Rosemary oil, also known as the ˜dew of the sea-in Latin, is one of the widely used essential oil in the world. Ancient Greeks used to consider it as a sacred herb and burnt rosemary branches in the altars of God. Later this custom was taken over by the French who used to burn rosemary branches in the hospitals to purify the air. The wonderful pine-like aroma of this oil makes it a favorite in almost every kitchen.

Benefits of Rosemary Oil:

The oil has been traditionally used for invigorating the mind and the body. It is a rich source of vitamins, dietary fibers and minerals such as calcium, iron, etc.

Listed below are some of the benefits of rosemary oil:

• Stimulates Hair Growth and Health:

  Regular use of this oil improves scalp condition by increasing blood flow. In addition, the oil also stimulates the hair follicles. These can help the hair to grow longer and stronger. It also prevents premature balding.

• Removes Bad Breadth:

  Rosemary oil can be used as a mouth wash. It removes bad breadth by killing odor-causing bacteria. Rosemary oil is also used to treat gingivitis (inflammation of the gum). The presence of eucalyptol helps in killing the bacteria that grow around the gums.

• Skin Care:

  Rosemary essential oil when applied on the skin can rejuvenate skin condition by improving blood circulation and strengthening the capillaries that carry the blood to the skin.

• Improves Mental Health:

  Rosemary oil is a great nerve and brain tonic which works on the central nervous system and works as an effective stimulant. This helps in improving memory as well as fighting mental fatigue. In addition, studies have shown that carnosic acid found in rosemary helps in fighting free-radicals. This can reduce the risk of strokes and degenerative neural diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, etc.

• Indigestion:

  The oil helps in expelling gases from the stomach and intestine. It also helps in relaxing the intestinal and abdominal muscles. It aids  in the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes to avoid indigestion.

• Prevents Cancer:

  Two antioxidants found in rosemary oil such as caffic acid and rosemarinic acid prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. The oil can be used for treating breast cancer which acts by regulating the production of estrogen.

• Cures Respiratory Problems:

  Rosemary oil can be used to treat throat congestion by relieving spasms and relaxing the  respiratory tract muscles.

It is best to avoid oral consumption of rosemary oil. Rosemary oils can lead to allergic reactions and should be used in consultation with a doctor. In addition, experts suggest that pregnant and breast-feeding mothers should avoid using rosemary oil.