Rosemary Oil – Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects and More

What is Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is an evergreen woody perennial herb which is commonly found in Asian and Mediterranean region. Rosmarinus officinalis is commonly known as Rosemary which belongs to Lamiaceae mint family. Herbs like lavender, mint, sage and myrtle also belong to the same family. The word Rosemary is derived from Latin word rosmarinus meaning ‘mist of the sea’ or ‘dew of the sea’. This aromatic herb has got leaves which is similar to hemlock needles. The needle like leaves of this evergreen herb is 3-4 cm in length and 3-5 mm in breadth which is green on top and white below with dense, wooly and short hair on the leaf surface. It can grow up to a maximum of 5-6 feet in height. It flowers come in variant colors of white, pink, purple and dark blue. Rosemary is widely used as a flavoring agent in food because of it mild bitter taste and a characteristic aroma. Rosemary is also used as an ornamental plant. Rosemary Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of plant by the process of steam distillation. This essential oil is considered valuable because of its culinary as well as health benefits. Rosemary Essential Oil has numerous benefits as it is used in cooking, cleaning, beauty industry and healing purposes.

Facts About Rosemary Oil

1. Rosemary is used since ages, the Greeks and the Romans considered Rosemary as sacred and used for variety of purposes like religious ceremonies, healing purpose and for beauty as well.

2. Ancient Greeks trusted that Rosemary has healing properties as it aids memory by opening up conscious mind.

3. As part of tradition, Rosemary sprigs are dispersed on the grave in the memory of their beloved.

4. In the olden days, Rosemary was considered quite auspicious and was regarded as the symbol of fidelity where the newly-wed would give sprigs of Rosemary to the bridegroom as part of the tradition.

5. In 16th century, Rosemary was often burned in the houses as a disinfectant to kill germs and keep away from diseases.

6. Rosemary was named as ‘The Herb of the Year’ in 2000 by International Herb Association.

What Are The Nutritional Contents Found in Rosemary?

Refer to the below mentioned table for in depth analysis nutrients in Rosemary

Fresh leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis, Nutritive value per 100 g.

Source USDA National Nutrient Database

Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA

• Energy 130 Kcal 6.5%
• Carbohydrates 20.75 g 16%
• Protein 3.33 g6%
• Total Fat 5.81 g20%
• Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
• Dietary Fiber 14.00 g 37%

Vitamins

• Folates 110 µg 27%
• Niacin 0.915 mg 6%
• Pantothenic acid 0.801 mg 16%
• Pyridoxine 0.338 mg 26%
• Riboflavin 0.150 mg 12%
• Thiamin 0.038 mg 3%
• Vitamin A 2920 IU 97%
• Vitamin C 21.6 mg 36%
• Electrolytes
• Sodium 28 mg 2%
• Potassium 665 mg 14%

Minerals

• Calcium 318 mg 32%
• Copper 0.303 mg 33%
• Iron 6.67 mg 83%
• Magnesium 90.95 mg 23%
• Manganese 0.962 mg 42%
• Zinc 0.96 mg 8.6%

What are its Benefits

Rosemary Essential Oil has got medicinal as well as healing properties. This essential oil has a fresh and alluring fragrance that it helps your mind and body to relax and rejuvenate. This essential oil is also known as an immune booster and helps to increase blood circulation in the body, removing body fatigue. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil

1. Stimulates Hair Growth

Rosemary Essential Oil is known to promote hair growth as it increases the blood circulation, thus helps to maintain healthy scalp and provides nourishment to your hair follicles, which in turn make your hair more thick and shiny. Mix Rosemary Oil with a carrier oil like Coconut Oil or Castor Oil and apply on your scalp. This mixture is effective in treating itchy scalp conditions.

2. Improves Brain Function

Rosemary Essential oil was used by ancient Greeks and Romans to strengthen their memory power. Recent studies indicate that inhaling Rosemary oil helps to breakdown chemical compound acetylcholine which is important for memory and concentration.

3. Repels Certain Insects and Mosquitoes

Is your house or garden infested by those pestering insects and mosquitoes? Don’t worry as Rosemary can a one stop solution for all your problems. Rosemary Essential Oil contains limonene and camphor which helps to repel bugs, insects and mosquitoes. Rosemary Essential Oil is a natural insect repellant and can be used safely without worrying about its side effects.

4. Increases Circulation

Rosemary Essential Oil helps to increase blood circulation and also help relieve from pain. It helps in expanding the blood vessels thereby increasing blood circulation. Massaging your fingers and toes with Rosemary oil helps to increase blood circulation to these areas. Improved blood circulation also has a lot of health benefits like relief from pain and speeds up the process of wound healing as it aids in blood clotting.

5. Help Relieve Pain

Rosemary Essential Oil also acts as a mild analgesic to relieve renal colic pain and dysmenorrhea. Its analgesic property is due to the presence of chemical compounds 1,8-cineole, camphor and α-pinene, Studies has proved that Rosemary Essential Oil is more effective in relieving pain than OTC pain killer medicines.

6. Reduces Stress

Rosemary Essential Oil is known Stress buster as inhaling this essential oil helps to lower the pulse rate thereby reducing stress and anxiety. Inhaling Rosemary Oil also helps to lower the level of cortisol hormone (stress hormone) in blood. Increased level of Cortisol cause mood swing, affects your sleep and suppress your immune system.

7. Reduces Nervous Tension and Fatigue

Inhaling Rosemary Oil helps to reduce nervous tension as it helps the nerve cells to relax, thereby helping your mind to relax. Mental alertness is also experienced along with increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. Rosemary Oil helps you to become more energetic, uplifts your mood and makes you feel refreshed.

8. Relief from Cold, Cough and Flu

One common factor among cold, cough and flu is that all these are caused either by bacterial or viral infection. Rosemary Oil has anti bacterial and anti viral properties due to which this essential oil can be effectively used for treating above mentioned conditions.

9. Helps to Improve Respiratory System

Rosemary Essential oil is very beneficial in treating all kinds of respiratory problems. Inhaling this oil gives relief from throat congestion and because of its antiseptic properties, it effectively treats respiratory infections, sore throat, cold and flu. Rosemary Essential Oil has got antispasmodic properties due to which it is used for treating bronchial asthma.

10. Improves Oral Health

Rosemary Essential Oil has got antibacterial property due to which it is very effective in maintaining oral hygiene. It helps to prevent bad breath or halitosis by removing oral bacterial, thereby preventing other oral problems like gingivitis, cavities and plaque.

11. Reduces Joint Inflammation

Rosemary Oil helps to reduce tissue inflammation that can lead to swelling, pain and stiffness. Studies reveal that regularly massaging your knee or the affected area with rosemary oil blend helps to decrease your joint inflammation by up to 50%. It does so by reducing the migration of WBC (white blood cells) to the injured tissue thereby preventing the release of inflammatory chemicals.

12. Improves Digestion

Rosemary Oil is very beneficial for your digestive system as it helps to improve digestion. May sound little funny but rubbing your stomach and bottom of your feet aids the process of digestion because rosemary oil increases the secretion of gastric juices and bile (produced by liver). Both these compounds are necessary to promote digestion. It also helps to relieve constipation, stomach cramps, bloating and flatulence and symptoms of dyspepsia.

13. Helps Fight Cancer

Though the effect of Rosemary Essential Oil for preventing cancer has not been established but ongoing studies show that this essential oil helps to fight cancer. Carnosol, a chemical compound found in Rosemary Oil is known to fight cancer. Recent studies show that Rosemary Oil has anti-cancer effect on colon, pancreas, breast, prostate and cervical, bladder and ovarian cancer. Studies show that Rosemary Oil has a potential role in treating diseases related to infection by micro-organism and proliferation of cancer cells.

14. Removes Bad Odor

Rosemary Oil has got an enchanting and alluring fragrance due to which it is mostly used in room fresheners, deodorants, perfumes, scented candles, beauty products and toiletries. This unique fragrance of rosemary oil is due to the presence of a volatile compound Myrcene, which helps to remove bad odor.

15. Helps in Detoxification of Liver and Improves Gallbladder Function

Rosemary Oil is known to taking the cure for liver as it promotes in regulation, formation and freeing of bile which is the key factor in the process of digestion. Research tells that Rosemary Oil promotes the volume of secretion of bile from liver, thus preventing damage to vital organ. Rosemary Oil has got antioxidant properties due to which it eliminates free radical from the body and prevents liver from damage.

16. Helpful for headaches

Tired of frequent headaches? Try Rosemary Oil. Massage your forehead with rosemary oil will definitely give relief as it contains chemical compounds like 1,8-cineole, camphor and α-pinene which helps to relieve pain and inflammation.

17. Acts as an Antidepressant

Rosemary Essential Oil is an excellent tonic for your nerves and brain. Inhaling Rosemary Oil helps your mind to relax and stimulates mental activity reducing mental fatigue, thus acting as an antidepressant. Rosemary oil helps to relieve stress, uplifts your mood and fights off depression.

18. Boosts Immune System

Antioxidants are responsible for protecting your body from various infections and diseases. Rosemary Essential Oil is rich in Myrcene, a powerful antioxidant which helps to eradicate free radicals responsible for cell damage and known to cause several infections and diseases.

19. Regulates Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Rosemary Oil is a rich in minerals like Potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper. Potassium is known to maintain healthy heart and regulates blood pressure of the body

20. Reduces Wrinkles And Fights Signs Of Aging

Regular use of Rosemary oil helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines as it helps to keep your skin hydrated and increases its elasticity. Regular facial massage with rosemary oil helps to increase blood circulation making your skin more radiant, It is rich in antioxidants, helps to eradicate free radicals, thereby decreasing the signs of aging.

21. Acts As Natural Preservative For Food

BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) are the 2 chemical compounds that are commonly used as additives to preserve meat. But these 2 compounds are quite hazardous to health as BHT is linked with hyperactivity and BHA is known to cause cancer. Recent studies show that Rosemary Oil and Sage Essential Oil prevent oxidative decay, thus preventing loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids in meat, thus acting as a natural preservative.

22. Anti Inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties

Anti Inflammatory Property of Rosemary Oil is due to the presence of chemical compound Rosmarinic Acid . Rosemary Essential Oil is made up of certain volatile oils like camphene, cineol, borneol, bornyl acetate and other esters due to which this essential oil exhibits antibacterial properties.

Are There Any Side Effects of Rosemary Oil?

Rosemary Essential Oil is used widely because of its health, beauty and medicinal benefits. But yes, this essential oil also comes with its baggage of side effects

Always ensure that before topical application rosemary oil is mixed with a carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil), especially if you have a sensitive skin otherwise it is known to cause dermatitis.

• Rosemary Oil should be avoided if you are epileptic as it is known to aggravate seizures.
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid using rosemary oil.
• Ingesting rosemary oil may lead to serious health conditions like vomiting, nausea, spasms.
• Rosemary Oil is known to cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is always advisable to consult a doctor before you start using rosemary oil.
• Excessive use of Rosemary Essential Oil is known to increase menstrual bleeding.
• High doses of Rosemary Oil can cause kidney irritation.

Where Can You Get Rosemary Oil?

Rosemary Essential oil is easily available in any of your local pharmacy store or online shopping site (Amazon, Flipkart). Before purchasing any essential oil check for its authenticity and ensure that the essential oil you buy is of high quality from a trusted brand.

Precautionary Tips for Using Rosemary Oil

• Always do a patch test prior to topical application of Rosemary Essential Oil.
• Always mix Rosemary Oil with an appropriate carrier oil.
• Keep out of the reach of children
• People with high blood pressure should avoid using rosemary oil.
• Pregnant Women and Lactating mothers should avoid using rosemary oil.
• Excessive usage of oil may lead to skin irritation.
• Rosemary oil should not be ingested directly.
• Keep out of eyes, ears and nose.
• Rosemary or any other essential oil should always be used in small quantities. High doses can be injurious to health.

Rosemary Oil Recipes

1. Rosemary Facial Steam to Ease Breathing

This blend can be used to clear respiratory tract and relieve nasal and throat congestion.

Ingredients

• 6 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
• 6 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
• 6 drops of Pine Essential Oil
• 6 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil
• 1 teaspoon of Carrier Oil

Procedure

1. Add all the ingredients in amber glass vial with orifice reducer.
2. Clean your face.
3. Boil approximately 3 cups of water.
4. Remove from heat and place it on a flat surface, let it cool for 2-5 minutes.
5. Add few drops of the blend in hot water and inhale its steam.
6. Ensure that you keep your eyes closed as the oil may irritate your eyes.

Inhale the steam through your nose and exhale through mouth. You can get instant relief from blocked nose, chest congestion, inflammation, cold and other allergy symptoms.

2. Rosemary Room Spray To Boost Memory

This spray is very beneficial for kids as it helps to increase concentration and memory.

Ingredients

• 6 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
• 3 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
• 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 tablespoon of Witch Hazel
• ½ cup of distilled water

Procedure

1. Pour Witch Hazel in 120 ml of amber glass spray bottle.
2. Add all essential oil.
3. Gently swirl the bottle so that all the essential oil blend together.
4. Add distilled water.
5. Close the bottle and shake vigorously.
6. Spray it into the air and your room is filled with the enchanting fragrance, which enhances memory and concentration.

3. Rosemary and Aloe Blend To Fight Acne

This blend helps to soothe dry, irritated skin.

Ingredients

• 7 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
• 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel

Procedure

1. Mix both the ingredients in a clean bowl with a spoon or spatula.
2. Apply this mixture gently on your face.
3. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes and then wash off.

Use this mixture daily.

4. Rosemary and Castor Oil Blend to Treat Hair

This blend is used for conditioning of hair and to strengthen and nourish it

Ingredients

• 5-6 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
• 2 teaspoon of Coconut Oil
• 2 teaspoon of Castor Oil

Procedure

1. Mix both Coconut Oil and Castor Oil well
2. Apply this mixture on your scalp and hair
3. Let it rest for 30 minutes before washing off
4. Do this once a week or once every 3 days.

5. Rosemary Massage Blend to Relieve Pains

This blend helps to soothe muscular aches and pains.

Ingredients

• 6 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
• 6 drops of Nutmeg Essential Oil
• 6 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 tablespoon of carrier oil

Procedure

1. Mix all the ingredients and store it in dark bottle.
2. Shake well and massage 1 teaspoon of this blend on the affected part for 30 minutes.

6. Rosemary and Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks

This blend helps to reduce stretch marks.

Ingredients

• 10-12 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
• 1 cup Coconut Oil

Procedure

1. Mix both the oils together in a glass jar (236 ml).
2. Take the required amount and massage it gently on the skin for 30 minutes for complete absorption.
3. Do this regularly and you can see considerable difference in stretch marks.
4. Now you know that a small bottle of Rosemary Essential Oil can provide a whole lot of benefits to your health and beauty.

Also read:

7 Benefits of Rosemary Oil (Infographic)

Essential Oils Safety – How To Use Them Properly