Rosemary oil: The benefits and a very easy way to make it at home

It may not have even crossed your mind, though rosemary oil it is a must have in your home.
It has medicinal properties and the ancients knew something more and used it all the time.
The Latin name of rosemary, Rosmarinus, is a combination of the words: ros, meaning dew, and marinus, meaning marine.

Rosemary is used in cooking to flavor various foods as well as in the production of teas. As a decoction, it can fight diarrhea, lethargy, colds, fatigue and depression.

It is used in aromatherapy and soap making since it is rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids. It is also considered one of the most effective insect repellent plants for this reason you can plant it in a pot or in your garden or balcony.

The benefits

• It can improve brain function: In ancient Greece and Rome, rosemary was thought to enhance memory. Specifically, inhaling rosemary oil helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for thinking, concentration, and memory.
• Fights hair loss: One of the most common types of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness, although it can also affect women. Rosemary oil massage treats alopecia by strengthening the scalp.
• It helps relieve pain: In folk medicine, rosemary is used as a mild pain reliever as it is an excellent tonic and antispasmodic. Finally, it is useful for treating headaches and migraine attacks.
• Repels insects: Rosemary oil is used as a herbal insect repellent and is ideal for protection against mosquitoes, ticks and bees.
• It reduces stress: Inhaling rosemary oil can reduce stress levels. Specifically, rosemary can reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone that can have harmful effects on your body. For those who don't know, cortisol is considered the stress hormone par excellence.
• Increases blood circulation: If your extremities are cold, massaging them with rosemary oil can help warm them up. It also appears to contribute to various conditions such as Raynaud's disease, but more research is needed.
• It reduces inflammation: Rosemary oil contains flavonoids, leukotriene B4 and volatile oil. Consequently, it can help reduce inflammation in injuries and rheumatoid arthritis. It also benefits those suffering from bronchial asthma and atherosclerosis.
• It fights cancer cells: Rosemary oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and could fight cancer cells. The most likely mechanism by which the components of rosemary exhibit this anti-cancer effect is considered to be the reduction of the expression of pro-inflammatory genes.
• It has a tonic and calming effect on the digestive system: Animal studies show that rosemary oil can stimulate the release of bile, which is important for fat digestion as well as activating antioxidant defense mechanisms to protect the liver. Finally, it can help detoxify the body and indigestion.
• Food Poisoning: Rosemary oil can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that cause food poisoning.
• Antibiotic side effects: Rosemary and other essential oils may increase the effectiveness of some antibiotics. Consequently, it appears that it may allow a smaller dose to be taken, thereby reducing the potential side effects of the drugs.

How to use it

Rosemary and other essential oils are easily absorbed into the bloodstream when you apply them to your skin.

It is recommended to dilute all essential oils with a neutral oil such as jojoba. The dilution helps to prevent possible irritation of your skin as well as the premature evaporation of the oil. Remember, too, that the oil is very concentrated, so you only need a few drops at a time.

How to make it

To make rosemary oil you need sprigs from the plant and a cup of oil of your choice such as pure olive oil, sesame oil, almond oil or jojoba oil.

You should crush its leathery leaves with a pestle. Alternatively, you can cut them with the help of a knife or scissors.

While doing this process, put hot water in a pot and let it boil. Place a glass container inside the boiling pot and pour in the washed rosemary leaves with the oil to heat. Then, strain the contents and after it cools you can pour it into a vaporizer for easier use.

Good luck!