Native to areas of the Mediterranean and Asia, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a herb known to many as a cooking ingredient. Aromatic and evergreen, it has been known to humans since as far back as 5000 BCE when archeologists discovered that it was mentioned in tablets made in the early Bronze Age by civilizations in the Ancient Near East. The incredible thing about oil extracted from the rosemary herb is that it has benefits beyond just cooking.
Benefits of Rosemary Oil
As hinted above, the essential oil derived from rosemary plant has several benefits. Here are some of these advantages of this time-honored oil:
Pain Relief
None of us like to be in pain. Some medical conditions can cause severe pain, and arthritis is a perfect example of this. For anyone trying to cope with pain, rosemary oil can come to your rescue. It has pain-killing, and anti-inflammatory properties, allowing it to grant you instant relief from pain.
Applying rosemary oil to the affected area will also increase the circulation of blood, which provides further relief from the pain while speeding up the healing of wounds as it promotes coagulation. To use this, mix two drops of the rosemary oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil and two drops of peppermint oil. Apply the mix to the areas that hurt, and you will experience relief swiftly.
Treating Respiratory Problems
Since rosemary oil is full of substances that fight bacteria, it helps tackle several respiratory conditions. Even the aroma or scent from rosemary oil alone can help in decongestion of the throat. It can also treat other conditions like flu, sore throat, allergies, and cold. Since it also has antispasmodic features, it is also suitable for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. The same oil helps reduce the chances of developing asthma because it possesses anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Coping with Digestive Problems
Many are not aware of this, but rosemary oil is an essential oil that is good for treating digestive problems. These include bloating, indigestion, abdominal cramps, constipation, and flatulence. It is also useful in removing toxins from the liver, and it improves overall hepatic functions. Rosemary oil helps regulate the secretion and release of bile, which is needed for optimal digestion of food. This explains why rosemary leaves are included in the cooking of beef, mutton, and pork because it helps digest the proteins in the meat.
Boosting of the Immune System
The purpose of the immune system is to protect our body from all kinds of diseases. Rosemary oil has antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, and aromatherapy with this essential oil is a significant boost for the immune system. A robust immune system is a defense line against several diseases, from cold to even cardiovascular conditions.
To do aromatherapy with rosemary oil, blend a few drops with coconut oil. Use the mixture to do a massage starting from your arm to the lymph nodes located in your armpits. Apply some of the oil on your neck and chest then do some relaxation. You can also increase your immune system’s positive effect by having a warm bath with rosemary oil added to the water. It will reduce the production of cortisol in your body, meaning stress is minimized.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Cancer is one of the biggest killers on the planet; millions lose their lives annually to one form of malignancy or the other. Rosemary oil contains about 500 powerful phytochemicals containing active substances that can help in fighting cancer.
One of these phytochemicals is carnosol, and scientists have studied its anti-carcinogenic functions with stunning results. Another research work by scientists revealed that rosemary oil protects the liver from the dangerous effects of drugs like cyclophosphamide, which is used to treat various kinds of cancers.
Improvement of Memory
For those having issues with memory loss, something as simple and ordinary as rosemary oil can help. This essential oil is known for significantly improving brain function. It operates by increasing your level of concentration, reducing mental stress, and enhancing cognitive abilities. A session of aromatherapy with rosemary oil is enough to activate your brain cells.
