Rosemary, the Cognitive Support All-Rounder
As we all head into a new month and a new term for the kids (and parents!), it is important to stay mentally and physically strong. Rosemary essential oil is famous for its effects on brain health, memory improvement and cognitive function, but also has a range of other beauty and health benefits.
Cognitive Support:
Rosemary is a wonderful nerve and brain tonic, improving memory and concentration, stimulating mental activity and helping with fatigue and depression. Keep it handy during exam time or if you need a mental boost in the office! Rosemary also lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and balances hormones - much needed in today's stressful environments.
I used rosemary during my varsity years to fight off ‘foggy brain’ and always felt refreshed after dabbing a few drops around my head. It is handy for those long study sessions and great for that headache after a night out too - perfect for any student!
Rosemary has been shown to improve memory and brain function even in older folk with dementia, as inhaling the scent has a similar effect on the brain's neurotransmitters to drugs used in treatment.
Skin and Beauty:
Beauty benefits of rosemary essential oil include fading stretch marks, clearing up acne thanks to its antibacterial properties, stimulating hair growth and banishing dandruff, getting rid of cellulite, and even acting as a gentle, yet powerful mouthwash.
Rosemary is a common ingredient in hair care, even in conventional shampoos and hair products and for good reason! Rosemary oil stimulates the follicles, making hair grow healthier, stronger and longer, and it helps eliminate dry, flaky scalp and dandruff.
Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to some water and massage into your hair and scalp daily. It is scientifically proven to increase hair growth, and improve hair and scalp health with daily use. Alternatively, simply add a few drops to your shampoo and use as normal.
Add 15 drops of rosemary essential oil to a cup of water for a disinfecting and bacteria-busting mouthwash. You can add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for that minty taste.
Health benefits:
Rosemary assists with improving circulation, boosting immunity, cold and flu relief, indigestion and cramps, and muscle and joint pain. Rosemary is antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Try a cleansing and calming lymphatic massage using rosemary oil - massage all lymph nodes around the body to revive sluggish systems and help cleanse waste by charging up the lymphatic system. Clearing waste and toxins and improving circulation are great ways to boost your body’s immunity.
Rosemary’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective massage oil for muscle, joint and arthritic pains. The German version of the FDA, the Commission E, has even approved it to treat muscle pain!
Rosemary also effectively treats respiratory allergies, colds, flu and sore throats and is an antiseptic.
In the home:
Rosemary oil makes for a non-toxic insect and mosquito repellent, a natural air freshener, and a powerful multi-purpose cleaner.
Make a super easy and eco-friendly air freshener by adding a few drops of rosemary to water and spraying around your rooms, cupboards and car.
Rosemary Multi-Purpose Cleaner:
½ c water
½ c vinegar
12 drops rosemary oil
For extra cleansing power: a few drops of lemon, lemongrass, thyme, orange or clove essential oil.
Mix together and store in a spray bottle. Use as needed.
Rosemary essential oil blends well with chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme, sage and frankincense essential oils. Dilute it with coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed or jojoba carrier oils, or add a few drops to your bath.
We are all about reducing the amount of chemicals we put in our homes and bodies and Rosemary really is an all-rounder when it comes to health and home. We hope its a staple on your kitchen and bathroom shelves!
