The rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a green shrub exhibiting needle-like leaves and a woody fragrance. While it is primarily recognized as a culinary herb, rosemary also comprises one of the most widely utilized medicinal plants globally. The essential oil derived from rosemary is extracted and marketed in small bottles, having been employed in medical applications since ancient times.
1. Enhancing Cognitive Function
In ancient Greece and Rome, rosemary was believed to possess memory-enhancing properties. Research indicates that inhalation of rosemary oil helps inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a pivotal role in cognitive abilities, attention, and memory.
Studies demonstrate that when 20 young adults were queried with mathematical problems in a small room diffused with rosemary oil, the speed and accuracy of their answers increased proportionately to the duration of aroma diffusion.
Another study reveals that inhaling rosemary and other essential oils may improve cognitive function in elderly individuals suffering from memory impairment, including those with Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Promoting Hair Growth
One of the most prevalent forms of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern baldness, though it may also affect females. Rosemary oil treats androgenetic hair loss by preventing testosterone from attacking hair follicles.
When men experiencing androgenetic hair loss diluted rosemary oil and applied it to the scalp twice daily for six months, they noted increased hair thickness comparable to those utilizing minoxidil (Rogaine), a popular hair restoration remedy.
Additionally, individuals employing rosemary oil reported decreased scalp irritation compared to usage of minoxidil. Another study indicates that rosemary oil might mitigate hair loss, a condition impacting approximately half of the population under 21 and about 20% of individuals over 40 years of age.
In a study where individuals with hair loss applied a mixture of rosemary essential oil to their scalps daily for seven months, 44% exhibited improvement in hair loss, as opposed to only 15% in the control group utilizing neutral jojoba oil and grapefruit oil.
3. Alleviating Pain
In folk medicine, rosemary has been utilized as a mild analgesic.
In a two-week study, individuals recovering from a stroke who experienced shoulder pain employed a blend of rosemary oil coupled with acupressure for 20 minutes twice daily, resulting in a 30% reduction in pain.
In contrast, individuals receiving acupressure without the oil reported a 15% pain reduction. Additionally, an animal study determined that rosemary oil was slightly more effective than acetaminophen, a widely used over-the-counter analgesic.
4. Reducing Stress
A study revealed that when nursing students inhaled rosemary oil from an inhaler prior to and during an examination, their heart rates decreased by approximately 9%, whereas no significant changes were observed without the use of rosemary oil.
Furthermore, when 22 young adults were exposed to rosemary oil for five minutes, their saliva exhibited a 23% reduction in cortisol levels—an indicator of stress. Elevated cortisol concentrations may suppress immune functions, contribute to insomnia, and induce mood alterations.
5. Increased Blood Flow
Poor circulation is a common condition. If patients experience symptoms such as cold fingers and toes, even in relatively warm ambient temperatures, rosemary oil may be a potential remedy.
In a study, a woman with Raynaud's disease, characterized by impaired circulation, massaged her hands with a rosemary oil mixture and found that this oil was more effective at warming her fingers than a neutral oil. Rosemary oil may support blood circulation by dilating blood vessels, facilitating improved blood flow to the fingers and toes.
6. Reduction of Arthritic Inflammation
Preliminary evidence suggests that rosemary oil may help reduce tissue inflammation that can lead to swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. Rosemary oil supports this process by inhibiting the migration of leukocytes to the damaged tissues, thereby preventing the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals.
When individuals with rheumatoid arthritis received a 15-minute massage of the knee using a rosemary oil mixture three times a week, they experienced a 50% reduction in knee pain over two weeks, compared to a 12% reduction in those not using the oil.
7. Additional Effects
- Anticancer Properties: Rosemary oil exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which in vitro studies suggest may combat cancer cells.
- Liver and Digestive Support: Animal studies indicate that rosemary oil may stimulate bile release, which is essential for fat digestion, and activate protective antioxidant mechanisms that safeguard the liver.
- Prevention of Food Poisoning: Rosemary oil may help inhibit the growth of certain strains of bacteria associated with foodborne illnesses.
- Reduction of Antibiotic Side Effects: Rosemary and other essential oils may enhance the efficacy of certain antibiotics, potentially allowing users to take lower doses, thereby reducing side effects.
- Combating Antibiotic Resistance: Rosemary and other essential oils may weaken the cell walls of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
8. Methods of Use
The simplest method to inhale rosemary oil is to open the bottle and breathe directly or to place a few drops on a piece of cloth or tissue and hold it near the nose. Many individuals utilize an aroma diffuser to enrich the surrounding air with the scent.
Rosemary and other essential oils can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream when applied topically. After diluting the rosemary oil, users can apply the oil to the soles of their feet or the desired area of the body to reduce inflammation and pain while enhancing blood flow.
Users should exercise caution to avoid applying rosemary and other essential oils to broken skin or near sensitive areas, such as the eyes. Additionally, it should not be used by pregnant women, individuals with epilepsy, or those with hypertension.
Reference: healthline.com
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