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What are the benefits of Rosemary?

Blog image - Oil of the month - Rosemary
What are the benefits of Rosemary?
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, is native to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean. The Latin name Rosmarinus translates as ‘dew of the sea’. However, it now grows abundantly across the globe, and it is recognisable by its dark green ‘needle-like’ leaves and pretty purple flowers. The essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh flowering tops and produces a strong, fresh, camphoraceous aroma. Our Rosemary essential oil is from Morocco.
Its piercing, tenacious aroma is definitely uplifting and can help with mental fatigue and lethargy. It is a very invigorating essential oil! It can also be used to relieve muscular aches and pains and boost local circulation.
Rosemary is definitely having a ‘moment’. Its ability to boost local circulation has long been recognised, which is why it’s become so popular for hair health.
Its clearing aroma is also supportive as a decongestant for coughs and colds. However, due to its stimulating nature, rosemary should be avoided by those with epilepsy and isn't ideal for use late in the evening.

But what are the benefits of Rosemary?

  • Mental Stimulant
  • Pain Relief
  • Expectorant
 

Can I use Rosemary to help me feel more alert?


Rosemary has a long traditional use and connection to the mind and head. It is cited in prose and poetry as an herb for the mind. And In recent research it has been discovered that one of the main naturally, occurring chemical compounds in Rosemary, 1-8 Cineole, can act as mental stimulant. Why not try the following blend to help you study, prepare for an exam, or for when you just feel the need for a mental boost?
Refreshing/Concentration Diffuser Blend
To the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser add the following drops:
2 drops of Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
3 drops of May Chang, Litsea cubeba
2 drops of Cardamom, Ellettaria cardamomum
 

Can I use Rosemary after my workout?


After exercising, we can feel achy and tired. Using Rosemary in a body massage blend will boost local circulation and reduce muscular aches and pains. If you have sudden pain after exercising, it is always best to get it checked out by a medical professional.
Muscular Aches & Pains Massage Oil
To 20ml of blending oil add the following drops
3 drops of Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
5 drops of Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia
2 drops of French (Sweet) Marjoram, Origanum marjorana
Massage into areas of the body that are feeling achy – DO NOT use on the face.
 

Can Rosemary be used to help relieve coughs and colds?


One of Rosemary’s helpful properties is its ability to reduce congestion; its clearing aroma is great for when our noses are blocked up from a cold!Why not try the following diffuser blend for when you have a head cold and or your sinuses are blocked?
De-congestant Diffuser Blend
To the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser add the following drops:
2 drops of Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
2 drops of Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus
4 drops of Lemon, Citrus limonum
This blend is also helpful as the Seasons change, as this is when coughs and colds may be more prevalent.


What does Rosemary blend well with?


Rosemary is a versatile essential oil for blending. It is particallury pleasant with the citrus family, Lemon and Grapefruit work well with it, as well as Lemongrass & May Chang. It also complements the other ‘green’ essential oils and it brings a fresh, enlivening aroma to the Spice oils.

What is the history of Rosemary?


It has been used for centuries as a medicinal, sacred and culinary herb. Traces of Rosemary have been found in Egyptian tombs within the pyramids and other sacred sites. The ancient Greeks and Romans burnt it or placed sprigs of it around doors to ward off evil spirits.Throughout Europe during the 1600’s it was used by many people, including physicians to help ward off the Plague. It also has a long traditional connection to the mind and remembrance. As mentioned above it is quoted in literature and often cited to help improve memory and concentration, recent scientific studies have shown that it can indeed be helpful for memory, particularly around Dementia.
 
Jo Kellett profile photoAbout Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
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