What is rosemary oil good for?
Rosemary oil is fast becoming a beauty staple, thanks to claims suggesting an anti-aging effect for the skin and an ability to enhance the condition and appearance of our locks, including encouraging hair to grow. It can also be used to boost mood and help with recall.
Health benefits of rosemary oil:
- Improves blood flow
- Sharpens memory
- May be neuro-protective
- May perk you up
- Supports the health of hair and scalp
- May relieve pain
- May support the skin
- May alleviate anxiety
Discover our full range of health benefit guides including the health benefits of rosemary and check out some delicious recipes like our rosemary balsamic lamb with vegetable mash or sweet potato and rosemary soup with garlic toasts.
Top 8 health benefits of rosemary oil
1. Improves blood flow
Rosemary oil appears to improve blood flow and does so through several different mechanisms. First off, it acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels and allowing for improved circulation. Plant compounds in rosemary, such as carnosic acid, are thought to help the blood vessels relax and are also anti-inflammatory, which may help mitigate the circulatory issues caused by furring of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
In fact, studies report that rosemary oil encourages blood to flow through even the smallest of blood vessels, known as capillaries. This can be particularly helpful for those with conditions that affect the extremities, such as the hands and feet, as seen in Raynaud’s disease.
2. Sharpens your memory
Research suggests that inhaling rosemary oil helps deliver compounds to the brain that inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical that is key to memory and concentration. By supporting levels of acetylcholine, rosemary oil appears to work in a similar way to some of the drugs licensed to treat dementia.
An interesting study examining the effects of inhaling rosemary oil found that the speed and accuracy of recall was improved. In particular, rosemary oil is thought to be helpful for aiding future memory i.e. helping us remember to remember.
3. May be neuroprotective
Being rich in protective and anti-inflammatory plant compounds, including carnosic acid, rosemary oil may help protect nerves and even promote nerve growth. This supports the nervous system, and may be especially helpful for those with conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
4. May perk you up
Rosemary oil is a popular choice in aromatherapy and with good reason, studies confirm the stimulatory effects of the oil and provide evidence for its positive influence on brain wave activity, as well as mood.
5. Supports the health of hair and scalp
Thanks to the oil’s ability to encourage blood flow to areas like the scalp, hair follicles are more adequately nourished and supported and appear to regenerate more efficiently. This has been seen to support hair growth, with several studies reporting that when men, with male-pattern baldness, applied the oil twice daily to the scalp, the oil was as effective as the regrowth remedy, minoxidil (Regaine). Rosemary oil may also reduce itching and protect hair from UV damage.
6. May relieve pain
Studies suggest that rosemary oil may be a useful adjunct to a pain management protocol, including one involving analgesic medications.
7. May support the skin
Extracts from rosemary oil may support the skin and protect it against the aging effects of UV damage. The plant compound, rosmarinic acid, is thought to be central to this, and works by accelerating the formation of the elastic fibres in the skin that help keep the skin plump and supported. The compounds in rosemary oil also have a beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.
8. May alleviate anxiety
Animal studies appear to suggest that inhaling rosemary oil may reduce stress hormones and increase brain levels of the ‘reward’ neurotransmitter, dopamine. This not only promotes an improved sense of well-being but also helps modulate the sympathetic nervous system (the flight or fight response) and as a result down-regulates stress and anxiety levels.
What are the side effects of rosemary oil?
If you experience side effects such as skin irritation and redness, respiratory issues or stomach upsets, cease use immediately. Too much rosemary oil may lead to low blood pressure (hypotension), blood clotting issues and skin and respiratory sensitivity.
Is rosemary oil safe for everyone?
Rosemary oil is generally considered safe for topical or inhaled use, when it is diluted appropriately, however always do a patch test, especially if you have allergies or other concerns. The oil is not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have sensitive or irritated skin or who have certain medical conditions including (but not limited to) epilepsy or high blood pressure. The compounds in rosemary may interact with certain prescribed medications, these include anti-coagulants (blood thinners), ACE inhibitors, diuretics and lithium. If any of the above is relevant to you, consult your GP or healthcare practitioner before use.
Overall, is rosemary oil good for you?
For the majority of us, and when used in moderation, rosemary oil offers an array of benefits which include lifting mood, sharpening memory and supporting hair and skin health. That said, it is important to note that while research supports a number of these benefits, more studies (including human trials) are needed to confirm the extent of the effects and to improve our understanding of how rosemary oil may be used safely.
If you have sensitive skin, are pregnant or breast-feeding, have a diagnosed condition or are on prescribed medication consult your GP or a qualified herbalist for advice and guidance before use.
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Discover more culinary ways to add rosemary to your diet:
Rosemary & thyme smashed potatoes
Rosemary & lemon roast chicken
Crispy Jerusalem artichokes with roasted garlic & rosemary
Barbecued fish with lemon & rosemary
Rosemary & orange iced tea
Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a BANT Registered Nutritionist® with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food.
All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.
