Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is an extract of the rosemary plant, a perennial woody herb. The plant is evergreen with needle-like leaves. There are several varieties producing different flower colors, white, blue, purple, and pink. The plant is Mediterranean origin. It is also referred to as anthos, derived from a Greek word with a meaning of flower. It is a member of the Lamiaceae mint family. Its name is derived from two Latin syllables ‘ros’, meaning ‘rise’ and ‘marinus’, meaning the sea. There is a mythology about its name ‘rosemary’. The legend is about a Greek goddess who rose from sea. The goddess is said to have spread her cloak over a rosemary bush hence the name ‘rosemary’.

The plant does well in a cool climate common to the Mediterranean region. It can withstand tough climatic conditions such as drought, surviving for a considerable length of time without water. It grows on fertile loam soils that are well drained. It requires plenty of sunshine, but not extreme heat. There are several varieties, from the upright ones to the trailing ones. Those that are upright can grow to a height of 1.5m tall. It has evergreen leaves that are about 2-4cm long, which are green on top and whitish beneath. 

The rosemary oil is extracted from the stems and leaves from the wild plant before its flowering stage. The oil is pale yellow to almost colorless with a sweet scent. 

Uses

1.      Body uses

v  Rosemary oil has carminative properties, making it an excellent reliever to different digestive disorders such as accumulation of gases in the alimentary canal.

v  The oil is also helpful in regulating the palpitation of the heart.

v  It is essential for controlling oedema in body tissues. This is a condition characterized by accumulation of water in body tissues. The oil controls this condition by regulating the kidneys functions.

v  The oil is essential for nervous system stimulation hence a good cure to headaches and migraines.

v  It is useful in controlling respiratory disorders such as coughs, colds and colic.

v  The oil is also a good anti-depressant used to reduce depression.

v  When infused, the oil can be used to prevent involuntary muscles contractions.

v  It is also known to relieve arthritis when applied to the joints.

v  It is also beneficial in maintaining good memory and alertness.

2.      Skin uses

v  The oil can be used as an astringent to cause contraction of skin cells and other body tissues.

v  It is also an excellent nervine, used to calm pains relating to the nervous system.

v  Its use on the skin is helpful in curing skin disorders and defects such as dry and cracked skin.

3.      Hair uses

v  The rosemary oil can be used together with hair lotions and conditioners to stimulate hair bulbs to prevent baldness at an early age.

v  The oil is also an excellent treatment for dandruff and scurf.

v  The oil is an efficient hair washer when mixed with borax. It helps in rejuvenating the hair and maintaining strong and healthy hair strands.

Precautions

Rosemary is non-irritant and has no sensitivity issues, however, one should use small amount as a test before to any responses before the actual use.

If one is suffering from epilepsy, they should not use rosemary oil.