When you think of Rosemary, we are willing to bet that cooking comes to mind. The fresh herb is often used on meats and vegetables to add a woody, balsamic flavor to your favorite meals. But, did you know that the potent extraction of this aromatic herb has countless benefits? Before we get to the nitty gritty of what Rosemary Essential Oil is good for, let’s dive a little bit into the history of this popular oil.

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as an herb has been used for thousands of years in cooking and as a part of medicinal healing. The woody evergreen is native to the Mediterranean, found along the rocky coast, the name means “dew of the sea.” Rosemary is actually part of the mint family and was a big part of the early Greek and Roman traditions. Known as the “herb of remembrance,” not only was it worn in garland on the heads of scholars to help their memory, it was also placed in the hands of the deceased to be remembered.

The Essential Oil of Rosemary is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. The scent is herbaceous, fresh, woody and slightly medicinal. One of the biggest standout features of this oil is its high antioxidant levels. With an ORAC value of 11,070, this oil helps to fight free radicals and reduce damage caused by oxidation. Ultimately, this leads to overall better health, so now, let’s discuss how this creates Rosemary Essential Oil benefits and uses.

Is There a Difference Between Rosemary Oil and Rosemary Essential Oil?

Oftentimes, an herbal extract is referred to as an oil. An extract is used for cooking and is not made the same way as an Essential Oil nor does it hold the potent properties. The extract may also be used in traditional medicine for ingestion to treat diseases due to its antioxidant power. Keep in mind, that these two are not to be used interchangeably, they are quite different.

Uses & Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil

Now that you know a little more about the history, let’s answer the question: What is Rosemary Essential Oil good for?

Improves Memory and Focus: As mentioned above, Rosemary has long been used for memory, but in modern years, studies have shown that this oil can actually help increase alertness, cognitive performance, test scores, and concentration. This is because Rosemary prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter that carries messages from your brain to your body.

Respiratory Support: The content of 1,8 cineole in Rosemary Essential Oil helps to improve respiratory function. When inhaled, it can help to relieve congestion, fight inflammation, and encourage mucus production. Additionally, Rosemary oil may help fight respiratory infections due to its antiseptic properties. This is one of the great Rosemary Essential Oil uses.

Reduces Pain and Inflammation: Rosemary Essential Oil is considered an analgesic and is wonderful for reducing inflammatory reactions. When applied topically with a carrier oil, this can really aid in relieving muscle and joint pain as well as arthritic inflammation. For other Essential Oils that help to reduce inflammation, check out this article.

Stimulates Circulation: A study done on those with Raynaud’s disease showed that the use of Rosemary Oil in hand massage helps increase circulation and even warm the fingers. This information confirms that it may help others to promote blood flow through the vessels under the skin’s surface.

Encourages Hair Growth: In addition to encouraging growth by increasing circulation in the scalp, Rosemary Oil has proven to help with Androgenetic alopecia. This is because it prevents a byproduct of Testosterone from attacking the hair follicles. Another study showed that this herbal oil may also help those with Alopecia areata to reduce hair loss to boot. To discover more on how to use Essential Oils for hair growth, click here.

Eases Stress: The scent of Rosemary (especially when combined with Lavender) has proven to help lower cortisol levels. High cortisol levels that are caused by stress and anxiety put your body into fight or flight mode. This condition can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and oxidative stress which may lead to disease. To learn about more oils that help reduce stress, read this blog.

Repels Insects: Studies have shown that Rosemary Essential Oil can be effective in repelling certain bugs. Some spiders, mites, aphids, and even mosquitoes are deterred by the scent of it. Additionally, studies have found that spraying a Rosemary Oil solution directly on the plants that are under attack in your garden can effectively kill spider mites and white flies by at least 65%.

Increase Alertness: The focus and memory therapies of Rosemary Essential Oil partnered with the uplifting and energizing effects, makes this oil perfect for keeping you alert and on task. A neuroscience study showed that inhaling Rosemary Essential Oil drastically increased mental alertness. Additionally, the scent has proven to combat mental fatigue and revive cognitive vitality. Other oils that help increase energy can be found here.

Rejuvenate Skin: Because of its antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties, Rosemary is ideal for skin care applications. Safe for all skin types, it is great for soothing and hydrating skin while fighting breakouts. Adding just a drop to your natural cleanser can really help to produce that coveted glow we all desire. To get more information on how to safely use Essential Oils topically, check out this article.
Eliminate Odors: One of the best things about Essential Oils is that they smell good! Using your oils to refresh your space with natural scents is a healthy alternative to some store-bought odor eliminators. Rosemary Essential Oil is a great choice for killing airborne germs and getting rid of bad odors. If you would like more suggestions on the best Essential Oils to clean the air, click here.

Are There Any Side Effects to Using Rosemary Essential Oil?

When using Essential Oils it is important to remember that there are often safety concerns that come with it. Rosemary Essential Oil is generally safe for ages 6 and up. Due to its high 1.8 cineole content, it can be irritating to the lungs of little ones. Additionally, it is not recommended to use Rosemary while pregnant or if you have a seizure disorder.

Two Approaches to Achieving the Therapeutic Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil

When it comes to using Rosemary Essential Oil and most other Essential Oils, there are two key ways to utilize them. To get the effects you desire, it is important to think about the application. 

Using Rosemary Essential Oil in the Diffuser

A diffuser is one of the most useful tools when it comes to aromatherapy. Only a few drops can last for several hours providing long lasting remedies. Inhaling your Essential Oils and blends is an ideal way to get quick relief when it comes to many situations. So, what is Rosemary Essential Oil good for in a diffuser? A big one is respiratory ailments, this can be the most efficient way to improve your health. 

Smelling these precious oils is also a great way to directly improve your mental and emotional state of being. When the scent of your oils enters your nose, it then travels to the limbic system to regulate your mood. Diffusing Rosemary Essential Oil into the air around you is an easy and attainable way to increase alertness, focus, and decrease stress. In addition, diffusion is the perfect way to get your Rosemary oil airborne to rid your space of any unwanted odors.

Find your favorite diffuser here.

Can You Apply Rosemary Oil Directly to the Skin?

The second way to get the therapeutic qualities from your Rosemary oil is to apply it topically. Make sure to mix it with a carrier oil first at a safe dilution first, then you can put it directly onto the area of concern. This is a great way to address many physical ailments, such as skin health, pain, hair growth, and circulation. Topical application is also a good way to use Rosemary as a bug repellent. 
This may lead to you wondering, what is a good carrier oil for Rosemary Essential Oil? And that is a great question, but it really is not complicated. You could use almost any carrier oil that REVIVE offers including the luxurious Body Butter. For healthy adult use, it is recommended that you only use Rosemary at a 2% dilution (max 6% dermal application). This means that just 2 drops of Essential Oil per teaspoon of carrier oil will work!

Some Rosemary Recipes to Try

Study Buddy Diffuser Blend

Clear Breathing Roll-on

Mermaid Hair (a REVIVE Favorite)

Parting Thoughts on the Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil

As you can see, Rosemary Essential Oil has a long list of benefits and uses. From hair growth and skin renewal to increasing alertness, refreshing your home, respiratory support, and so much more. This fresh and herbal oil is a must have for your household! And remember, when you are ready to purchase, there is no better place than REVIVE.

Backed by third party testing from the most knowledgeable in the industry, you can rest assured that REVIVE’s products are top notch. The oils are sustainably sourced, community focused, and cruelty free which is why REVIVE is the #1 place to find Essential Oil products online.
This is also where you can find some of the best Essential Oil Kits, Roll-ons, Blends, and Diffusers. Additionally, there are some very helpful articles and DIY recipes available on the REVIVE Blog.