Revitalize Yourself with Rosemary

By Lisa Maliga Copyright 2008-2016

For those of you with oily skin and hair, bath and beauty products containing rosemary oil can balance this problem and leave you with skin that is more radiant and glossy hair. If your muscles are tired or your mood is exhausted – rosemary can give you an added boost of energy. Rosemary puts the 'R' in remembrance! According to Kathi Keville's The Little Book of Aromatherapy: "Rosemary improves memory, confidence, perception, and creativity, and balances both mind and body."

The therapeutic properties of rosemary are what make this essential oil so popular. It helps combat many things you don’t want on your skin, hair, or in your home. It’s anti-viral, which means it may get rid of colds and cold sores. It's an anti-oxidant, so it helps extend the shelf life of lotions, body butters and balms and other good stuff you slather on your skin.

When purchasing essential oils, it’s important to look for five items that should be on the label to help determine its authenticity as a pure essential oil.

[1] Latin name: rosemary oil is called Rosmarinus officinalis.

[2] Country of origin, usually Spain, Tunisia, Morocco, France, Italy.

[3] Method of extraction of the oil from the plant; this will be steam-distilled.

[4] Part of the plant used: leaves or flowering tops.

[5] Note: Middle

The last category needs an explanation. Just like a musical note, aromatherapy classifies its oils in terms of high, middle, and low. Top notes are fleeting as they evaporate quickly. Essential oils like lemon and eucalyptus are considered top notes. Middle notes such as rosemary, tea tree, and chamomile last longer and are thought to be balancing to mind and body. The low, or base, notes comprise essential oils that linger and prevent others from disappearing too fast. Sandalwood and ginger are included in this category.

For those of you who are on a budget, there are several easy products you can make for a fraction of the cost of those found commercially.

Carrier oils are recommended for diluting tea tree essential oil for safe use on your skin. In the book Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Kelville and Mindy Green, the authors explain the use of these oils: "Seed and nut oils, commonly referred to as vegetable oils, are high in vitamins A, E, and F. These soothing, skin softening, nourishing, and rich-in-nutrients oils feed the skin and are among the best carriers of essential oils."

Bath & Body Recipes:

Liquid soap – Add 3-4 drops per 16 ounces of soap.

Lotion – Add 2-3 drops per 16 ounces of lotion.

Massage – For tired muscles, a blend of rosemary and a carrier oil will help rejuvenate you. Try 10 drops tea tree per one ounce of carrier oil.

Bath Soak – Add 5 – 10 drops of rosemary oil to a hot tub of water and soak your cares away. If you have other essential oils on hand, rosemary blends well with: lavender, clary sage, peppermint, bergamot, cedarwood, basil, lemon, frankincense, eucalyptus and tea tree.

Hair Care Recipes:

Hair rinse – Add 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil to a bottle of spring water. Shake well and add a few capfuls to your hair after you’ve rinsed out the shampoo. Allow to remain on for about 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse – same as above but add about 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

Shampoo – Add 12-15 drops of rosemary to 16 ounces of any type of shampoo.

Bottles of rosemary essential oil range in size from 1/6 ounce to several gallons. For small amounts, rosemary should be in a glass bottle and will usually contain a dropper top for ease of use. Rosemary is best measured in drops for smaller amounts, in teaspoons for larger. Store all tightly sealed bottles in a cool, dry area, preferably a cupboard, away from any light or heat source. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Warnings: rosemary essential oil should not be taken internally. Those who are pregnant or have high blood pressure should consult with their physician or healthcare provider about using rosemary.

Rosemary oil has multiple uses for mind and body. This almost transparent colored oil is a rescue from pain, a delightful fresh bouquet that personifies cleanliness in a bottle.

Want a free shampoo bar recipe starring rosemary leaves and oil? http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/rosemary-lavender-shampoo-bar

Another recipe can be found in the book How to Make Handmade Shampoo Bars