Rosemary is an aromatic plant used in cooking, health and aromatherapy. This essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of rosemary leaves. It has numerous benefits for the skin and the body. Discover its various uses in this article.
- Carnet
- Active Ingredients
- How to use rosemary essential oil?
How to use rosemary essential oil?
- What is rosemary essential oil?
- The topical application of rosemary essential oil
- The oral intake of rosemary essential oil
- Sources
What is rosemary essential oil?
Rosemary, an aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean region and known by the Latin name "ros marinus", is highly valued in both cooking and traditional medicine. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is cultivated in many regions of the world. Different varieties of rosemary, such as verbenoniferum, cineoliferum and camphoriferum, exhibit varied chemical compositions.
Theessential oil of rosemary is extracted from the aromatic plant Rosmarinus officinalis, more commonly known as rosemary. This essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of rosemary leaves. It is widely used to relieve rheumatic pains, stimulate blood circulation and soothe digestive disorders. Rosemary essential oil treatments are recommended in spring and autumn to detoxify and stimulate the liver. This essential oil is also recognised for restoring vitality and energy in cases of fatigue, both physically and mentally.
The topical application of rosemary essential oil.
The topical application of rosemary essential oil can prevent the onset of skin sagging. Indeed, it is composed of camphor, a compound with antioxidant properties, capable of reducing lipid peroxidation and inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), unstable compounds that cause cellular damage and accelerate the phenomenon of skin ageing. Furthermore, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene and β-pinene are three of the components of this essential oil that possess free radical scavenging activity.
The anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary essential oil make it a good supplement in cases ofacne or psoriasis. The α-pinene and borneol, present in rosemary essential oil, contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity. α-pinene works by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B and reducing inflammatory markers, while borneol suppresses the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, camphene is capable of inhibiting prostaglandin E2 as well as the activity of 5-LOX, a pro-inflammatory enzyme.
How to apply rosemary essential oil?
Diluted in another vegetable oil.
It is important to know that black seed oil should not be applied undiluted to the skin. Depending on skin sensitivity, it is recommended to dilute it in another vegetable oil, such as argan oil or avocado oil for example, at a rate of one drop of essential oil in 10 mL of vegetable oil (i.e., 0.4%). You can then apply the oil to your body or face, taking care to avoid the eye contour, as rosemary essential oil may irritate the mucous membranes. However, it is strongly advised to follow the dosage instructions recommended on the essential oil packaging.
Diluted in a cream.
It is also possible to use rosemary essential oil in synergy with a moisturising cream. To do this, take a small amount of cream in the palm of your hand and add a drop of rosemary oil. You can then apply the treatment by gently massaging it in and enjoy its nourishing benefits.
The oral intake of rosemary essential oil.
Rosemary essential oil can be taken orally, particularly in cases of a chesty cough. Rich in ketones, it has mucolytic properties, thus helping to thin mucus in cases of bronchial congestion. It can also help to soothe digestive disorders such as bloating or intestinal spasms.
How to use rosemary essential oil for oral intake?
The oral use of rosemary essential oil requires a cautious approach. Only on medical advice, apply 1 drop of rosemary essential oil on a neutral tablet or dilute one drop of essential oil in an infusion.
Sources
JUHÀS S. & al. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oil in Mice. ACTA VETERINARIA BRNO (2009).
JIANG Y. & al. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Rosemary. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology (2011).
BHOWAL M. & al. Eucalyptol: Safety and Pharmacological Profile. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2015).
HAMIDPOUR S. & al. Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary): A Novel Therapeutic Agent for Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antidepressant, Neuroprotective, AntiInflammatory, and Anti-Obesity Treatment. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (2017).
EL HACHLAFI N. & al. In Vitro and in Vivo Biological Investigations of Camphene and Its Mechanism Insights: A Review. Food Reviews International (2021).
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