Rosemary oil: discover its incredible benefits and ways to use it

It is not today that essential oils are shown to be great allies of health, in general. Rosemary, for example, is considered one of the richest essential oils on the planet, being used since ancient times in culinary recipes, religious rituals and natural medicine.

However, over the years, its popularity has only increased; and, nowadays, it has become a very important ingredient even in skin and hair care, according to Paulo Edson Reis Jacob Neto, phytotherapist and professor at Grupo Zênite.

Roseli Siqueira, beautician and cosmetologist, highlights that rosemary oil is a source of antioxidants, strengthens the immune system and acts in various ways on beauty and health.

Want to know more about this amazing oil and how to enjoy the benefits it offers? Check out the expert tips below.

11 amazing benefits of rosemary oil

It is worth noting that for most uses of rosemary oil, it must be diluted in water or a base oil. This is because it is extracted in a concentrated form and should only be used in small amounts. Some of the most well-known base oils are avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, evening primrose and macadamia.

Below, check out the advantages of using rosemary oil and learn how to use it:

1. Brain stimulation

Jacob Neto explains that, in aromatherapy, rosemary oil is widely used with the aim of stimulating the brain, improving memory and mental clarity.

How to use: you can boil water in a cup, drip a few drops of rosemary oil inside and breathe deeply a few times a day. Another tip is to use it in an air freshener.

2. Improvement of the airways

The benefits of rosemary oil in treating respiratory problems are also well-researched and supported. That’s because, inhaling the oil offers relief from throat congestion, symptoms of respiratory allergies, colds and flu.

How to use: boil water in a cup, add a few drops of rosemary oil inside and breathe deeply the aroma during the day. To help relieve cold and flu symptoms, you can also massage a drop or two of oil into your chest and throat every three hours.

3. Wrinkle reduction and overall skin improvement

Jacob Neto comments that the benefits of rosemary oil range from skin hydration to stimulating collagen development and fighting free radicals. “That’s because the presence of antioxidants in rosemary helps to neutralize the damage caused by free radicals (which, in turn, compromise the skin’s support, causing wrinkles, sagging, blemishes and general skin aging)”, he says.

Roseli points out that rosemary oil acts as a neurotransmitter, that is: its aroma enters the skin’s sensory system and helps to relax nerve endings, releasing acetylcholine, a substance that helps in the skin’s defense. “And the result is that it helps to minimize wrinkles and expression lines, especially those caused by tension, stress and tiredness,” she says.

The beautician and cosmetologist also highlights that rosemary oil is widely used in the Mediterranean. “People have beautiful skin and don’t use sunscreen. This is because it helps in strengthening the skin, giving it resistance against solar irradiation,” she says.

How to use: dilute rosemary oil in water or a carrier oil, apply and gently massage the face. Then, wipe off the excess with a cloth dampened with warm water.

4. Treatment of small wounds, burns and even acne

By killing bacteria, fungi and viruses on the skin, rosemary oil can be a great ally when healing small wounds, burns and even acne.

How to use: Dilute the oil in water or a carrier oil, apply and massage carefully on the affected area. Then, wipe off the excess with a damp cloth (in warm water). People who have oily skin, however, should be careful with this type of “home treatment” and should consult a dermatologist before using this or another oil on the face, thus avoiding worsening the condition.

5. Increase blood circulation and decrease stretch marks and cellulite

Roseli highlights that rosemary oil is also great for circulation and thus helps to minimize stretch marks and cellulite.

Jacob Neto reinforces that, in this sense, rosemary oil can also help treat muscle cramps, in addition to muscle pain.

How to use: the herbalist’s tip is to massage a little rosemary oil diluted in a base oil (coconut, almond or olive oil, for example) on the affected areas regularly.

5. Strengthening the immune system and eliminating toxins

Jacob Neto highlights that, with antibacterial and antifungal properties, rosemary oil is important to strengthen the immune system, especially in times of high temperature variation.

How to use: Roseli explains that, to eliminate toxins, as it also works for detoxification, the oil must be massaged into the lymphs (ganglia). Another option is to adhere to a bath with rosemary oil, which will help reduce stress and, consequently, improve the immune system.

6. Fight the headache

Roseli explains that as it is a very aromatic oil, rosemary oil can be used against headaches.

How to use: “Rub two drops in the palms of your hands, place them in front of your face and breathe deeply. Then massage the temples in a circle”, guides the specialist.

7. Improved digestion

Jacob Neto explains that rosemary oil can be used (externally) for the relief of indigestion symptoms (flatulence, stomach pains, constipation, bloating).

How to use: The herbalist guides you to combine rosemary oil with a base oil and massage the stomach area. You can even take a bath using a few drops of this oil in water.

8. Massage, hydration and refreshing touch to the skin after bathing

Rosemary oil, diluted in water or base oil, can be used to hydrate and give a refreshing touch to the skin of the body after bathing. It can also be used in body massages.

How to use: Roseli advises to put two drops (of the already diluted oil) in the arms, two in each leg and, thus, pass the whole body. “Massages with rosemary oil should be interspersed with other oils, such as baobab – an excellent antioxidant and source of vitamin A (good for strengthening the skin, hair and nails) –, sesame oil and grape. The ideal is to vary the use of oils, as this also varies the vitamins that go to the skin”, he explains.

9. Important aid in hair health and beauty

The benefits that rosemary oil offers to hair are incredible. Marcela Buchaim, biochemical pharmacist specializing in trichology and hair therapy, and responsible for the creation of the Hair Spa, at Studio Tez, explains that this oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, healing and anti-dandruff properties. “That’s why it’s used in fingertip massages to work circulation in the scalp,” she says.

“Another action is that this oil fights oiliness, so it is very effective for dandruff. But, it is worth noting that, quite the opposite of what they say, it does not return the color to the hair and does not prevent the appearance of white strands”, explains the specialist.

How to use: to enjoy the benefits of rosemary oil for the hair, Marcela recommends using a few drops before washing the hair, once a week or every 15 days, massaging the scalp with the fingertips. Then just wash it off with shampoo and conditioner.

10. Ally in oral hygiene

Jacob Neto explains that, due to its antimicrobial properties, rosemary oil can help kill bacteria responsible for cavities and periodontal diseases, in addition to contributing to good breath.

How to use: the herbalist’s guidance is to mix a cup of water with approximately 20 drops of rosemary oil and make daily mouthwash. However, for really effective results, the ideal is to always count on the guidance of a dentist.

11. Assistance with domestic care

Jacob Neto explains that rosemary oil can be used to repel mosquitoes and other insects. It can also replace the commercial environment air fresheners.

“And yet, due to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic action, the oil can be added to water to clean surfaces in general”, adds the herbalist.

How to use: Jacob Neto recommends making a “domestic repellent” by mixing 10 drops of rosemary oil, peppermint oil and clove oil in a spray bottle with water. Then, just spray the environment when there are insects. To clean surfaces, the tip is to mix 12 drops of rosemary, white vinegar and water, also in a spray bottle.

Despite the numerous advantages, the use of rosemary oil should preferably be guided by a professional, so that, in fact, its benefits are enjoyed and the product does not pose any health risks.

How to make your homemade rosemary oil

Jacob Neto comments that rosemary oil can be easily made at home:

• Place up to two dried rosemary sprigs in a glass jar;
• Add a base oil;
• Cap and shake lightly, then store the bottle in a warm, dark place for about two weeks.
• After this time, strain and return the oil to the glass bottle.

But, if you prefer, you can find rosemary oil for sale in health food stores and even on the internet.

Cautions and Contraindications

Beautician Roseli points out that rosemary oil must be diluted before use. “Be very careful with pure essential oils as they need to be diluted in water as if used pure they burn the skin.”, she warns her.

“Always buy from a place you trust, at home of natural products, as it is guaranteed. Otherwise, the oils can be mixed with petroleum derivatives and this compromises the properties of the oil”, adds the beautician.

Children, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women should also not use rosemary oil.

Finally, it is always good to remember that, despite the numerous benefits it can offer for health and beauty, the ideal is to use rosemary oil only after professional guidance.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.