The year 2020 is one that we are not likely to forget anytime soon. For me, working as a nurse on a Covid unit, I washed my hands so many times a day that on my drive home I could barely grip the steering wheel of my vehicle. At the time, I was formulating oil blends to promote healthy hair as a hobby. I changed my focus to blend oils to help improve the state of my skin. One of the first ingredients that I used to formulate my organic body oil was rosemary. Oh wow! The aromatic, earthy scent of rosemary is amazing. Let’s chat.
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean. It is part of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Other herbs in the same family include lavender, basil, thyme, and oregano. Popular uses for rosemary include serving it as a culinary condiment, using it to make perfumes, and its many potential health benefits.
Health Benefits of Rosemary
There are several primary health benefits of rosemary.
Antioxidant
Our cells are exposed to biological elements called free radicals. These are compounds with an unpaired electron. As that element attempts to stabilize itself in our body, including our skin, it can damage other cells by taking one of their electrons and leaving that element unstable. The antioxidant qualities of rosemary, helps neutralize free radicals in our cells, minimizing their impact on our body. One of the results of this process is a boost in our immune system, increased moisture in our skin, and improvements in the signs of aging.
Anti-inflammatory
Rosemary is packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, rosemary helps improve our body’s blood circulation, serve as a cognitive stimulant, and boost our alertness, intelligence, and focus. It also helps to alleviate muscle pain.
Another amazing attribute of rosemary is its ability to promote hair growth. By interfering with testosterone’s ability to attack the hair follicle, rosemary can aide in treating androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and alopecia areata, hair loss that occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles.
Vitamins and Minerals
Rosemary is an excellent source of a number of vitamins and minerals needed to support good skin and hair health. It is a great source of iron used to transport oxygen throughout our body resulting in improved energy. It is also an excellent source of calcium used to build strong bones and teeth, manage blood clotting, help our muscles contract, and regulate normal heart rhythm. Finally, rosemary is a source for vitamin B-6 used promote normal brain functioning and healthy immune and nervous systems.
One cutting edge area of study is the presence of Carnosic Acid in rosemary and its potential ability to fight free radical damage in brain tissue. Watch for future information on this subject!
Rosemary does have the potential to interfere with some medications. These include but are not limited to anticoagulants (blood thinners), ACE inhibitors (medications for high blood pressure), diuretics (medications which increase urine production), and Lithium. Consult your physician to discuss adding rosemary to your diet or skin care routine.
As your skin care designer, the rosemary body oil that I formulated to use on my hands made a huge difference in the quality of my skin care routine. Through this product came my love for sharing this amazing body oil with the world. I have used organic rosemary in several Ca’Mora products including our Organic Rosemary Body Oil and our Organic Rosemary and Lavender Body Oil. You will also find it in our Rosemary and Thyme Shea Butter Soap.
With all of the benefits listed above, rosemary is an excellent herb to use in the Ca’Mora skin care products. But at the end of the day, my favorite way to enjoy rosemary is sauteed in a wonderful home- made dish such as spaghetti with marinara sauce or rosemary chicken. What is your favorite way to enjoy the earthy vibe of rosemary?
Monique Summers, RN, MSN, MPA,
Skin Care Designer
Where healthy skin meets luxury.
References
Retrieved 10/03/2022 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926.