9 Amazing Benefits of Rosemary

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.
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Use the herb to cook with or steep the leaves for a tea if you are looking to consume it orally.

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