Benefits and uses of rosemary essential oil
Rosemary is best known as a delicious cooking herb, but its use in medical formulations has been going back hundreds of years. It is said to protect against oxidation and soothe inflammatory responses, as well as help improve memory and concentration. 1 Some animal studies even suggest that rosemary extract may help prevent breast malignant cells and colon cancer. 2 Because of the powerful health benefits of rosemary, you are bound to hear more about rosemary essential oils and related products in the coming years.
1. Aromatherapy
Rosemary essential oil is often used in aromatherapy. Not only does rosemary oil have a comforting, earthy aroma, it is also thought to relieve stress and improve focus and memory.
Whether used alone or in conjunction with other essential oils with stress-reducing properties, such as the herb, the daily smell of rosemary scent can help optimize cortisol levels. To reap these benefits, consider adding a diffuser to your office and home, and check out the variety of essential oils available. Some oils help you sleep better, others are energizing, and others may have been chosen because they simply smell like you.
2. Optimize blood circulation
Speaking of the benefits of rosemary essential oil for hair health - it can promote hair growth in a number of ways. One possible way this works is by optimizing blood circulation, thereby increasing blood flow to hair follicles. 3 When blood circulation is poor, insufficient blood flow to the hair follicles may cause the hair follicles to die, resulting in hair loss. Rosemary's natural anti-inflammatory properties also help keep hair healthy.
3. Benefits for hair health
The results of research on the effects of rosemary essential oil on hair health are encouraging. In a study on the efficacy of rosemary essential oil in repairing baldness in men or women, people who used rosemary essential oil for 6 months had a significant increase in hair growth as did those who used 2% minoxidil (also known as Rogaine). In addition, those who used rosemary essential oil experienced significantly less itchy scalps than those who used 2% minoxidil - another benefit of using a hair strengthening product sold with rosemary instead of insomnia.
Another study analyzed the use of essential oils to repair alopecia, a condition characterized by sudden, patchy hair loss. In the study, hair loss subjects who massaged a mix of essential oils, such as thyme, rosemary, scented flowers and cedar, on their scalp every day experienced significantly higher hair growth rates than those who only used carrier oils.
How to use Rosemary Essential oil for hair care?
If you're considering using rosemary essential oil to help repair hair loss, here are a few ways to incorporate rosemary essential oil into your daily care routine.
Massage your scalp with essential oils: Try massaging your scalp with rosemary and other essential oils that are thought to benefit hair growth. Mix about five drops of rosemary essential oil with one to two teaspoons of a base oil, such as Jojoba or sweet almond oil, then massage your scalp thoroughly. If you choose to rinse your hair after applying the essential oil, allow the oil to permeate your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also wait until your next shower to rinse it off.
Add rosemary essential oil to your hair products: Consider adding rosemary essential oil to your regular hair products like shampoos, conditioners, and serums. To start with a small dose, try a product like a hair serum that stays on the scalp for a few hours. For products that wash off quickly after use, such as shampoos and conditioners, consider adding about five drops of rosemary essential oil per ounce.
The reassurance of rosemary essential oil
Avoid getting rosemary oil directly into your eyes. Fortunately, there are few known health concerns or side effects associated with the use of rosemary essential oil in aromatherapy or topical applications. An excellent method is to start with a small dose, mix the essential oil with the base oil before applying it to the skin, and then slowly increase the amount of rosemary essential oil until the skin's tolerance is determined.
