Rosemary oil is a very popular essential oil. Rosemary essential oil that is distilled from the flowering tops of the plant is considered superior to the oil obtained from the stems and leaves, however most commercially available oil is gathered from the leaves and steps before the plant is in bloom. Rosemary oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves, stems, and flowering tops of the plant. It takes over 68 pounds of rosemary to make one pound of rosemary essential oil. The major essential oil ingredients of oil of rosemary are pinene, cineol, camphor, camphene, bornyl acetate, borneol, and verbenon.

Rosemary is a perennial herb of the mint family, known as Rosmarinus Officinalis, and has always been very popular in the Mediterranean area for cooking. Rosemary is a small bushy shrub that grows well in many climates. English Oil of Rosemary is considered superior to that grown anywhere else as rosemary is a plant that grows better in England than anywhere else. Although English rosemary oil is considered superior, it is very difficult to locate commercially as most oil is imported from Japan, Spain, France, and Dalmatia.

Rosemary has been used extensively since ancient times for many different things. The Romans included rosemary during religious ceremonies and wedding celebrations, and imbued it with specific importance. Many Mediterranean culinary dishes call for fresh rosemary or rosemary oil as well, and as herbs go, it is fairly easy to grow your own for cooking. Ancient Egyptians also used the rosemary plant as an incense. Paracelsus, a well-known doctor, favored rosemary for its health benefits and wrote extensively about it during the sixteenth century. He believed that rosemary oil had the power to strengthen the entire body and to heal the delicate organs. Paracelsus' beliefs have been supported by modern research on rosemary oil.

Rosemary Oil for Hair Care – Rosemary both as an oil and as a tea has long been important in hair care and oil of rosemary is an ingredient in many different shampoos and conditioners. Rosemary oil helps to stimulate the follicles which results in hair that grows longer and stronger than without. Many people also believe that using rosemary oil as a scalp treatment helps to slow down any premature hair loss as well as slow down the hair from turning grey. Rosemary oil also helps with dry, flaky scalps and will remove dandruff when used with regular scalp massage. For scalp problems like dandruff, oil of rosemary is excellent when combined with basil oil and tea tree oil. An infusion of rosemary combined with borax and used cold makes one of the best hair washes available. Make your own organic shampoo!

Rosemary Oil for Bad Breath – Rosemary essential oil works as a disinfectant and is excellent when used as a mouth wash to remove bad breath.

Rosemary Oil for Aromatherapy – As an aromatherapy aid, rosemary is considered an excellent mental stimulant. It is used to increase concentration and focus and is excellent in helping with efficient studying. As a mental stimulant, it is good for treating depression, fatigue, and forgetfulness. Rosemary also makes an excellent room freshener to remove bad odors from a room, especially for rooms where mental alertness is important.

Rosemary Oil for Pain Relief – Rosemary oil is used extensively in pain relief especially for headaches, muscle pain, sore muscles, arthritis, and rheumatism. Massaging the affected area will help with the pain. Drinking a rosemary tea (without allowing the vapors to escape) helps tremendously with headaches. Taking a vapor bath with rosemary essential oil is especially effective for treating the pain of rheumatism.

Rosemary Oil for Respiratory Problems – Rosemary essential oil is especially effective in helping to treat throat and chest congestion. It has been used frequently in treating allergies, cold, flu, and a sore throat especially when caused by post-nasal drip. Rosemary was one of the first treatments for asthma and was originally smoked alone or together with coltsfoot. Rosemary essential oil can be inhaled for the same effect.

Rosemary Oil for Indigestion – Adding rosemary leaves to meat will help with the digestion of those meats and is especially popular added to lamb, pork, and beef. Rosemary oil taken internally helps with indigestion, stomach cramps, and flatulence. Many claim that rosemary is also effective in treating menstrual cramps, kidney stones, peptic ulcers, gall bladder, intestinal, and liver problems. Currently extensive research is being done with rosemary on its effectiveness to treat certain types of cancers including colon, stomach, breast, and lung cancer.

As with any natural remedy, people may be allergic to rosemary or may develop an allergic reaction over time.  Rosemary may cause vomiting and spasms.  It is advised that pregnant and nursing mothers and those suffering with epilepsy not use rosemary essential oil without permission from your primary doctor.  Rosemary is a stimulant and while taken sometimes as a heart tonic, it should never be used by heart patients without being under the care of a qualified naturopathic physician.  

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any specific illness.  When using herbs and essential oils for health, always consult with a qualified naturopathic physician first.