find anyone who never suffers from food poisoning. It is implausible that someone can die from food poisoning, but it is a very much unpleasant experience. When food poisoning strikes your gut, a few drops of rosmarinus officinalis oil can come in handy. You can consume raw or edible herbaceous plant oil, reducing gas and improving gut health.
11. Anti-acne and Anti-aging Oil
It can reduce the inflammation caused by acne and ease irritation. Its anti-bacterial function can prevent acne-causing bacteria from reaching your pore and producing excess oil. You can massage herbaceous plant oil mixed with kokum butter on your face. It will reduce wrinkles and bring back your skin’s natural glow, which will help you prevent the rapid aging process.
12. Stimulate the Microcirculation
Microcirculation is the blood circulation in the smallest vessel in your body that is mainly situated under your skin. Messaging herbaceous plant oil on your skin can improve your blood circulation, provides more oxygen, and removes metallic waste and toxins from your cells. Eventually, these changes in your system increase your metabolism and strengthen your immune system. It is a steady process, but you will get an effect gradually.
13. Low Blood Pressure
Rosemary oil can stimulate the respiratory system and improve blood circulation, subduing some patients’ effects of low blood pressure. For that reason, the pungent essential oil is frequently used in herbal medicine to treat low blood pressure patients. If you have a similar problem, you can drop a few drops on hot water and inhale the rosmarinus officinalis oil vapor.
14. Anti-fungal Agent
Rosmarinus officinalis oil is renowned as an anti-fungal agent. It has frequent use in sporotrichosis medication. Herbaceous plant oil can prevent the spreading of a fungal infection from organ to organ. If you have a fungal problem in your feet, you can sink them in pungent essential oil-infused hot water and relax. It will cure the fungal infection gradually.
15. Respiratory Problems
Rosemary can improve the health of your respiratory organs. It can thin the mucus and help to remove it by cleaning the respiratory pathways. Herbaceous plant oil is anti-spasmodic and helpful to patients with bronchitis and asthma. If you want to ease your respiratory sufferings, you can inhale it or spread it with a humidifier all over your room.
16. Reduce Rosacea
Rosacea can cause severe skin problems and makes your life miserable. You can massage your skin with pungent essential oil-infused career oil to treat the problem. It will instantly reduce the redness on your skin, and after a few days, you will find evidence of curing. If you change to healthier food habits, avoid coffee and alcohol, and get regular massages of rosemary; hopefully, your Rosacea problem will stay minimal or go away.
17. Treats Oral Problems
Rosemary is an effective essential oil for improving oral health. It can work as a disinfectant and remove bad breath. You may have certain conditions in your mouth, like gingivitis, plaque buildup, cavities, etc. For your cure, you can add some Rosmarinus officinalis oil to your dental product or tincture and apply them.
18. Anti-cellulite Properties
Enhancement of fat cells can push up your skin and create an odd-looking uneven surface known as cellulite. As a stimulant to your circulatory system, pungent essential oil enhances your body’s metabolism and prevents the fat cell from bloating under the skin. If you regularly massage herbaceous plant oil on the skin with cellulite, the uneven surface will gradually decrease.
19. A Mosquito and Insect Repellent
Mosquitos and insects can cause health hazards by bringing different diseases. The chemical you must use to repel them can cause problems for your respiratory organs. To repel mosquitoes of insects organically, you may use pungent essential oil, and have some effective results because Rosmarinus officinalis oil contains limonene and camphor, which are effective bug repellants.
20. Mental health
Rosemary oil has been used for centuries to improve mental health and boost overall well-being. Here are some ways that this oil may contribute to mental health:
Reduces Stress: The fragrance of it is known to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It can help to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improves Memory and Focus: Studies have shown that the scent of this oil can improve memory and concentration. It is believed that the fragrance of the oil may activate the brain and enhance cognitive function.
Boosts Mood: Rosemary has a fresh, woody scent that is known to improve mood and reduce feelings of sadness and depression.
Relieves Headaches and Migraines: The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of rosemary oil may help to relieve headache and migraine symptoms.
Promotes Relaxation: The soothing fragrance of this oil can help to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of tension and stress.
It’s important to note that while oil has been shown to have some benefits for mental health, it should not be used as a substitute for conventional treatments and medications. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils for mental health conditions. Additionally, essential oils should always be used with caution and diluted properly to avoid skin irritation and other adverse effects.
Genus Rosmarinus oil Features
| Serial | Features | Description |
| 1. | Botanical Name | Salvia Rosmarinus |
| 2. | Plant Family | Lamiaceae, a plan of the mint family |
| 3. | Common Method of
Extraction |
There are several extraction methods based on the end product’s pureness. You may find hydrodistillation and steam distillation the most common extraction method for Rosmarini folium Oil. For high-end products, some sophisticated extraction methods like molecular distillation, adsorption, supercritical water extraction, CO2 supercritical extraction, etc., can be used. |
| 4. | Plant Part Typically Used | The oil is mainly retained in flour, leaves, and buds and used for extraction. |
| 5. | Color | Rosemary leaves are dark toad green and have a mild ivy undertone. Its flower can varies in color |
| 6. | Consistency | Rosemary can provide thin, almost transparent, and light essential oils. The thickness may vary based on the climate where the plant had grown. |
| 7. | Perfumery Note | It primarily covers the middle spectrum of perfumery notes. It has strong, fresh, camphor woody, mint-like fragrance. |
| 8. | Strength of Initial Aroma | It has a bit intense, mildly astringent aroma that feels closer to eucalyptus or camphor essential oil. |
| 9. | Aromatic Description | It can provide a strong, energizing, citrus-like, herbaceous scent. |
| 10. | Major Constituents | Genus Rosmarinus consists of p-cymene (44.02%), 𝝲-terpinene (16.62%), linalool (20.5%), 𝛃-pinene (3.61%), α-pinene (2.83%) and eucalyptol (2.64%) |
How to Use
Like all essential oil, rosmarinus officinalis oil has applications for different body parts and different methods for applying them. The procedure is easier than you think, but you must know some basics to achieve the optimum result and avoid its side effects. For more information, you can read the following writing.
Consume Orally: You can only consume those oils that have been marketed as edible oil. You may find some oral medicinal supplements made with pungent essential oil.
Breathe or Inhale it: You can inhale or breathe raw oil or use them after mixing it with hot water. Of course, use with hot makes the oil much more effective.
Massage it: Stress, pain, anxiety, and other problems require the massage of the oi. Either massage the thin raw oil or mix it with a carrier oil to make the massaging process easier.
Use it with a Humidifier: If you use the oil to improve your respiratory condition, you can use it with a humidifier, a typical and effective way to diminish your respiratory problem without leaving home.
Mixed with other products: You can add Rosmarini folium Oil to your regular hair or skin product and have some good results while using them.
Precautions and Side Effects
Rosmarinus officinalis oil is helpful as long as you know the side effect and avoid adverse reactions in your body.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may face allergic reactions after using pungent essential oil or plant parts and have allergic contact dermatitis. For this reason, you must carefully observe the reaction of the oil on your body. To eradicate your dought, you must consult a doctor before using it.
Complicated Pregnancy: Herbaceous plant oil is a highly volatile and potent compound. If you are using it during pregnancy can affects your fetus negatively. The pregnancy may end up in a miscarriage. Because of those risks, we should be more careful about using pungent essential oil during pregnancy.
High Blood Pressure: A patient treated with high blood pressure can receive harmful effects after using Rosmarinus officinalis oil. It stimulates blood circulation, and the additional pressure may cause severe health problems for the patient.
Kidney Damage: You can not eat or drink raw pungent essential oil. There are some edible variants generally produced for medicinal purposes. However, you can consume them by following prescribed doses. Excessive Rosmarinus officinalis oil intake or raw non-edible oil consumption can damage your kidney.
Some interesting facts about Rosmarini folium Oil
- It is chemically one of the most volatile and potent essential oils, and you must use it carefully.
- Rosemary is one of the shrubs that has been used since the dawn of civilization.
- It is a highly active antioxidant and is used for its anti-aging functions.
- Rosemary is an excellent antimicrobial oil that can prevent bacteria and fungi.
- You can use it to treat low blood pressure, but it can threaten your life if you have hypertension.
- A few essential oils, like pungent essential oil, can positively impact your nervous system and improve your memory and brain functions.
- It can save you from diabetic kidney damage, but excessive use can damage your kidney.
- Like many other essential oils, it affects our respiratory system. It can solve many minor respiratory problems and ease the effect of bronchitis and asthma.
- Raw rosemary plant parts have historically been used for culinary purposes. Now edible rosemary oils are used in different cuisines to bring some unique tests.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary is a drought-resistant plant. It requires much less water than other agro products, which is suitable for desertified countries like Spain and Tunisia. Alongside its vast application in the cosmetics, perfume, and medicine industries, it can help us expand sustainable farming without hurting the economy.
In 2021 alone, the market size of rosemary essential oil was US$ 2.87 Bn and is still rising. Expanding cultivation can bring someone economic success, and the rest can have the benefit of essential oil at a very affordable price.
