Latest news with #essentialoil
WebMD
13-06-2025
- Health
- WebMD
What Is Rosemary Oil?
You might be familiar with rosemary as a flavorful, aromatic cooking herb. Rosemary essential oil is a concentrated extract from the plant. It comes from the spiky leaves and tiny blue flowers of the evergreen bush Rosmarinus officinalis L. Originally grown beside the Mediterranean Sea and south of the Himalayas, rosemary has deep roots as a folk remedy for migraine, pain, insomnia, emotional imbalances, and more. Today its science-proven benefits include helping boost memory and learning, coaxing hair growth, and easing pain. Studies have found rosemary extracts have bioactive properties, which means they can help your body fight bacteria, funguses, and free radicals and calm swelling. The rosemary plant is hardy, too – it can grow where it's hot and dry and in many types of soil. Are There Different Types of Rosemary Oil? There are four main chemotypes – chemical traits that make them different from each other – of rosemary oil, according to Robert Tisserand. He's an international speaker and educator on the science, benefits, and safe uses of essential oils through his organization, the Tisserand Institute. They are: Camphor Cineole Pinene Verbenone 'The one used in hair growth trials is the cineole type, and this is also the one most commonly sold,' he says. 'If the label does not give the type, it will be the cineole type.' Is Rosemary Oil Good for Hair Growth? Yes. Studies have found rosemary oil can help spur hair regrowth as well as Rogaine, aka minoxidil, the drug famous for helping regrow hair. Rosemary oil also doesn't make your scalp as itchy as the over-the-counter med does. Many people appreciate having a natural alternative to a drug, too. Rosemary oil can help your hair and scalp in other ways, too. Because it helps calm inflammation on your scalp, it can curb dandruff. How do I use rosemary oil for my hair? You'll be treating your scalp, not your actual hair, when you use rosemary oil to boost hair growth. You can safely apply rosemary oil once a day, Tisserand says. It usually takes two to three months to see results. To help your skin absorb the oil, massage your head with your fingertips for 30 seconds after every application. How long should I leave on rosemary oil? You can leave it in or wash your hair with shampoo two hours after application. 'If your hair is very oily, apply the shampoo before using any water,' Tisserand advises. How do I prepare the rosemary oil for this treatment? 'It's important that the rosemary oil is diluted before use,' says Tisserand. 'This is mostly for safety reasons – to avoid irritation – but also because most of it will simply evaporate, and you want it to go into your scalp.' He advises using 5%-10% rosemary oil to 90%-95% of what you're going to use to dilute the essential oil with. (You can figure out how many essential oil drops to use per ounce of diluent using a chart like this one by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.) Two good diluent choices are castor oil and fractionated coconut oil, in which certain fatty acids are removed to make coconut oil more stable and easily absorbed into your skin. Fractionated coconut oil also is less greasy than castor oil. 'If you want a non-greasy product, look for a non-fragranced gel,' Tisserand adds. 'Don't go for aloe vera gel, as this is 99% water. Go for aloe jelly, which has other ingredients that thicken it to gel consistency.' Is castor oil or rosemary oil better for hair growth? 'There is a very longstanding tradition of using castor oil for hair growth, but so far there is no supporting evidence,' says Tisserand. 'Of course you can use both, since castor is a fatty oil and rosemary is an essential oil.' What are the side effects of using rosemary oil for your hair? Rosemary is linked to heavier menstrual flow and potential miscarriage. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you are advised against using rosemary oil. But it's OK to eat rosemary in plant form to enhance your food. More Benefits of Rosemary Oil Fend off bugs Does rosemary oil work as a bug repellent? 'Indeed, it does,' says Tisserand. 'There are many different types of bugs, and rosemary is a good choice overall.' Repellent is a substance you apply to your skin to keep mosquitoes and other insects from biting you. An Indonesian study found rosemary oil diluted in a gel formula worked and lasted almost as long as store bought bug repellent that contained the chemical DEET. Boost your brainpower A U.K. study found exposure to rosemary essential oil was strongly related to cognitive tasks including subtraction and memory. Sometimes you might see rosemary oil suggested as a stress reliever. However, Tisserand says, 'Rosemary is one of the few oils that are stimulating rather than calming, so it's not an ideal choice for stress. Psychologically, rosemary oil is good for improving cognition, such as focus and memory.' Ease body pain Studies have found applying rosemary oil directly to your body can cut down frequency and intensity of musculoskeletal pain – that's pain in your joints and bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Rosemary oil is also sometimes used to treat arthritis and boost blood circulation. Make you feel happier One study found people who received massages with rosemary oil felt more refreshed, cheerful, and alert than a control group that had massages with oil that didn't have rosemary. Fight acne A study of people with acne reported using rosemary oil in a topical gel improved not only their acne but their skin health as well, with minimal side effects. The people used the gel twice a day for four weeks. This study suggests rosemary oil has promise as a natural, safe alternative to acne drugs. Does Rosemary Oil Have Side Effects? Like most substances, you should take rosemary oil in the recommended dosage for the purpose you're using it for. Some people are allergic to it, too. If taken in large doses, rosemary oil can cause: Spasms Vomiting Fluid in your lungs, known as pulmonary edema Coma Rosemary also isn't recommended for people who have: Crohn's disease High blood pressure Ulcers Ulcerative colitis You should never take rosemary essential oil by mouth, as it can be toxic. When you see recipes that contain rosemary oil, they're referring to oil that has been infused with rosemary, which is a different preparation. You can find these types for cooking in grocery and natural food stores and culinary specialty stores. Can You Make Your Own Rosemary Oil? 'Making your own essential oil is not easy, and even if you do manage to do this, chances are you will only end up with a few drops,' says Tisserand. Where Can I Buy It? 'Rosemary oil is very easy to find,' Tisserand says. 'There are dozens of essential oil sellers, and probably 95% will offer rosemary.' In this case, it's better to buy it online than in stores, he says, as the oil will be fresher. Google rosemary oil and look for specialty companies, not conglomerate sellers like Amazon. What Should I Look for in Rosemary Oil? Here are some things you may want to consider when buying rosemary oil: Choose one with the fewest ingredients. Weed out brands that seem to have a lot of fillers, waters, and other cheap add-ins. Make sure the ingredients are clearly listed on the label. A scent you enjoy. An essential oil can have desirable properties, but if you don't like how it smells, you probably won't use it. Make sure it's been properly tested. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/ MS) testing should be done by batch to ensure purity and highest quality. Check certifications. Look for products that are certified USDA organic. Other good certification guidelines include non-GMO, Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free, and PETA's Vegan & Cruelty Free. Takeaways Rosemary is more than a fragrant, flavorful herb. As an essential oil, it has properties that can help ease pain, help you focus and remember things better, and boost your mood. It's also been proven to improve hair growth at least as well as commonly known over-the-counter products. Rosemary oil should be diluted in oil or gel before using it on your skin. While you can enjoy eating rosemary as an herb, doctors advise against taking essential oils internally. Rosemary Oil FAQs Who shouldn't use rosemary oil? People who have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcers, or high blood pressure shouldn't use rosemary oil. Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it. Should you put rosemary oil on your skin? Yes, but make sure it's diluted in the right proportion. Use a chart such as this one by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. What does smelling rosemary oil do for you? Rosemary aromatherapy is well known for improving focus, boosting memory, and lifting your mood. It can make your blood pressure higher too, as it helps alertness, so people with high blood pressure should avoid it.
Health Line
22-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Oregano Oil for Cold and Flu: Does It Work?
Oregano oil may contain components with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, research has not shown these effects in humans. Oregano oil may refer to: Oregano essential oil: This type of oil is more potent and concentrated. You can use it in aromatherapy or mix a few drops with a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) to apply it topically to the skin. Never consume essential oils. Oil of oregano: This oil is not as strong or concentrated, and a few drops can be added to water or juice and consumed. Oregano oil supplements: These are usually capsules of oil of oregano that you can consume. Oregano oil contains several potentially healing compounds, such as: carvacrol thymol terpinene People have traditionally used oregano oil for respiratory health. It's also become a popular alternative remedy for cold and flu symptoms. This is because it contains compounds that may have antiviral properties. However, most of the research on oregano oil comes from test tube and animal studies rather than studies in humans. You can find oil of oregano as a soft gel capsule at most health food stores. You may also find oregano oil tinctures, which you can take orally. You can also buy oregano essential oil as a highly concentrated aromatic, volatile (tending to evaporate) essential oil for external use and aromatherapy. Keep reading to learn more about the research behind the benefits of oregano oil for cold and flu symptoms and how to use it safely. Supplements and safety The FDA doesn't closely monitor supplements and herbs, and issues may arise regarding attributes such as purity, contamination, quality, and strength. It's best to opt for brands that undergo third-party testing to help ensure the supplement contains what the label says it does. It's always wise to talk with your healthcare professional before using any herb, essential oil, or supplement. What are the benefits of oregano oil when sick? Several recent studies have examined the possible health benefits of oregano herbal oil, and the findings are promising but not conclusive. A 2017 study found that oregano essential oil, especially from the leaves of the oregano plant, has strong antioxidant properties. The researchers noted the traditional use of oregano oil in treating fevers and respiratory symptoms, which are both associated with the cold and flu. According to a 2020 review, oregano essential oil can inhibit certain human and animal viruses in test tube studies. These include: The researchers noted that this action is likely due to carvacrol, one of the main compounds in oregano oil. While carvacrol may be more effective against certain viruses on its own, oregano oil is more effective against respiratory viruses, such as flu viruses. However, this research is based on studies done in test tubes and on animals. It isn't yet clear whether it may have these benefits in humans. The human body is more complex, and other variables may contribute. Is oregano oil safe? Oregano oil is generally safe, but it can have some possible side effects. Avoid using oregano oil if you're allergic to mint, sage, basil, or lavender. You may also be allergic to oregano if you're allergic to any of these. Do not use oregano oil if you're pregnant or nursing, and talk with a pediatrician before using it on a child. Don't take oregano oil if you have a bleeding disorder or are on any medications that alter blood clotting. Even if you don't have an allergy, taking oregano oil may cause: nausea vomiting diarrhea stomach problems fatigue increased bleeding muscle pain vertigo headache difficulty swallowing excessive saliva How do I use oregano oil? There are several ways to use oregano oil. You can take oregano oil supplements in capsule form orally or consume an oil of oregano tincture, a specific blend formulated for oral use. For both, carefully follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. If you are using the pure essential oil form, remember never to ingest essential oils. Instead, follow these steps: add a few drops to a steam diffuser or bowl of hot water apply to your skin after adding a few drops to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil Oregano oil is a powerful substance, so it's best to start with the smallest possible dose to see how your body reacts. Once you see how your body responds, you can slowly increase your intake. You should not take more than the recommended amount listed on the package. Also, remember that recommended dosages can vary between manufacturers.
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
All about nutmeg, how to use it in cooking and a recipe that makes the most of the spice
Nutmeg is a spice that is used sparingly. Many recipes call for just a few 'scrapes' or 'grinds' of it because its flavour and aroma are so pervasive. Advertisement Once it is ground, those dissipate quickly, so it is better to buy whole nutmeg, which keeps for a long time, and grate it just before use; there are special nutmeg graters, but a Microplane also works well. The nutmeg is not actually a nut; rather, it is the hard seed of a fruit. It is covered by a delicate, reddish-orange, weblike mace, which is also used as a spice. The nutmeg tree is indigenous to the Banda Islands of Indonesia, although it is now also grown in other places. Nutmeg can be steamed and distilled to produce essential oil, which is used to help digestive problems, stimulate the appetite and act as an anti-inflammatory. Nutmeg is a hard seed that can be steamed and distilled into an oil said to help treat digestive problems and act as an anti-inflammatory. Photo: Jonathan Wong Nutmeg has narcotic properties that become apparent only when too much is consumed. Holistic healers sometimes recommend tiny amounts of nutmeg or nutmeg oil to relieve nausea and stress and to aid circulation.
Vogue
08-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
All the Beauty Benefits of Carrot Seed Oil
You know carrots are good for you—but what do you know about the benefits of carrot seed oil? Most often used in the form of a topical treatment, carrot seed oil is used for anti-aging, to treat acne, blemishes, eczema, psoriasis, and even block UV rays. But are all the claims about it true? And what is the difference between carrot seed oil and regular carrot oil? Here's a peek into the purported beauty magic these golden-orange oils—and what to look for if you decide to add them your beauty routine. Carrot oil vs carrot seed oil There are a couple of different versions of carrot oil on the market—and it's worth noting that not all carrot oil is the same. Carrot oil is made from ground carrots soaked in olive, coconut, or other plant oils. It can be called bird's nest, bishop's lace, purple carrot, Queen Anne's lace, pastinocello, or wild carrot oil. Though carrot oil contains similar antioxidant properties to carrot seed oil, it is considered a 'carrier oil.' Carrot seed oil is steam-distilled from the seeds of wild carrot seeds (Daucus carota sativa) and is therefore technically an essential oil. What is carrot oil used for? Carrot seed oil is used for a lot of things—you may see it used as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes, or even as a flavoring agent in beverages, condiments, and desserts. Carrot seed oil is also used in aromatherapy. Carrot oil, on the other hand, is primarily used in cosmetics and especially in sunscreen. Due to its high beta-carotene content, it's also used as a source of beta-carotene and vitamin A in beauty products, food products, and supplements. The benefits of carrot seed oil Carrot seed essential oil—or CSEO, for short—is particularly impressive. It contains beneficial plant compounds, especially caratol and terpenes like α-Pinene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, and bisabolene, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties and signature scent. 'The aroma of this essential oil is mildly sweet with the presence of the earthy and herbaceous hints,' one scientific study notes. 'In traditional medicine its tonic properties were used for treatment of digestive complaints. What is more, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of CSEO were very efficient in healing the joint conditions. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of CSEO has also been reported.'
