by Alison Angold CIDESCO ITEC
Rosemary is a wonderful smelling oil, that blends well with many other oils, that has so many great benefits! Rosemary oil essential oil can be used to clear congested dull skin, ease joint problems such as arthritis and rheumatism, stimulate circualtion, which can help so many different conditions and refresh and clear the mind – among many other things!
Every essential oil has a variety of therapeutic actions. For rosemary essential oil, these are;
- Analgesic – pain relieving
- Antiseptic – clears infection
- Antispasmodic – relieves muscle spasms
- Antiviral – prevents or kills virus
- Astringent – tightens the skins tissues
- Cephalic – clears and focuses the mind
- Diuretic – increases the production of urine
- Hypertensive – increases blood pressure
- Rubefacient – warms the area of application
- Uplifting – uplifts the spirits, promotes positive thinking
So you can see what an amazing oil rosemary is, and why you should definitely have in your oil collection! So many uses! However please note that Rosemary should not be used during pregnancy, by those with high blood pressure or epileptics – see below for more information.
Lets look more closely at what you can use Rosemary essential for.
What can I use Rosemary essential oil for?
Rosemary essential oil for the skin
Rosemary is a useful astringent for the skin which means it tightens the skins tissues. This makes it a good addition to a facial toner, to help close the pores and freshen the skin. It is also effective at clearing congestion in the skin, and brightening dull skin, so good for oily skins and acne. Due to this property it also makes a good addition to a body massage oil, to stimulate the circulation and brighten dry, dull skin on the body.
It is also good to help clear minor infections on the skin or be used on conditions such as bites and stings due to its antiseptic properties.
(Essential oils should not be applied directly on the skin, but blended with a carrier)
Rosemary essential oil for hair
Rosemary is found in many hair preparations, as it is known to promote a healthy hair growth. A stimulating and warming oil, it will encourage the circulation to the hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth.
Rosemary essential oil for bones
Joint problems such as arthritis and rheumatism will benefit from rosemary essential oil due to its analgesic, rubefacient and stimulating properties. This means that pain will eased while the blood circulation is increased to the area, nourishing and warming the joints to make movement easier.
Rosemary essential oil for aches, pains and muscle injuries
Similarly, the analgesic properties and the fact that rosemary can encourage good blood flow will relieve muscle pain, so it is a good oil, for aches, pains or sports/exercise related injuries. Rosemary makes a great addition to a muscle rub oil, to use after working out or sports, due to its antispasmodic properties.
Rosemary essential oil for low blood pressure
Rosemary is a rubefacient oil, meaning that it warms the area of application and encourages improved blood flow. Better blood flow through the body, helps everything! Organs, tissues and cells will benefit from the fresh blood supply and work better and become healthier. Rosemary is particularly beneficial for low blood pressure due to these properties.
Rosemary essential oil for colds and flu
The strong, herby scent of rosemary oil makes it very beneficial to treat any conditions of the respiratory system. It is effective at clearing the symptoms of colds, flu chest infections and relieving the pain and pressure of sinusitis. Its antiviral properties makes it a great oil to diffuse or burn when there is illness in the house or to prevent the onset of illness.
Rosemary essential oil for the mind
Again, the fresh scent of rosemary refreshes and clears the mind so useful to promote clarity, concentration and a better memory! Rosemary is thought to stimulate nerve endings and relieve headaches and migraines, while uplifting a low mood and helping with the symptoms of depression.
What does Rosemary oil blend well with?
Rosemary itself has a lovely strong herby fragrance, so pairs well with so many other oils, that are either herby, floral or citrus. However it blends best with: bergamot, lavender, tea tree, chamomile, grapefruit, orange, citronella, mint and thyme.
How to use rosemary essential oil
There are so many ways to use rosemary essential oil. Check out these recipes for specific conditions. Remember to check out the precautions below, to check for precautions of each oil.
Purchase Rosemary essential oil here. All essential oils suggested in this article, can be purchased through this link.
Dull & oily skin facial massage oil – (store in a small amber bottle)
- 10 ml Jojoba oil
- 2 drops rosemary
- 2 drops grapefruit
Massage a few drops into your skin daily, in the evening, to revive and clear dull, oily skin.
Dull & dry facial massage oil – (store in a small amber bottle)
- 10 ml Rosehip oil
- 2 drops rosemary
- 2 drops neroli
Massage a few drops into your skin daily, in the evening, to revive and brighten dull, dry skin.
Brightening body massage oil
- 25ml Sweet almond oil
- 25ml Soybean oil
- 5 drops Rosemary
- 5 drops Carrot seed
- 5 drops Geranium
- 5 drops Orange
This body oil blend will help brighten and revive dull, dry skin, while encouraging cell renewal and nourishing the skin’s surface. Massage into the skin regularly after skin exfoliation to keep your skin smooth and hydrated. Store in an amber tinted bottle.
Joint ease massage oil/cream
- 50 ml sweet almond oil/plain hand cream
- 8 drops Rosemary
- 6 drops Lavender
- 6 drops Lemongrass
Use regularly on aching joints to relieve pain and ease movement. Choose your preference between an oil or a cream. Store either, in an amber tinted bottle.
Muscle rub body oil/bath oil
- 50ml sweet almond oil
- 6 drops Rosemary
- 4 drops Black pepper
- 5 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Orange
This blend can be used to massage directly onto the affected area, for targeted relief, or alternatively added to a warm bath to feel relief from general body aches. Store the blend in an amber tinted bottle.
Stimulating body blend (good for increasing blood circulation)
- 50ml sweet almond oil
- 8 drops Rosemary
- 6 drops Geranium
- 6 drops Thyme
For sluggish circulation use this blend, as and when needed. It will improve skin condition as well as help all other organs and tissues in the body work more effectively. I would suggest using this in the morning, rather than the evening.
Chest rub (good for chest infections & as a decongestant)
- 50ml sweet almond oil/Plain hand cream
- 8 drops Rosemary
- 6 drops Eucalyptus
- 6 drops Frankincense
Use this blend when you are suffering with chest issues: chest infections, congestion, chesty coughs etc. Use it as you would do Vicks vapour rub or other medicinal chest rubs, simply use a small amount to massage onto your chest as and when you need to and breathe in the wonderful aromas of the oils. Store in an amber tinted bottle or jar.
Colds & flu massage oil blend
- 50ml sweet almond oil
- 5 drops Rosemary
- 5 drops Lavender
- 6 drops Bergamot
- 4 drops Thyme
This anti-viral blend is useful for either warding off illness or to use while you have a cold or the flu. It can be used all over the body, or just on the chest area for the chest to benefit. Store in an amber tinted bottle.
Rosemary diffuser blends
Rosemary is a wonderful addition to a diffuser or burner to allow the aromas to fill your space and breathe them in. The benefits rosemary diffuser blends are multiple, as you can change the benefit by adding different oils to the blend.
Immunity boost
- Rosemary
- Bergamot
- Tea tree
Breathe easy
- Rosemary
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
Clarity and focus
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Frankincense
Uplifting #1
- Rosemary
- Grapefruit
- Orange
Uplifting #2
- Rosemary
- Bergamot
- Lavender
Headache relief
- Rosemary
- Chamomile
- Clary sage
My rosemary product recommendations
These candles from St Eval are the best smelling candles! Wonderful, unusual fragrances, that you can really smell! This Rosemary & bay is one of my favourites!
St Eval Rosemary & bay reed diffuser. A wonderfully aromatic and uplifting scent!
Precautions for the use of rosemary essential oil
Rosemary should not be used during pregnancy at all, as it provokes menstruation.
It should also not be used by those with high blood pressure, due to the fact that it stimulates and increases blood circulation.
Epileptics should also avoid using rosemary oil
Any essential oil, including rosemary essential should not be used neat on the skin, and always diluted into a carrier substance.
If ever in any doubt about the use of essential oils, please contact your local, certified aromatherapist or contact me for a consultation. Or in the case of medical conditions, consult your doctor before using essential oils.
The following oils (mentioned in this article) should be avoided during pregnancy; Basil, Carrot seed, Clary sage, Thyme.
The citrus oils of Bergamot & Grapefruit are phototoxic, meaning direct sunlight should be avoided after application.
Very sensitive skins should proceed with caution when using Basil, Geranium, Tea tree or Black Pepper. Use small amounts first to test sensitivity.
Black pepper and Eucalyptus are incompatible with homeopathic treatments.