It’s finally summer – the days are hot and the nights are warm. You are probably spending more time outside and enjoying trips to the beach, the park, neighborhood BBQ’s, and walking the dog. With the warmer weather and the stronger sun, we need to alter our skincare routines to keep up with all that sun time. Following are some tips for keeping gorgeous skin during the summer.

Sunscreen
Never forget to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. While sunscreen is vital year-round, it is especially imperative during the summer months while the sun is at its strongest. Not only does the sun cause sunburns, cancer, and contributes to early aging of the skin, but it also causes embarrassing discoloration.

Invest in a daily facial lotion that contains SPF to protect your face throughout the day. If you are especially active, apply your moisturizer more than once.

If you plan to have an active day outside, look for a waterproof sunscreen and reapply every two hours to get the most protection. You should also use SPF 30 at the least.

Hydrate your skin
Hydrate your skin both inside and out during the summer. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and eat foods rich in water – the majority of these are fruits and vegetables. Look for melons, grapes, celery, and lettuce.

Body oils work well to add a lot of moisture to your skin. You will also want to apply lotion to your face and body after showering. Post-shower is the time when your pores are most receptive to moisturizing.

Exfoliate
The summer is the best time to exfoliate your skin. Sugar scrubs work wonders at removing dry skin and dirt lodged deep in your pores. Due to excessive sweating during the summer, you tend to have more buildup in your pores that can be difficult to remove with just a typical facial wash.

Vitamin C, Collagen Peptides, and Omega 3’s
Don’t forget to take your vitamins. Vitamin C contains collagen to help you have healthy, youthful skin. Vitamin C also combats free radicals that make our skin age prematurely.

Collagen Peptides also help keep your skin young and firm. They come in powder form that can be dissolved in coffee or tea easily.

Omega 3’s are the perfect way to add healthy fats into your diet if you don’t eat much fish or avocado. Healthy fats help our skin look radiant and soft.

You can enjoy all of the summer activities and protect your gorgeous skin at the same time. Put together a summer skincare routine and stick to it to have radiant skin all year long.

Sources: 
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/how-your-skin-can-survive-summer#1

​There are a plethora of different herbs that will not only look gorgeous in your yard but are also useful in your home. Each herb has many different uses – from adding flavor to soups or salads to clearing up skin issues or easing an upset stomach.
It doesn’t matter if you have a large outside space to plant or just an apartment balcony. Herbs are flexible when it comes to being in containers. Many times, as with peppermint, growing in containers is ideal.

The following herbs are easy to grow and will provide you (and the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds) with beautiful and useful plants.

1.  Lavender
Plant lavender in full sun and make sure the soil is well drained. Lavender does not like having wet feet. It does best if planted in a rock garden or on a slope to ensure proper drainage. Honey bees love lavender and can be seen buzzing around the beautiful purple blooms.

2.  Lemongrass
Lemongrass makes a stunning landscape grass. While lemongrass enjoys a lot of moisture, it needs good drainage to prevent root rot. Lemongrass can also be grown in large containers and looks lovely as a fixture on a porch or walkway.

3.  Peppermint
Peppermint should be grown in containers unless you want the plant to spread through your lawn like a weed. Peppermint sends off runners that will take over quickly. It should be planted in an area that gets sun most of the day, and it should be watered often.

4.  Rosemary
Rosemary likes to be in full sun with good drainage. It needs to be trimmed of dead wood each spring and enjoys small trimmings throughout the summer and fall. It is a fragrant herb used mostly for white meats, soups, and sauces. You can even add a few sprigs to olive oil for a delicious infused oil.  

5.  Sage
Sage does well in a container or planted in the ground. It blooms in early spring with delicate pink or purple flowers and can be harvested from regularly. It’s easy to grow and the cuttings can be hung upside down to dry – and can be used to flavor your favorite holiday dinners.

6.  Basil
If you are a fan of cooking with basil, it is a must-grow herb. It can be grown on your kitchen window sill – and can be harvested from whenever you need it. It also makes a beautiful addition to any garden with its dark green leaves and fragrant aroma.

7.  Chamomile
Chamomile has both a perennial and annual breed. If you want a perennial – plant Roman Chamomile. If you are more interested in the annual – look for German Chamomile. Both have delicate daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. It is often used as a companion plant in the vegetable garden to protect other plants from harmful insects.

8.  Calendula
Otherwise known as the pot marigold, calendula is a beautiful plant with bright yellow and orange petaled flowers. The calendula plant will not only add interest and color to your yard, but it also attracts beneficial insects and is used as a companion plant in the vegetable garden.

Whether you are planting these herbs for their beauty or their usefulness - they are sure to please the gardener with their ease of growth and their ability to attract pollinators and other helpful bugs.

Perhaps you’ve heard of bergamot, and perhaps you haven’t. Bergamot comes from the rinds of the bergamot orange tree. It is used in Earl Grey tea, many perfumes, as well as skin care products. It has a spicy citrus scent and is a great option for beautiful skin and hair.

While bergamot has many healing properties which include reducing depression symptoms and increasing digestive functions, this article will focus more on the skin care aspects of bergamot. 

Like so many other herbs and essential oils, bergamot contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit skin irritations and acne.
 
Bergamot is a great skin cleanser. You can find beauty products that contain bergamot or add some oil drops to the products you already own. It is best to use at night as bergamot can increase your skin’s photosensitivity.

If you suffer from oily skin and clogged pores, bergamot can help. It will remove the icky buildup in your pores and even out the oils in your skin.

Due to cicatrizant (a property that encourages healing) in bergamot, it is a natural scar healer. It can reduce the appearance of scars and works well to even out skin tone. If you have acne scars or dark spots on your skin, using the bergamot oil can make your skin tone even and youthful looking.

Bergamot is also an excellent oil for taming wild curls or frizzy hair. The oil will soften the hair and leave a gentle scent behind.
Add a few drops of bergamot oil to your shampoo and wash and condition as normal.

Always dilute bergamot oil with a carrier oil. Never apply directly to the skin. Some people can have a sensitivity or an allergic reaction to the oil. 
 
It is always a good idea to spot check a small area on your arm before applying to the face to ensure you do not have a bad reaction to the oil.

Spot treatment for Acne
Mix bergamot oil with a carrier oil of your choice.  I recommend Jojoba oil as it is great for Acne prone skin.
Apply bergamot mix directly to the pimple or blackhead.
Leave this on your skin overnight.
*Using it during the day can have ill effects if you expose your skin to sunlight.

​​Sweet orange oil comes from the peel of the orange, not from the fruit of the orange. It contains heaps of vitamin C, as well as many other healing properties. All of that and it smells delicious too. Sweet orange can heal wounds and skin conditions, relieve pain and depression, sanitize your kitchen, and increase your libido. If you don’t use orange oil around your home, you might want to after reading what it can do for you.

There are numerous ways to use orange oil. You can add drops to a diffuser to relieve depression, anxiety, and help ease you into sleep. You can add it to a carrier oil to use as a massage oil, add it to your shampoo to add shine to your hair or use it in skincare products to improve your skin. Mix orange oil with water to clean your kitchen or add to the dryer to add a crisp clean smell to your clothes.

Skincare
Sweet orange oil can help with acne, increase collagen, protect against sun damage, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is a great addition to any skincare routine.
Look for skincare products that contain sweet orange oil, or make your own. Add a drop or two to aloe vera and apply to your skin. Always use a carrier oil, and make sure you spot check before applying to your face for the first time.  

Natural Sedative
Diffusing sweet orange oil in your room before bed can help calm you into a peaceful sleep. It can help treat insomnia by lowering your stress levels and calming your mind so you can fall asleep easily.

Inflammation Relief
Orange oil can decrease swelling in the body’s tissue providing you relief from muscle and joint pain. 

Increases Libido
Orange oil increases blood flow and increases a person's feelings of contentment. Try combining orange oil in a carrier oil to make your own massage oil, or diffusing it to boost a lethargic libido.

Wound Care
As a natural disinfectant and antiseptic, orange oil works wonders on disinfecting and healing wounds. 

Depression and Anxiety Relief
The next time you are feeling depressed or anxious try diffusing sweet orange. It reduces the pulse and naturally reduces the body’s cortisol levels. You can also add orange oil to a carrier oil and dab it on the wrists – just inhale the scent when you need a calming breath.

Gas and Constipation Relief
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, orange oil works great for stimulating the bowel to relieve constipation, and to reduce gas in the digestive tract.

Natural Cleanser
Orange oil contains antibacterial properties so it works great as a natural cleanser – with the ability to prevent many bacteria, including E. coli. 
It also works well to get rid of ants. If you have ants crawling across your kitchen counters, spray an orange oil solution to remove their scent trails.
Combine orange and bergamot oils to a spray bottle of water to make a powerful, and chemical free, kitchen cleanser. It can be used on any kitchen surface, and it will smell amazing.

Immune System Boost
Orange oil boosts the immune system with its antioxidants and free radical fighters. It’s like drinking orange juice when you start feeling sick, with way less sugar. Diffuse the oil nearby or add to a carrier oil and rub on the bottom of your feet and/or your chest.

Sweet orange boasts so many beneficial properties, it is a great addition to any home.
Do you use sweet orange oil for any of the above uses?
Do you use it for something not listed above?
​I would love to hear about it.

Lemongrass is a gorgeous tropical grass that boasts many healing properties, and it tastes great too. If you are looking to add ornamental grasses to your yard, think about planting some lemongrass. It is a beautiful plant with long draping blade and a rich citrus scent. Lemongrass grows quickly and gets rather tall when mature, about 3 to 4 feet high. The grass adds a delicious lemon flavoring to food. It also makes a pleasant and healing tea. 

Lemongrass can be consumed orally – and it should be! You can add it to soups, sauces, and stir fry. It can also be applied topically to the skin or diffused into the air. 
If you want to grow your own lemongrass for use in the kitchen, plant either the East or West Indian variation.

Here's some other great uses for Lemongrass.

Eliminates bacteria and yeast
Lemongrass contains antimicrobial properties which can help treat bacteria and yeast within the mouth. It can even help fight cavities. Drinking lemongrass tea can boost your oral health.

Reduces swelling
Lemongrass can reduce inflammation in the body. If you suffer from inflammation within your body try drinking lemongrass tea.

Relieves pain
Lemongrass’s analgesic properties can help get rid of a headache, ease muscle cramps, and muscles spasms. 

Healthy Skin and Hair
Lemongrass contains both A and C vitamins. These are both great for your skin. It can relieve skin issues from acne to eczema. Look for skin serums or skin care products that contain lemongrass essential oil. It can also help fight dandruff. Just add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to your normal shampoo.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol
Lemongrass has been shown to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rate. If you suffer from high levels of any of these, try adding lemongrass to your diet. That being said, do not stop taking prescribed medications without speaking to your doctor first.

Stomach ailments
Drinking lemongrass tea can help keep your digestive tract healthy and happy. If you have an upset stomach or cramping, reach for the tea. It has been used for digestive issues since ancient times. 

Joint pain
Due to lemongrass’s ability to reduce inflammation, and its pain fighting qualities, it is a great option for those who suffer from joint pain.

Cold and Flu
Lemongrass is packed with Vitamin C, and contains antibacterial and antifungal properties which can help reduce the effects of the cold, cough, and flu.  Add a few drops to a bowl of steaming hot water and inhale the steam to relieve symptoms. 

Anxiety
Lemongrass essential oil added to a diffuser when you are feeling depressed or anxious can help relax you and calm your anxieties. 

Insect repellant
While citronella is known as the go-to insect repellant, lemongrass has a milder scent but can also be a great repellant option. Lemongrass can even kill fleas when adding a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to water and spraying on your pet.

Cleaning
Lemongrass is great for freshening up the home.  Add a few drops to baking soda and spread over carpets before vacuuming.  Let it it sit for a little while then vacuum.  Your house will smell wonderful. 

Lemongrass Tea:
Pour boiling water over 1 to 3 teaspoons fresh (or dried) lemongrass. Let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the lemongrass out of the water and enjoy!
 
*Cautions:

• Avoid lemongrass during pregnancy as it has been used to induce menstruation.
• Do not consume excessive amounts of lemongrass tea as it will upset the stomach.
• If you grow lemongrass in your yard, do not allow dogs to eat large amounts of the grass – it can cause intestinal blockage. Cats, on the other hand, love it like catnip!
• Lemongrass essential oil can be toxic to cats. Do not diffuse while cats are in the same room, and keep oils out of their reach.

Lemongrass is one of my favorite scents!  Stay tuned for more MB Botanicals products with Lemongrass. 

​Peppermint is incredibly easy to grow; it is probably one of the easiest herbs to grow yourself.
*A word of caution – never plant any of the mint family directly into the ground unless you want it to spread everywhere. The mint family sends out runners and it will soon take over your garden like an invasive weed. If you don’t want this to happen, try planting in containers.

Peppermint is a beautiful plant with vibrant green leaves with tall purple scented flower towers. If you plan to harvest your own peppermint, you will want to harvest from the plant prior to flowers forming.

Peppermint can be used in three different ways. The leaves can be used in cooking or to make a tea. The essential oil can be used in a carrier oil, skin care products, or creams. And the peppermint capsules can be consumed like a vitamin.

*Caution:  Those who suffer from GERD – gastroesophageal reflex disease should avoid consuming peppermint. 
It is also suggested that you speak with your doctor before adding peppermint supplements to your diet. Some medicines or other supplements can have a negative reaction with the addition of peppermint.

Digestion
If you suffer from indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, or irritable bowels; peppermint may be able to help ease your pains. Peppermint increases the flow of bile, thus reducing indigestion. It also contains antispasmodic properties which can reduce stomach spasms and pain associated with irritable bowels and diarrhea.

Sleep Issues
Peppermint soothes and relaxes the body and mind. It can help ease a troubled mind and relax you enough for you to sleep. To use peppermint at bedtime, you can diffuse peppermint oil in a diffuser near your bed. For extra relaxation try combining peppermint, lavender, and chamomile oils in the diffuser. Or, you can drink a combo of peppermint and chamomile tea just prior to bedtime.

Fresh Breath
Peppermint contains anti-microbial properties that fight the nasty bacteria that can grow in your mouth. Try gargling with a few drops of peppermint oil mixed in a small glass of water. You can also add a drop of peppermint oil to your toothbrush to brush the bacteria off your tongue after brushing your teeth. Or, if you want a quick breath freshener, you can always chew on the mint leaf itself.

Focus
There are some schools that provide peppermint candies during test taking. They do this for good reason. Peppermint helps the brain focus on the task at hand. Peppermint can help when you find yourself having a difficult time concentrating on an important project. Try peppermint tea, peppermint candies, or diffusing peppermint oil when you need to get something done.
I like to drink peppermint tea when I start to loose focus from staring at a computer all day.  Helps reign me back in and makes me stay away from mindless snacking.

Headaches
To reduce the affects of tension headaches or migraines you can either use an application of peppermint oil in a carrier oil to your forehead or neck, or you can diffuse peppermint oil near you. Peppermint can help sooth muscles and reduce tension.

Sore Muscles
As stated above, peppermint is good at reducing muscle soreness. You can apply a diluted peppermint oil in lotion or cream to your sore muscles to reduce the pain and discomfort. Because peppermint contains anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-spasmodic properties it is one of the best things to slather on your muscles.

Peppermint is also great for tired feet.  I have a nightly ritual of massaging Soothing Foot Balm, which contains Peppermint, into my feet before bed.  Works great to relive tired feet as well as making them soft. 

Energy
If you are feeling a little more sluggish than usual, try diffusing peppermint oil or drinking some peppermint tea. While peppermint does not contain any caffeine, it will energize and rejuvenate you. It even works well when applied or consumed before a workout.

Colds & Flu
Peppermint is a natural decongestant and expectorant. If you are suffering from a stuffy head, try peppermint tea or diffusing peppermint oil in your room. Its antiviral properties help clean the air of viruses. It is also a natural fever reducer. Try using a few drops of diluted peppermint oil to the back of your neck and to the bottoms of your feet.
 
Peppermint packs a powerful punch, no matter how you use it. It can ease colds, stomach issues, and muscle soreness. And it can help you sleep or wake you up and rejuvenate you. And it’s incredibly easy to grow yourself for use in cooking and to make your own tea. 

Tea Tree oil, also know as Melaleuca oil, contains many helpful and healing properties which include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal.  Experiencing  a skin issue? Reach for the Tea Tree oil.  Here are a few ways to use it. 

Acne
Tea Tree oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help clear up skin imperfections. You can put tea tree oil on a cotton swap and apply directly to acne, or you can use a face serum that utilizes the power or tea tree oil. Tea tree oil kills bacteria on the skin and under the skin’s surface so it’s a great option for acne and blemishes.

Apply tea tree to specific problem areas with a cotton swab, or add a few drops to your favorite toner to boost your toner’s overall effectiveness.

Skin Care
Tea Tree oil isn’t only great for clearing up acne from your skin, but can also be used to reduce the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. It also has a miraculous way of assisting with not only dry skin but oily skin as well. 

You can cleanse with a soap like Stormy Dayz or use a few drops of tea tree oil in your facial moisturizer to help with skin issues such as wrinkles, dark spots, and dry or oily skin.

Cuts and Scrapes
Tea Tree oil works really well as a natural antiseptic. Apply it to cuts and scrapes to clean and heal the wound. The antibacterial agents will fight off the germs, and the anti-inflammatory properties will keep the swelling and redness down.

Add a drop of tea tree oil to your wound cream, or carrier oil, and apply directly to the wound.

Sanitizer
Not only can you use tea tree oil as a hand sanitizer, but you can also use it to sanitize surfaces around your home. Again, with its antiseptic and antibacterial components it makes the best cleanser.

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle of water and spritz any areas that attract mold – such as in bathrooms and poorly insulated areas of your house.
You can also mix two cups of hot water with a half cup white vinegar, and then add 10 drops of tea tree oil. This works as an effective and mild-smelling cleaner that works just as good at fighting germs as a store-bought cleanser.

Athlete’s Foot
Tea Tree oil’s anti-fungal properties can help fight fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. And its anti-inflammatory properties can keep swelling and redness at a minimum.

Add tea tree oil to the carrier oil of your choice. You should apply this to the affected area twice a day to ease the discomfort from the fungus. It can take a while to see results, so keep with it for at least a month.

Scalp Care & Hair Loss
As we’ve seen through the past few articles, there are many essential oil solutions to a problematic scalp or hair loss, and tea tree oil is another great option. Tea tree oil removes harmful bacteria from the scalp, leaving a healthy base for strong vibrant hair and no flakes. Tea tree oil will also encourage new hair growth.
​
You can purchase shampoo and conditioner that contains tea tree oil, or you can add the oil to your shampoo yourself. 
 
*Melaleuca is a potent oil and should be used with caution and care. If you use it properly it can cure or prevent some irritating skin conditions.
Never ingest it and keep it away from children and pets. You should only use tea tree oil topically – and always dilute it with a carrier oil.
It is also helpful to do a spot test to see if your skin has a negative reaction to this powerful oil. Add a little oil to a cotton swab and apply it to a small area of your skin. If your skin becomes irritated, don’t use it.

Chamomile is one of the most subtle and useful herbs. It is easy to grow and looks beautiful in any garden. It has delicate, daisy-like flowers. The most common use of chamomile is as a tea, but the essential oil can be used in a diffuser or in skin care products. It can help calm a restless mind, fight insomnia, and is great for the skin.

Chamomile contains many wonderful properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-aging, and anti-oxidants, to name a few. It also has a subtle floral and fruity taste that will please just about anyone.

The flowers are easy to grow, harvest, and preserve to make your own tea. Just prune the flowers as soon as the petals flatten out, and dry them to make your own tea. 

If gardening isn’t your forte, look for an organic tea at your local grocery store. Drinking chamomile tea can aid in digestion issues, boost your immune system, and is a perfect evening drink for combatting sleep troubles.

Most people may have seen calendula, but they may not know it's actually Calendula. Calendula is pronounced [kuh-len-juh-luh] and is part of the marigold family. They are easy to grow in your garden, and pretty too. They attract insects, are great cover crops, wonderful companion plants in your vegetable garden, and the calendula species of the marigold offers some absolutely amazing health benefits.

Why You Should Grow & Use Calendula:

Mouth Issues
Calendula’s anti-bacterial properties work really well for oral health. You can make your own mouthwash with calendula tea to kill nasty bacteria in your mouth. This helps reduce the chances of developing cavities and even gingivitis.

Acne 
Calendula contains anti-septic properties which help with acne and skin irritations. You can use a calendula oil, tea, or skin products that contain calendula to ease skin irritations.

Itchy Scalp/Dandruff
If you suffer from an itchy scalp and/or dandruff, try using a calendula tea rinse after using your normal hair cleansing routine. The calendula should ease and reduce the irritation on your scalp.

Athlete’s Foot
Calendula’s anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory nature can help relieve the itching and scaling that comes with athlete’s foot. Use calendula tea to soak your feet in, dry and apply a moisturizer like the Soothing Foot Balm and you should see improvements after a few soaks. 

Digestive Issues
Use calendula tea for tummy troubles and more. This can help with urinary tract infections, sore throats, and gastric ulcers.

Burns/Stretch Marks/Scars 
Calendula oil can help reduce the pain and peeling associated with sunburns, and has been shown to make stretch marks and scars less visible.

Joint Pain
The anti-inflammatory assets in calendula make for a great relief for joint pain sufferers. You can add calendula to your diet by adding to soups or salads. You can drink calendula tea, or you can use a calendula oil rub topically on your inflamed areas. 

Menstrual Relief
You can use calendula oil, rubbed on the belly, or drink calendula tea to ease the symptoms of menstrual cramping. It has also been used to treat irregular periods. *Do not take calendula tea while pregnant.

For Dogs!

Ear Mites
Adding a few drops of calendula oil to your dog’s ears will kill the mites. Add the drops into the ear and use a gentle massaging motion to spread the oil within the ear.

Skin Hot Spots
Our dogs can suffer from skin irritations just like we do. You can use calendula tea or oil to treat irritated skin areas. With all of the anti-everything properties within calendula, your dog’s skin will look and feel much better after a few treatments.

To Make Calendula Tea: 
Pour boiling water (one cup water to 1 tablespoon flowers) on top of dried calendula flower heads, or individual petals, cover and let the flowers steep into the hot water for 15 minutes. You can drink one to four cups of tea per day.
 
*You should consult with your doctor before adding any herbs to your diet, and always avoid large doses.
​
**Sources: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2059009
​

Whether you grow your own rosemary in your garden, purchase rosemary essential oils, products that include rosemary oil or purchase rosemary sprigs at the grocery store for cooking - you can’t go wrong. Rosemary has some amazing benefits, no matter what application method you use. From healing skin irritations to settling an unfocused mind, to re-growing hair – it is a simple, amazing plant.

1.  Stimulates hair growth
Not only does rosemary stimulate hair follicles to produce hair growth, but it can slow your grey hair production and reduces dry scalp and dandruff. If you use rosemary for only one thing in your life, it should be on your hair. You can mix a few drops of essential oil into your shampoo bottle, and reap all the benefits of this amazing plant. Rosemary will not dry out your hair like a dandruff shampoo will, and it doesn’t have any of the harmful chemicals that hair regrowth serums tend to have.

2.  Insect repellant
Rosemary can repel flies and mosquitos. You can add a few sprigs to your fire pit – the fragrant smoke will keep the pests at bay. Or you can add rosemary and citronella or lemongrass essential oils to a carrier liquid (such as witch hazel or olive oil). This can be applied via spray bottle to the exposed skin before going outside. I would suggest using 10 to 20 drops per two ounces of carrier liquid.

3.  Skin Care
Rosemary contains anti-aging compounds that are amazing for your skin. Rosemary can protect your skin from free-radicals that increase the effects of aging. It also contains antiseptic properties which work well at fighting acne and skin irritations. 
My favorite use for Rosemary is in a sugar scrub.   I use it in the shower it has a wonderful uplifting scent to get you going first thing in the morning.

4.  Mild pain reliever
Rosemary can be used topically for an analgesic pain reliever. It can also be used to reduce the pain caused by headaches by taking it orally, such as in a tea.

5.  Anti-inflammatory
Rosemary packs a load of anti-inflammatory compounds. This can help treat muscle and joint pain due to inflammation. If you suffer from inflammation, try cooking with rosemary a few times a week, or drink rosemary tea.

6.  Improves digestion
Rosemary works wonders for the gall-bladder function and increases the flow of bile to ensure your digestive tract is working its best. There are times when we could all use a little help in boosting our digestive system.

7.  Brain function
Rosemary naturally contains carnosic acid (it is also found in sage). This fights the free radicals that build up in your brain. Not only that, it can be used as a natural preservative. By inhaling rosemary scent, studies have shown that people are better able to focus and recall things that they have seen and read. Try using an essential oil diffuser in your room while you are working to see improvements in brain functionality.

8.  Stress reducer
Rosemary reduces cortisol levels in the brain. Much like what you would do to improve brain function, diffuse some rosemary essential oil in the room you are in, soak in the delicious smells, and relax. This can also be immensely helpful while working on a stressful project, or before bed.

9.  Cooking
Rosemary is high in dietary fiber and can help limit weight gain. Use it as a rub for meats. Add it to soups, stews, and sauces. Infuse some olive oil with a few sprigs of rosemary to use in your cooking. Or make a rosemary tea.

Even though Rosemary has several benefits, be cautious.  Too much of anything can cause issues.  High doses or prolonged use of rosemary can cause health issues. Be cautious when using it, as with all herbs.

Do not take rosemary essential oil orally.
​
Use the herb to cook with or steep the leaves for a tea if you are looking to consume it orally.