The Benefits of Using Rosemary

The Plant

Rosemary plant in bloom

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which also includes many other herbs such as include basil, patchouli, and lavender. Rosemary is thus a well-known culinary herb and the fresh and dried leaves are used frequently in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. However, rosemary has a long history of medicinal uses too. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including stomach upsets, digestive disorders and headaches. The use of ‘Rosemary for remembrance’ has been supported by a recent study, which found that rosemary "produced a significant enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory and secondary memory factors, but also produced an impairment of speed of memory compared to controls” [1].

Aromatherapy Properties: Rosemary Essential Oil is clarifying, warming, invigorating, improves memory, confidence and perception.

Medicinal Properties: Antiseptic, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, fungicidal. Rosemary as a liniment eases muscles pains. Diluted oil applied to temples or rubbed onto the hair can help to relieve headaches.

For the Hair

Rosemary essential oil has a strong woodsy, camphor-like aroma and is a popular essential oil that has been used for thousands of years for its numerous health uses. This magnificent herb is widely respected for its value as a hair and beauty aide.

It is one of the most well-known essential oils and herbs used for promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. According to author Judy Griffin in her book "Flowers that Heal," rosemary is not only a useful herb to encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss, it can also combat oily hair and scalp and help to heal split ends. Rosemary is used specifically to treat oily hair but is excellent for all hair types and problems because rosemary also eliminates dryness and act as an excellent conditioner. Additionally, it is one of the best herbs to use to treat dandruff, promote hair growth, stimulate hair follicles, give lustre and body to thin hair, and bring out dark highlights in the hair.

How to Use

Rosemary can be combined with other hair growth oils such as sage, lavender, or lemongrass oils, and mixed with a carrier oil to make an effective scalp treatment to combat hair loss. We use one such combination in our Beautiful Earth Coconut & Lemongrass Hydrating Oil and Honey Locs Twisting Butter.

Our Coconut & Lemongrass Hydrating Oil
Our Honey Locs Twisting Butter
Our 100% Jamaican Virgin Coconut Oil

Another way to use rosemary for the hair is to add it to a vinegar rinse. We thus also also offer a rosemary hair rinse at BEAUTIFUL EARTH, made by infusing raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with dried rosemary. This rinse gets rid of buildup and softens hair at the same time, as well as providing the other benefits of using rosemary.

  

For the Skin

Rosemary has two important properties that help the skin: it is an outstanding free radical scavenger and therefore has amazing antioxidant properties and it has a remarkable stimulating effect on the skin. Applied to the skin, rosemary essential oil helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating effect. For this reason, rosemary is a common ingredient used in many cosmetics, including skin toners, creams, soaps and hair products. Recent research findings have now confirmed the skin-protective benefits of rosemary. According to researchers working at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Catania, in Italy, rosemary extract helps protect the individual components of skin cells, which may prevent age-related skin damage such as wrinkles [2]. Like most of our products, our Coconut & Lemongrass Hydrating Oil can be used on the skin as well, allowing you to reap the benefits of rosemary for the skin.

Safety Warning: Since rosemary is a stimulant do not use rosemary essential oil if you are pregnant, suffering from high blood pressure, or suffering from epilepsy. It may cause irritation of the skin.

[1] Moss M, Cook J, Wesnes K, and Duckett P (2003), ‘Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults,’ International Journal of Neuroscience, 113 (1): 15–38.

[2] Calabrese V, Scapagnini G, Catalano C, et al. (2000), ‘Biochemical studies of a natural antioxidant isolated from rosemary and its application in cosmetic dermatology,’ International Journal of Tissue Reactions, 22 (1): 5-13.